Category: Politics

Downtown Atlanta Enterprise Zone Proposed to Leverage World Cup for Long-Term Growth

Atlanta proposes a Downtown Enterprise Zone to capture World Cup revenue, funding affordable housing and small businesses while accelerating long-term revitalization efforts in the city’s core.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 23, 2026

Mayor Andre Dickens has introduced legislation to establish a new Downtown Enterprise Zone, a move city leaders say will channel the economic surge expected from the FIFA World Cup 2026 into long-term investment for housing, small businesses, and neighborhood revitalization.

The proposed zone, part of the mayor’s broader Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, is designed to transform a key section of Downtown Atlanta into a reinvestment engine—capturing revenue generated during major global events and redirecting it into community development.

“As part of our Administration’s unwavering commitment to changing generational outcomes for Atlantans, we are using every tool at our disposal to bring investment to high opportunity areas like Downtown,” Dickens said in the announcement. “The new Downtown Enterprise Zone will strategically harness the revenue and momentum of the World Cup events to create investment for new affordable housing and small businesses.”

Targeted Area, Strategic Timing

The Enterprise Zone would cover nearly 30 acres of Downtown, bounded roughly by Marietta Street NW, Peachtree Street SW, Trinity Avenue SW, and Ted Turner Drive/Forsyth Street SW. The designation is being coordinated with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, which oversees such economic development zones.

City officials say the timing is intentional. With Atlanta set to host matches during the 2026 World Cup, leaders are looking to ensure that the influx of visitors and spending produces benefits that extend beyond the event itself.

Under the proposal, the city could capture up to 5% of gross sales from qualifying businesses within the zone. Those funds would then be reinvested into local projects, including affordable housing initiatives and support for small, locally owned businesses.

A Piece of a Larger Strategy

Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier, whose district includes Downtown, emphasized that the Enterprise Zone is one part of a broader redevelopment effort.

“The timing of this legislation is no accident,” Dozier said. “No single policy is a panacea, and this initiative is one part of a broader, coordinated effort to help Downtown Atlanta live up to its fullest potential as a neighborhood, as a community and as a destination.”

Dozier added that the goal is to convert short-term economic activity into “lasting benefits and sustained momentum” for both residents and businesses.

Private Investment Already Underway

The success of the Enterprise Zone will depend heavily on the number of participating businesses and their economic activity. Increasing the number of viable businesses in the district is seen as critical.

That effort is already underway in parts of Downtown, particularly in South Downtown (SoDo), where David Cummings and his firm Atlanta Ventures are leading a large-scale redevelopment.

Cummings’ company controls a 58-building portfolio of historic mixed-use properties and is focused on attracting small, local retailers. Five businesses have already opened, with 11 more expected by June 2026—including a new location of El Tesoro.

“This Enterprise Zone ensures that as the district grows, we are simultaneously investing in the affordable housing and small businesses needed to support that growth,” Cummings said.

Why This Matters

The proposed Enterprise Zone reflects a growing trend among cities hosting global events: using short-term tourism spikes as catalysts for long-term urban investment. For Atlanta, the stakes are particularly high as leaders seek to reshape Downtown into a more livable, economically inclusive neighborhood.

If approved, the legislation could create a model for how major events like the World Cup can be leveraged not just for visibility, but for sustained economic impact—especially in areas that have long struggled to balance development with affordability.

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Atlanta Turns Infrastructure into Canvas with New Public Mural in Mechanicsville

Atlanta unveils “Wild Seed, Wild Flower” mural in Mechanicsville, highlighting community, culture, and public art investment ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA  | April 21, 2026

The sun hadn’t quite decided what kind of day it wanted to be. On one side of the retaining wall, warmth. On the other, a stubborn chill that clung to jackets and fingertips. But even in that cold pocket of Windsor and Rawson, the mural behind us radiated its own heat, a 10,000‑square‑foot pulse of color, care, and community.

Mechanicsville has seen its share of seasons. Some harsh. Some hopeful. But on this morning, as neighbors, artists, city leaders, and children gathered at the foot of a seen and unseen wall, the neighborhood felt like it was stepping into a new chapter. It was painted in over 100 colors and more than 800 spray cans, but rooted in something older, deeper, and already alive.

“Murals aren’t just nice because they look nice,” said Adriane Jefferson, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. “They’re absolutely necessary.”
She wasn’t talking about beautification. She was talking about story, the kind that lives in a community long before a ribbon is cut.

And that’s the truth of Wild Seed, Wild Flower: it didn’t arrive to make Mechanicsville beautiful. It arrived to reflect the beauty that was already here.

