AGP Executive Report

Workforce & Education: Georgia’s Department of Education approved a new Work-Based Learning Diploma for students starting this fall, keeping the 23-credit requirement while adding paid, pathway-linked work-based learning through high-demand CTAE and academic career courses. Manufacturing & Jobs: ArcelorMittal Building Solutions plans a $57M Macon-Bibb County facility, targeting up to 70 jobs and insulated panel production starting in the second half of 2027. Local Infrastructure: Oakwood honored long-serving Mayor Lamar Scroggs with a dedication of the R.F. Reed Industrial Parkway overpass, marking more than 50 years in public service. Public Health & Safety: The FDA issued a recall of Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21+ states after reports the frozen snack may contain metal pieces. Consumer/Utilities: Georgia Power and the U.S. Department of Energy urged residents to keep thermostats around 78°F, use ceiling fans correctly, and avoid wasteful cooling habits during a hotter-than-average summer. Business/Real Estate: Lowndes County property transactions were reported June 13, reflecting continued local deal flow.

World Cup logistics in Atlanta: Centennial Olympic Park’s FIFA Fan Festival is back for a second day, drawing thousands with big-screen match viewing, live entertainment, and food and activities as the city braces for a busy weekend. Data-center affordability debate: A Georgia Public Service Commission race is putting electricity rates and consumer bills at the center of the campaign, with voters weighing how commissioners could affect the cost of powering data centers. Local policy pushback on data centers: Carrollton-area residents are organizing a June 14 conversation on a potential data center ban, aiming to shape county policy amid rapid growth concerns. Workforce and safety training: Georgia Tech’s EH&S is launching a yearlong Lab and Workplace Safety Certificate Program, including industry-style safety learning experiences. Retail and food industry watch: A Thomasville restaurant earned a perfect food-service inspection score while another Georgia food recall hit shelves—Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers were recalled over possible metal contamination. Business and manufacturing: JBS USA announced plans to close two processing facilities, with output shifted to other plants. Consumer protection: Atlanta investigators warn World Cup ticket buyers about “ghost tickets” and fake websites that can leave fans without usable passes. Hiring snapshot: A new national hiring map shows Georgia’s job openings up about 16% since 2020, bucking declines seen in parts of the West.

Federal sentencing (South Georgia agriculture): Three people tied to a labor trafficking scheme exploiting H-2A visa workers on South Georgia farms were sentenced in federal court, closing out a yearslong case. Workforce & skills (Culinary education): Southwest Tech student Gabe Perkins placed sixth nationally at SkillsUSA’s Culinary Arts competition in Atlanta. Healthcare & AI (burnout): A new study links “ambient AI scribing” tools to a 21.2% reduction in physician burnout at Mass General Brigham and Emory Healthcare. Local business growth (Donaldsonville): New Korean BBQ and coffee/ramen concepts are planned for downtown Donaldsonville as the city prepares for demand tied to the nearby Hyundai-POSCO steel plant. Public safety (Atlanta training center): Two people face federal charges connected to an alleged 2022 attack involving explosives at a Cobb County office tied to the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center contractor. Manufacturing (HVAC): Rheem expanded its commercial packaged heat pump lineup with new higher-efficiency models for contractors and building owners. Banking (Middle Georgia): Chase Bank is set to open its first Central Georgia branch in Bonaire, bringing more lending and financial services to the area. Agriculture trade (Georgia/Kyrgyzstan): Georgia and Kyrgyzstan moved to simplify veterinary and sanitary requirements to boost live animal and meat trade.

NFL Contract Watch: Patrick Mahomes signed the biggest deal in NFL history, topping $500M, as “extension season” heats up for other top earners. Retail & Textiles: Oxford Industries’ Q1 sales slipped 0.4% as tariffs and softer consumer sentiment weighed on results, with Tommy Bahama up while Lilly Pulitzer and Johnny Was lagged. World Cup in Atlanta: Atlanta kicked off its FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park with a free, multi-day lineup and major city/state participation. Micromobility for Fans: Lime is adding 14,000 e-bikes and e-scooters across host cities including Atlanta to handle World Cup travel demand, with match-day valet support. Public Safety/Infrastructure: Federal prosecutors indicted two out-of-state activists tied to a 2022 arson attack on an Atlanta training center contractor. Health & Environment (Coastal Georgia): Emory won a $15M NIH grant to study health effects of Superfund pollution in Brunswick, partnering with UGA, Georgia Tech, Morehouse and others. Food & Consumer Safety: FDA pulled 160,000 pounds of frozen pizza snacks in 21 states over possible metal contamination. Local Business: Juici Patties opened its first Georgia location in Atlanta, marking a new U.S. expansion milestone.

