AGP Executive Report

Data Centers & Construction: A new survey finds the data center boom is squeezing Georgia’s construction labor market, with many firms reporting intensified competition for skilled workers and wage pressure. Energy Storage Manufacturing: NeoVolta secured up to $30 million in senior credit to expand U.S. battery energy storage systems manufacturing in Pendergrass, supporting a supply deal with SK On. EV Infrastructure Push (Greenville): Greenville is exploring partnerships and grants to add EV charging plus education and sustainability programming. ICE Raid Fallout (Hyundai plant near Savannah): A Colombian worker filed a $2 million claim against ICE after an alleged unlawful 2025 raid at the Hyundai facility. Food Safety Recall: Ricky Joy’s Sour Crush Rolling Liquid Candy (about 2.3 million bottles) is recalled after the rollerball applicator can detach and pose a choking hazard. Industrial/Packaging Recognition: Smurfit Westrock’s Covington operation earned a spot on TIME’s 2026 World’s Best Companies list for engineering, manufacturing and medical technology. Public Safety & Accountability: Protesters plan to gather at the Polk County Courthouse after a police officer shot and killed a miniature donkey during a search. Workforce/Tech: Georgia’s construction labor strain is also tied to broader demand for new workers as major projects ramp up.

Energy & Renewables: Georgia Power won PSC approval for 1,137 MW of new solar power purchase agreements under its CARES 2023 and CARES 2025 programs, with projects slated for Jefferson, Warren and Emanuel counties and possible commercial operation as early as 2029. Water Infrastructure: Gov. Kemp announced nearly $500 million in EPA funding for Hurricane Helene resilience work, routed through GEFA to strengthen drinking water and wastewater systems. Industrial & Logistics: Bay Plastics Machinery expanded its regional repair pickup-and-dropoff routes, adding a Southeast service manager based in Smyrna to support pelletizer rotor and feed roll repairs across multiple states including Georgia. Construction & Mobility: Atlanta broke ground on Northwest Beltline Trail Segment 3B, adding a pedestrian bridge over Northside Drive and connections through the Atlanta Technology Center toward Tanyard Creek. Workplace Safety: Police said an employee died in an accident at a Global Industrial distribution center in Buford. Local Business & Jobs: Trader Joe’s set an opening date for its Lafayette, Louisiana store—an update that also signals continued growth for the chain, including its presence in Georgia this year. Sports Tech: SportsBug announced an equity partnership with Sterling Select to expand real-time play-by-play audio delivery for pro and college sports.

Solar Manufacturing: Suniva completed an $835 million capital raise to expand U.S. solar cell capacity, including a 4.5 GW facility planned for Laurens County, South Carolina, with production targeted for 2028. Local Infrastructure: Atlanta’s BeltLine Northwest Trail construction is set to begin Thursday on a nearly 1-mile link, adding a pedestrian bridge over Northside Drive to better connect northwest neighborhoods. Transit Policy: Atlanta City Council members are urging Mayor Andre Dickens’ administration to revisit Beltline rail, pushing for a timeline and plan for 22 miles of rail by late January. Film & Workforce Development: Trilith launched “Semester at Trilith,” a 15-week program placing college students on active soundstages at its Fayetteville campus to earn credit hours and build filmmaking skills. Data Centers & Local Deals: Monroe County approved a Google MOU for “Project Rumble,” setting fixed PILOT payments totaling $442 million to the county and $632 million to schools over 20 years. Public Safety & Health: Georgia Tech research highlights how wildfire smoke can drive major economic costs through reduced spending, productivity losses, and higher health care demand. Food Supply Chain: Chicken Salad Sandwiches were recalled in Georgia and Florida after an egg was left off allergen statements. Business/Community: The Foundry opened in a converted Southwest Atlanta industrial building, aiming to create a long-term creative campus for artists.

Port & Infrastructure: Georgia DOT crews will close single lanes on the Talmadge Bridge starting Sept. 10 for cable replacement work, with officials also exploring cable shortening to reprofile the bridge for higher vertical clearance and better ship navigation—aimed at keeping the Port of Savannah competitive. Manufacturing & Jobs: Tyson Steel Building Products, headquartered in Georgia, is investing $15.15 million in Pickens County, S.C., for a 96,000-square-foot facility expected to create about 20 jobs and start up in spring 2027. Local Construction: Decatur City Commission approved about $92,000 in change-order spending to finish the Decatur Square renovation, now targeting a November completion after World Cup-related delays. Workforce & Retail: Atlanta-based RaceTrac is running Truck Driver Appreciation Month perks, including weekly free pizza slices and fountain drinks plus fuel loyalty boosts. Business Climate: A new Georgia Bureau of Investigation leadership change is coming to “Will Trent” Season 5, with Alexandra Metz joining as deputy director—production continues in Atlanta. Public Safety: A DeKalb County stunt-driving chase ended with a state trooper crash and fatality for a passenger in the pickup; authorities say the investigation is ongoing.

