South Downtown, arguably the heart of Atlanta, has had a rich history you may not be aware of, given the current grit of the area. These days a resurgence is afoot, thanks in part to today’s lead column writer, an architect who has formed a community improvement organization to address issues. The companion column continues our theme, this time for immigrant-infused neighborhoods off Buford Highway. The third column deals with attempts at racial healing in LaGrange.

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Gwinnett County’s own, commissioned 2022 housing study identified homelessness — and the increased need for resources such as transitional housing — as a critical challenge, Rep. Marvin Lim writes. (Natrice Miller/AJC 2022)

Credit: Natrice Miller / Natrice.Miller@ajc.com

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Students line up after school for school buses at Sequoyah Middle School in Doraville on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The school’s principal told teachers not to talk to students about ICE, and teachers and activists are pushing back. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com