IMF Outlook for Georgia: The IMF says Georgia’s economy is set to grow 6.5% in 2026 (after 7.5% in 2025), with inflation easing back toward target by mid-2027, as reserves strengthen and public debt stays below 35% of GDP. Caribbean Food Expansion: Juici Patties opened its first Georgia location in Atlanta, a milestone for the Jamaican brand’s U.S. growth. Metro Atlanta Business Moves: Stars and Pipes Plumbing Atlanta relocated its office to Lilburn to speed emergency response across Gwinnett, DeKalb and Fulton. World Cup Tech & Comms: The FCC says it’s supporting resilient World Cup communications in host cities, including Atlanta. Data Center Backlash in Georgia: DeKalb County extended its data center moratorium through September amid concerns about impacts and upcoming state rules. Local Film Industry Shift: Atlanta’s independent filmmakers are finding new support as big productions slow, with more small Georgia-made projects filling the gap.

Pet Food Safety: Go Raw expanded a Steve’s Real Food Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe recall in multiple states, including Georgia, over possible low thiamine (vitamin B1) levels and neurological risk. Public Safety/Local Crime: DeKalb County police and the GBI identified the man shot after an attack on an officer on North Decatur Road; the officer was reported stable. Construction & Walkability: Atlanta City Council member Kelsey Bond proposed requiring temporary pedestrian walkways when construction blocks sidewalks, aiming to prevent “sidewalk construction chaos.” Agriculture Biosecurity: Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper urged reporting yellow-legged hornet embryo/primary nests and tightened animal entry rules after New World screwworm detections in Texas and parts of New Mexico. Ag Exports: Georgia agri-food exports rose 12% to $722.5M as of May 31, led by wine, beverages, and hazelnuts. Transportation/Infrastructure: Gov. Kemp and SRTA approved $26M in GTIB grants and low-interest loans for roadway projects and regional airport hangars. Macon Aviation & Arena: Macon-Bibb marked a new Contour Airways Fort Lauderdale route, and the county approved $350M in bonds for a new arena.

Solar Manufacturing: Qcells has started making solar cells at its Cartersville, Georgia plant, a key step toward completing the U.S.’s only vertically integrated solar factory; the company says Cartersville is on track for full production by Q3 2026 and is already assembling modules at full capacity. Defense & Jobs: Gov. Kemp announced Rideout Arsenal will invest $22 million in Thomas County to build a new firearms manufacturing facility, creating 120 jobs over the next several years. Transportation Funding: Georgia’s State Road and Tollway Authority approved $26 million for GTIB grants and low-interest loans, backing 20 roadway projects plus regional airport hangars. School Nutrition Costs: Barrow County Schools approved 2026-27 lunch price hikes (elementary/middle/high) while keeping free and reduced-price lunch students unaffected. Local Water Reuse Debate: Liberty County Development Authority held a packed public meeting on a proposed wastewater reclamation facility, with residents pushing back over potential impacts and the authority exploring an additional discharge location. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas deals in parts of Georgia, with Hart County hitting $3.77 and Mitchell County $3.74 for the week ending May 30.

Solar Manufacturing: Hanwha Qcells has completed its Solar Hub in Georgia, starting solar cell production in Cartersville and positioning the company as the only U.S. solar maker with an integrated ingot-to-module chain, with major IRA-linked incentive upside. Local Courts & Construction: Athens-Clarke County commissioners approved a downtown site for a new $225 million judicial center, choosing 120 W. Dougherty St. and moving ahead with bond-backed funding despite concerns about cost and impacts to a nearby historic church. Energy & Infrastructure: Georgia’s rural airports are expanding hangars and facilities as industrial growth boosts demand, while some leaders debate whether more general aviation capacity is needed in southeast Georgia. Public Safety & Transit: A MARTA Midtown train shooting left a KIPP Atlanta student hospitalized; family says a crossbody bag stopped a potentially fatal bullet. Agriculture & Health: Georgia’s animal feed program is fully implemented under federal standards, while a Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa supplements has expanded to 119 cases across 36 states. Workforce & Education: UGA is launching energy-efficiency upgrades across five Athens facilities via an energy savings performance contract, and a Georgia 4-H land judging contest is set for June 4.