EV Manufacturing Watch: A new report says Georgia bet big on EV and clean-energy manufacturing, but federal policy shifts under the second Trump administration have destabilized the sector by ending EV tax credits and adding tariffs on key components. Bridge & Port Logistics: Georgia DOT plans weekday single-lane closures on the Talmadge Bridge from Sept. 10-25 (7 a.m.-4 p.m.) for cable maintenance, with the longer-term goal of extending the bridge’s life and potentially raising clearance for larger container ships. Public Safety Tech: A look at Atlanta-based Flock Safety highlights how surveillance-camera networks and license plate readers are expanding beyond traditional CCTV, raising concerns about who can access and search large troves of location-based data. Local Environment Policy: Athens-Clarke County commissioners are revisiting a plastic bag and foam food container ban, citing litter impacts and recycling contamination. Agriculture Biosecurity: Georgia Agriculture Commission warns farmers to watch for the newly detected pasture mealybug in Decatur County, a fast-spreading threat to warmseason grasses. Construction & Schools: Decatur Schools will expand and integrate the Frasier Center at Decatur High School instead of building a standalone early learning center, after costs and legal hurdles tied to bond approval.

Beltline Rail Push: Atlanta City Councilmember Kelsea Bond is seeking a clear path for Beltline light rail, proposing a resolution to back 22 miles of loop-connected light rail tied into MARTA and requiring an implementation plan by Jan. 26, 2027, plus quarterly progress updates (no construction approval or funding in the resolution). Data Center Policy in Motion: Douglasville approved incentives for DC Blox’s second phase, a $739M, multi-building expansion expected to add up to 500 construction jobs over five years and create about two permanent jobs, while Colquitt County extended its data center moratorium for another 180 days amid public concerns. Workforce & Training: Vanderbilt is joining the Trump administration’s Foundry School effort to train advanced-manufacturing workers, with Georgia Tech also participating in regional sessions. Construction & Facilities Tech: Georgia Tech is piloting drone-based thermal scanning to detect moisture intrusion at campus buildings, aiming to target repairs earlier and cut long-term maintenance costs. Public Safety Infrastructure: DeKalb County broke ground on a new $10.5M Fire Station No. 5 in Tucker, designed with firefighter health and wellness features. Local Economy Watch: Georgia’s school lunch landscape gets a national spotlight in a new report ranking Vermont No. 1, with Georgia among the states evaluated on access and participation.

Construction & Data Centers: Georgia’s construction demand is surging on data center builds, but the industry is short 349,000 workers in 2026 and 456,000 next year, pushing contractors toward faster methods including layout robots. Banking Oversight: New federal safety-and-soundness rules would narrow when bank supervisors can flag issues, shifting more responsibility to banks to catch risks early. Energy Bills & Disconnections: Georgia Power customers are struggling with summer costs as disconnections remain high, with the utility facing growing demand from data centers. Battery Recycling: R3 Lithium plans to restart lithium carbonate production in Covington, turning battery scrap into a domestic supply chain after a prior operator’s bankruptcy. New Energy Project: Georgia marked the start of a Chinese-invested Imereti wind project, aimed at boosting green power and energy independence. Trade & Ports: Georgia’s economy minister met with COSCO and Abu Dhabi Ports Group to discuss logistics and Middle Corridor cooperation. Industrial Real Estate: Cartersville approved rezoning for a Data Bank data center on 69 acres, including major cooling and utility planning. Solar Recycling: A new report highlights how tiny silver content drives solar panel recycling value, shaping how panels are handled and certified. Georgia Business & Tourism: Newnan’s 57 East mixed-use project includes a planned 125-room Marriott, targeting business travelers who currently stay elsewhere. Workforce Pay Trend: A Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta tracker finds job changers are seeing faster wage growth than workers who stay put. Honey & Climate: USDA and UGA research points to climate-driven stress on Georgia honey production, including hotter conditions and earlier blooms.

