A battle between state lawmakers and Delta Air Lines over the carrier’s decision to end a discount program for NRA members, and a pending bill that would allow adoption agencies to deny services to gay couples has again thrust the state of Georgia into the national spotlight.

It's come at an uncomfortable time as state and Atlanta area leaders pitch Amazon for its second headquarters project. The state in recent years has netted a number of high-profile jobs deals with tech companies and built a robust film industry.

Many conservatives downplay the risk to Georgia’s reputation, but there are concerns in business circles that the reoccurring battles over social issues could damage the state’s brand as a welcoming place to do business.

On the premium website myAJC.com, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution explores the fears of potential fallout as lawmakers grapple with prickly social issues under the Gold Dome. MYAJC.COM: REAL JOURNALISM. REAL LOCAL IMPACT.

AJC Business reporter J. Scott Trubey keeps you updated on the latest news about economic development and commercial real estate in metro Atlanta and beyond. You'll find more on myAJC.com, including these stories:

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A man makes a phone call in front of a train during Tracks of Hope, an event hosted by Norfolk Southern in support of Hope Atlanta, in Forest Park, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. Norfolk Southern opened its executive vintage business train, typically reserved for company leadership and dignitaries, to the public in support of Hope Atlanta. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

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Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — pictured at an August rally in Peachtree City that also featured Vice President JD Vance — appears to have scored another legal victory over gubernatorial rival Attorney General Chris Carr in their battle over campaign finance issues. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2025)

Credit: Arvin Temkar / AJC