EV Manufacturing: Rivian has started delivering its first R2 SUVs to customers, a key milestone for the company’s planned Georgia plant near Atlanta, as it targets 20,000–25,000 R2 deliveries by year-end and leans into a tougher, more competitive U.S. EV market. Transportation Infrastructure: Georgia DOT says the Satilla River Bridge replacement on U.S. 84 is running ahead of schedule, with crews pouring columns and building the deck; the $44.9 million project is still set to finish by Aug. 31, 2027. Workforce & Education: Clayton County Public Schools opened the Arena at Southlake, positioning the 8,000-seat venue as both an events destination and a hands-on career training hub for students. Public Safety: MARTA police say a 17-year-old KIPP Atlanta student-athlete was shot at the Midtown station; authorities identified a suspect and charges are pending. Business Services: N2N Services launched Helios, a new AI agent platform for higher education that replaces its long-running Illuminate system. Solar Industry: SUNation Energy signed a reverse merger with Suniva, aiming to combine U.S. solar cell manufacturing with installation and storage services.

Public Safety: Jackson County deputies recovered a stolen 9mm handgun after a vehicle break-in; two juveniles admitted entering cars and stealing the weapon, which was returned to the owner. Local Governance: Marietta residents plan to pack a June 10 city council meeting to weigh in on a proposed hyperscale data center, even though the agenda lists no data-center item. Weather & Risk: CBS Atlanta issued NEXT Weather Alert Days for Monday and Tuesday due to heavy rain and a flood threat across Atlanta and North Georgia. Consumer & Industry: Georgia’s Rural Health Transformation program (GREAT Health) awarded $12.73M in first subgrants to expand newborn screening capacity and support acquired brain injury survivors. Agriculture: The USDA confirmed additional New World screwworm cases in Texas and a dog in New Mexico, raising concerns about wider spread. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports Georgia premium and regular prices easing in the week ending May 30, with the lowest regular gas in Habersham County at $3.37. Workforce/Training: Caliber 1 Construction’s 10-year “Building My Blueprint” internship program selected West Georgia Technical College students for field superintendent roles.

Animal Health & Food Safety: Georgia’s Animal Feed Program got the green light from the FDA, confirming full implementation of federal animal food regulatory standards. Local Governance: DeKalb County is set to consider extending its data center moratorium, with zoning rules and a proposed cap tied to facility size. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports show mixed pricing across Georgia, including a low of $4.30 for midgrade in Treutlen County and $4.60 diesel in Cherokee County for the week ending May 30. Infrastructure: GDOT will resurface SR 59 in Jackson and Banks counties starting June 15, with daily single-lane closures through July 31. Agriculture & Development: Madison County approved poultry house rezoning and an industrial park plan, while residents raised concerns about roads, water, and long-term impacts. Broadband: Kinetic says it has surpassed 2 million fiber premises built across its 18-state footprint. Film & Production: Netflix’s live-action “Scooby-Doo: Origins” is in production in Atlanta, and Craig Zobel’s thriller “Turpentine” is also filming in Georgia with a newly expanded cast.

Insurance Fraud: A longtime Atlanta-area agent, Charles Curtis Poteet IV of Duluth, was indicted and arrested in Texas after allegedly taking premiums and issuing fake certificates of insurance for multiple commercial lines, with his producer license reportedly inactive. USDA Workforce: Federal News Network reports some USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service employees face a June 30 deadline to accept relocation or separation under a reorganization plan. Local Elections: Hall County election officials say four polling sites will move for the June 16 runoff due to construction and scheduling conflicts. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy data shows wide Georgia price swings in the week ending May 30, including low regular prices in several counties (as low as $3.43 in Troup County) alongside higher diesel and premium figures in others. Data Center Backlash: A Marietta-area fight over a proposed hyperscale AI data center highlights local concerns about power demand and community impacts. Tech/Manufacturing Research: MIT-led work points to diamond heat-spreading layers to boost gallium nitride power electronics performance. Workforce Skills: Georgia students and career-tech programs continue to rack up national honors at SkillsUSA events in Atlanta.

