Atlanta Forward: Regional economy

Today’s moderator: Rick Badie

Rick Badie joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as an education reporter in 1997. A South Georgia native, he’s covered the region’s immigrant communities, was a feature obituary writer and opinion columnist for the AJC’s Gwinnett edition.

Atlanta may not be a super city, but it has been ranked as a desirable "second-tier" city by a real estate services firm that monitors international real estate investment. Today, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed touts the importance of global economic engagement, while a financial executive says the region is being "rediscovered" by international investors. Finally, readers comment on the Atlanta Forward blog regarding legalization of medicinal marijuana.

» Click here to join the discussion

Today's columnists:

Global engagement boosts city's standing by Kasim Reed
Real estate investors rediscover ATL by Faron Thompson
Response to recent conversation from our readers

About the Author

Rick Badie

‘Worst nightmares come true.’ Atlanta confronts shift in homelessness funding.

Trump’s overhaul threatens permanent housing for an estimated 600 Atlanta households and 170,000 people nationwide, advocates warn.

Microsoft’s newest AI ‘superfactory’ opens at sprawling Fayetteville campus

One of the largest data center campuses under construction in Georgia has its first operational tenant, and it’s one of the most recognizable names in technology.

Atlanta officials quietly rebrand city’s DEI office

The city of Atlanta office overseeing diversity, equity and inclusion is getting a rebrand amid assaults at the federal level on such initiatives.