Public Safety: A Tucker stunt-driving chase ended in a fatal crash when a Georgia State Patrol K9 trooper’s vehicle collided with a pickup; 19-year-old passenger Anthony Angeles died, while the 20-year-old driver is expected to survive. The State Patrol says it’s investigating and reviewing response policies. Public Safety: A Fayetteville funeral is set for Warm Springs Sgt. Christopher Fisher, killed in the line of duty; a GoFundMe supports his wife and daughters. Utilities & Industry: The Georgia Public Service Commission will hold a Sept. 15 Savannah forum as data center debate heats up, including OpenAI’s large Effingham County project. Real Estate: Georgia-Pacific scrapped its planned mixed-use redevelopment of its downtown Atlanta tower, citing higher construction costs and market headwinds. Energy: GasBuddy reports show midgrade and E15 prices easing in multiple counties, with the lowest midgrade deals hovering around the high-$3 range. Tech/Robotics: Axis Robotics and partners unveiled a browser-based approach to expanding robot manipulation datasets, aiming to speed up physical AI progress. Community: Lookout Mountain set a Sept. 21 town council meeting tied to zoning changes for a proposed $30 million Rock City gondola.

Airport Funding: The FAA is awarding $481 million in Airport Infrastructure Grants, including $100 million for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta to rebuild runways, taxiways and terminals and improve runway safety. Autonomous Mobility: Waymo says it wants to enter South Korea, after setting up a Korean unit in July; it already runs robotaxis in Atlanta and other U.S. cities. Port Investment: Georgia’s economy minister says the state will invest $700 million in the Anaklia Deep Sea Port, targeting operations in 2029 and boosting the Middle Corridor. Manufacturing/Tech: Axiothread became an authorized Siemens Channel Partner to deliver PLM software implementation and support, including Teamcenter and NX CAD. Food & Farming Risk: A new look at climate impacts flags 10 Georgia foods at risk, from peaches and blueberries to pecans and peanuts. Road Safety: Lutzie 43 will host a Safe Driving Summit in Banks County High School on Sept. 17 for students and partners. Local Business: Black-owned Atlanta vintage and thrift shops are using resale to grow and preserve Black fashion culture.

Georgia Film & TV: Metro Atlanta’s production slate stays steady at 24 projects on the Georgia Film Office list, with big-budget “Superman: Man of Tomorrow” wrapping at Trilith and new DC/HBO Max work underway. Energy Prices: Fuel reports show localized swings—Chatham County E85 hits a low of $2.99, while multiple counties track midgrade and diesel lows around late-August. Public Transit Tech: Chattanooga’s CARTA is using a $25M federal grant to expand self-driving shuttle plans, with residents split on safety and “driverless” expectations. Industrial Growth & Land Use: Hall County commissioners are set to rehear a $131.3M Danji Industrial Park plan after a traffic-impact study request. Data Centers: Walker County’s committee begins shaping potential data center rules while a moratorium remains in place. Agriculture Biosecurity: Georgia Agriculture continues yellow-legged hornet eradication efforts, urging residents to watch for nests near beehives. Aviation/Logistics: Amazon says Prime Air could reach nearly 500 U.S. communities by end of 2026, including Atlanta. Manufacturing: Pratt & Whitney plans a $25M expansion in Poland to boost aircraft engine component output. Local Business: Black-owned Atlanta vintage shops are riding the resale boom while preserving cultural fashion history. Infrastructure Incident: An oversized excavator rig knocked out power in Social Circle after hitting transmission lines; a driver faces charges.

Agriculture & Biosecurity: Georgia Agriculture confirmed its first pasture mealybug detection in Decatur County, a new pest threat now also reported in Florida, Texas and Louisiana. Housing & Development: A 267-home rental community, Blitchton Village, is proposed for Ellabell in Bryan County via a DRI report, with rezoning planned this fall and construction targeted for December 2027. Energy & Infrastructure: A truck with an improperly loaded cargo hit overhead power lines in Social Circle, triggering outages for city facilities, schools, businesses and homes and leading to a felony arrest. Workforce & Skills: SkillsUSA’s National Leadership & Skills Conference highlighted Georgia students’ technical and workplace skills, with the next NLSC set for Atlanta in 2027. Research & Food Systems: UGA researchers helped map genetic regions tied to aerial root traits in Sierra Mixe maize, a step toward understanding nitrogen-fixing potential that could matter for future crop production. Industry & Travel: Dragon Con visitors faced sudden Midtown hotel room losses after a Staybridge Suites closure tied to a corporate sale and reservation mix-ups.

Aviation Funding: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport landed a $100 million FAA grant for runway, taxiway and terminal reconstruction, as the Airport Infrastructure Grants program nears its Sept. 30 end. Data Centers & Local Impact: Sen. Raphael Warnock is pushing a statewide moratorium on data center construction after visiting OpenAI’s proposed Effingham County site, citing worries over utility costs, water use, and light/noise pollution—plus demands for clearer terms like no sweetheart tax deals and no NDAs. Energy Prices (Gas Watch): GasBuddy price checks show mixed but generally easing fuel costs across Georgia counties in the week ending Aug. 29, including the lowest Peach County premium at $4.32 and Candler County E15 at $3.74. Public Safety & Privacy: A growing list of communities has rejected or paused automated license plate reader systems, with Atlanta-based Flock Safety at the center of the backlash. Community Spotlight: Statesboro’s Helping Hands Ministry marks nearly 42 years of homebound support, from errands and transportation to regular visits.