I-285 Rebuild Disruptions: Georgia DOT crews are tearing out and rebuilding westside I-285 between Cascade Rd and MLK Jr. Dr, with full weekend closures pushing traffic to detours and raising the risk of heavy-truck detours through smaller neighborhood roads. World Cup Logistics: Atlanta’s World Cup prep stays in focus as the tournament spans multiple time zones and teams adjust travel routines across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Local Development: Norcross residents toured South Downtown Atlanta’s $140 million revitalization project, highlighting how nearby construction and open-container plans are shaping the pre-World Cup experience. Energy Watch: GasBuddy reports show Georgia fuel prices staying volatile—Dade County regular hit $3.39 (lowest), while Laurens County midgrade bottomed at $3.99 and Long County premium at $4.49 for the week ending May 30. Tech/Home Systems: A local integrator warns Control4 OS2 remote access and cloud services end Aug. 4, urging Atlanta-area customers to plan upgrades to OS3 or X4 with Connect. Sports (UGA): Georgia rallied to beat Mississippi State 13-12 in the Athens Super Regional opener, taking a 1-0 series lead.

Georgia DOT Road Work: Contractors will start nightly lane closures June 8–27 on the I-285/I-20 West Interchange project, with 9 p.m.–5 a.m. restrictions and planned detours during overnight ramp work. Workforce Training for Data Centers: Dycom is building a 49-acre “fake town” in Monroe, Georgia to train new hires for data center trade jobs, aiming to open mid-2027 and offering two weeks paid vacation on day one. Energy/Utilities: Georgia Power says it’s ready for hurricane season and is urging customers to prepare. Animal Health & Agriculture: Georgia Agriculture Commissioner announced enhanced animal import requirements after New World screwworm detection in Texas, and Georgia updated animal import safeguards following the detection. Business Briefs: SBA is offering drought disaster relief to Georgia small businesses and private nonprofits. Industry Watch: A new Green Finance Institute CDR Catalyst launched in the UK with a £1m biochar financing deal—another sign of carbon-removal finance moving from pilots toward commercial scale. Logistics Market Signal: Truckload tender data shows shrinking average haul lengths since 2024, suggesting capacity is being used differently across the network.

Fuel Watch: GasBuddy data for the week ending May 30 shows Georgia prices easing in spots, with the lowest diesel in Madison County at $4.87/gal and the lowest midgrade in Greene County at $4.33/gal; other standout lows include regular in Murray County at $3.49/gal, E15 in Spalding County at $3.85/gal, and diesel in Franklin County at $4.88/gal. Public Safety: In Cherokee County, a Ring camera alert helped deputies identify two suspects after a homeowner confronted a man in his driveway; authorities later arrested Montrella Colzie and Dameyon Heck, with Heck wanted in an Atlanta murder case. AI Adoption: Microsoft data finds Vermont near the bottom for AI tool use, while counties tied to professional services and younger workers show higher adoption—an angle on how workforce mix may shape AI uptake. Aviation/Tech Markets: Alphabet investment chatter highlights AI, cloud, and Waymo robotaxi growth as a path to SpaceX exposure ahead of any IPO.

Data Centers & Water: Google says it will put $1 million into restoring 35 acres of wetlands in Georgia’s Flint River Wildlife Management Area near its Douglas County data center, as the company also pushes a broader plan to replenish more water than it uses by 2030. Grid Costs: A new national look at EIA data shows residential electricity prices rising fastest in some regions, with demand growth tied in part to AI and data center expansion. Local Infrastructure Disruption: GDOT begins another full weekend closure on westside I-285 (MLK Jr. Dr. to Cascade Rd.), with detours and business concerns along Cascade Road. Public Policy & Privacy: Georgia lawmakers join a wider push to limit sharing of license plate camera data amid growing privacy and surveillance backlash. Coastal Housing Rules: McIntosh County moves toward tighter zoning for Sapelo Island’s Hogg Hummock, proposing limits on home size and height after a long fight over development impacts. Veteran Housing: Milledgeville is weighing a plan for an 84-home tiny community for veterans on the former Central State Hospital campus. Agriculture & Imports: Georgia updates animal import requirements after New World screwworm detection in Texas, aiming to protect local agriculture. STEM Outreach: A NASA aviation official visited a West Georgia Regional Airport summer camp, highlighting astronaut aircraft readiness and flight training.