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.

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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

Georgia joins five Southern states to form new accreditation agency

In this edition of the AJC On Campus, Georgia is joining a movement to shake up the accreditation system that has long been the model for American higher education.

14 injured in separate boat explosions on Lake Lanier, Lake Nottely on July 4th

Flames erupted from two boats, one on Lake Lanier and another on Lake Nottely, during the Fourth of July holiday, officials said.

Atlanta leaders eye trails as part of solution to city’s traffic woes

The 535-mile expansion plan, known as Trails ATL, aims to make the city more walkable, bringing 10-minute access to trails for 95% of city residents by 2052.