Data Center Backlash: A growing wave of recall efforts is targeting U.S. officials over data center decisions, with residents citing power and water use, noise, environmental impacts, property values, and incentive deals. Roadside Habitat: Georgia DOT and The Ray planted nine roadside sites with native vegetation, using an acres bank tied to monarch butterfly conservation. Energy Recycling: Denmark is repurposing retired wind turbine blades into bike-shelter structures, highlighting the mounting reuse challenge as turbines age. Rail Safety: A pedestrian died after being hit by a Norfolk Southern train in Gwinnett County, and police are investigating what led the person onto the tracks. Construction & Land Use: The City of Griffin is being asked for input on a potential Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger that could reshape traffic and safety impacts at the Griffin rail yard. Agriculture & Food Supply: Geostat reports Q2 changes in Georgia’s storage and production—grain elevator volume down 0.6% y/y, cold storage up 31.6% y/y, slaughterhouse meat down 7.7% y/y, and milk down 8.9% y/y. Workforce Access: Southwest Georgia Regional Library System is seeing double-digit growth in tech demand, expanding Chromebook checkout to help job seekers and workers get online. Local Governance & Industry: Spalding County commissioners proclaimed Sept. 22 as American Business Women’s Day.

Food Safety: Walmart is recalling Great Value frozen berry products in 16 states after an E. coli outbreak tied to a Chilean supplier; Georgia shoppers are being told to check freezers for specific Great Value and GreenWise lots linked to the investigation. Public Safety: A Cedartown police report details why an officer shot and killed a miniature donkey, HeeHaw, during a search for a missing 12-year-old; the officer is on administrative leave pending an outside probe. Sports & Local Economy: Forsyth County’s $3 billion “The Gathering” entertainment district—aimed at landing an NHL team—will start site work Sept. 7, with grading over 90 acres and construction targeted for summer 2027. Business Climate: Georgia reported record fiscal-year investment and job growth, with $35.2B in project investments and major expansion activity spreading beyond metro Atlanta. Energy Costs: Diesel hit a new U.S. all-time high; Georgia’s average was reported at $5.64, underscoring pressure on trucking and freight. Tech & Industry: Atlanta-based XShift AI expanded its AI scheduling tools, adding multi-step shift changes and plain-English setup for shift-based employers.

Labor Day Logistics: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta expects about 2.3 million passengers over the holiday period, with Friday projected as the busiest day (~335,000), while AAA and GasBuddy warn of record Labor Day gas prices. Industrial Safety & AI: Trio Mobil earned Frost & Sullivan’s 2026 Global Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition for AI-based industrial safety, highlighting continuous exposure intelligence and real-time intervention. Workforce AI ROI: Vera says it’s adding workforce adoption and capability signals to AI ROI measurement, aiming to show what’s happening inside organizations when AI investments succeed or stall. Robotics Data for Manufacturing: Axis Robotics open-sourced Axis Sim Dataset V1 for Franka arm manipulation, built from 50,000+ human-teleoperated trajectories across 207 tasks. Consumer Safety Recall: Clorox recalled about 6.3 million bottles of Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to potential bacteria risk for vulnerable users. Local Business Moves: Atlanta Gear Works named Randy Hand director of field services, expanding onsite reliability and maintenance support for industrial customers. Food & Beverage: Sagra soft-opened in East Atlanta Village as an Italian-style wine bar focused on community gatherings.

Data Centers & Power: Tersis Technologies is teaming with Flux Core Data Systems and Energy to pair waste-to-energy generation with decentralized data centers, aiming to engineer generation, cooling and compute together at project sites. Local Planning Fight: DeKalb County is facing a new appeal from Shadowbox Studios after a zoning board denied its plan to convert a film studio site into a massive data center near I-285. Food Safety: FDA issued a multistate recall for Halloween Chocolatey Eyeballs in 13 states, including Georgia, due to undeclared milk allergens. Public Health: Federal officials highlighted suicide’s toll nationwide, with CDC reporting nearly 49,000 deaths in 2024 and emphasizing prevention and the 988 lifeline. Education & Growth: Statesboro STEAM opened classes in a new 36,000-square-foot building on its campus after $9 million in tax-free bond financing. Agriculture & Community: South Fulton hosted a youth market where young entrepreneurs sold produce and learned business skills. Energy Costs: Georgia homeowners are being urged to adjust thermostat settings for fall heating to cut energy use.