A Wall That Needed a Story

Councilmember Jason Dozier spoke like a man standing in his own living room.
“Welcome to my home community of Mechanicsville,” he said, and the crowd answered with warmth.

He told the story of the “big A wall,”  a massive, weathered stretch of concrete that residents passed daily, often with frustration. A wall that collected graffiti, grime, and the weight of being overlooked. A wall that sat beneath new rapid housing units, beneath the Beacon at Melody, beneath the quiet resilience of people rebuilding their lives.

Mechanicsville Mural by artist Charity Hamidullah – Photo by Milton Kirby

Dozier remembered telling the administration early on: We’ve got to do something about this wall.

And in that moment, you could feel the neighborhood nodding with him. Because every community has a wall like that — a place that holds the memory of what hasn’t yet changed.

But now, that same wall holds a child tying someone else’s shoe while tying their own — a gesture Mayor Andre Dickens interpreted as a symbol of Atlanta itself:
Helping others while helping ourselves.
Growing together.
A group project.

Art as Infrastructure, Art as Home

Mayor Dickens spoke about infrastructure, not the kind marked by orange cones and jackhammers, but the kind that shapes how a city feels.

“People are seeing these murals,” he said. “You’re seeing the social and artistic infrastructure that resonates with our emotions and our love of the city.”

It’s rare to hear a mayor talk about art with that kind of clarity. But in Atlanta, public art has long been a civic language. From Maynard Jackson to today, artists have been treated not as accessories to city life, but as partners in shaping it.

And this mural, the largest of the ten commissioned for the Bridges, Tunnels, and Walls program, stands as a testament to that partnership.

The Immigrant Who Helped Atlanta See Itself

When Monica Campana, co‑founder and executive director of Living Walls, stepped to the mic, she brought the story full circle.

She came to Atlanta in 2007 as an immigrant from Peru.
She founded Living Walls in 2010.
And she learned quickly that public art was the most democratic, accessible, and empowering way to claim space in a city.

“Public art made me feel like my voice mattered,” she said.
It made her feel seen.
It made Atlanta feel like home.

And then she said something that stayed with me long after the speeches ended:

“This mural is a love letter to Atlanta.”

A love letter written by artists from New Orleans, New York, Greece, Iran, Eritrea, Italy, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Peru,  and Atlanta itself.
A global chorus painting a local truth.

Charity Hamidullah – Photo by Milton Kirby

The Artist Who Saw God in Mechanicsville

When lead artist Charity Hamidullah spoke, the ceremony shifted.
Her voice carried something tender, something spiritual.

She talked about seeing children at the Dunbar Center — chalk on their hands, creativity in their eyes.
She talked about seeing God’s creativity in the neighborhood.
She talked about communities tying each other’s shoes, lifting each other up, dancing in harmony.

“This wall is just a mirror,” she said.
A mirror of Mechanicsville.
A mirror of Pittsburgh.
A mirror of South Downtown and Castleberry Hill.
A mirror of every place where people have survived, created, and loved each other through change.

Soccer Ball – Mechanicsville – Photo by Milton Kirby

Yes, the mural was created ahead of the World Cup.
Yes, the world will see it.
But Charity reminded us of the deeper truth:

“This community has been beautiful for a very long time.”

The mural didn’t create that beauty.
It simply made it impossible to ignore.

Mechanicsville Mural – Photo by Milton Kirby

A Wildflower That Will Keep Spreading

When the ribbon was finally cut, the crowd pressed forward — neighbors, artists, city staff, children, elders.
People touched the wall.
People took photos.
People lingered.

And in that lingering, you could feel something growing.

Wildflowers don’t bloom because someone is watching.
They bloom because the soil is ready.

Mechanicsville was ready.

This mural — this wild seed — will keep spreading. Not because of the World Cup.
Not because of the cameras.
But because the community it reflects has been blooming all along.

And now, the city has a wall that tells the truth.

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Atlanta Marks Major Housing Milestone with Opening of The Beacon at Cooper Street

Atlanta celebrates opening of The Beacon at Cooper Street, marking 500 rapid housing units delivered to address homelessness through innovative modular construction and community partnerships.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 17, 2026

Atlanta leaders, community members, and housing advocates gathered this week in the Mechanicsville neighborhood to celebrate a major milestone in the city’s fight against homelessness: the ribbon cutting of The Beacon at Cooper Street, the final development needed to reach the city’s goal of 500 rapid housing units.

Mayor Andre Dickens called the moment “promises made and promises kept,” emphasizing that the project represents more than just construction.

“This work is not just about numbers,” Dickens said. “It represents 500 opportunities, 500 lives, and 500 chances at stability and dignity.”

Mayor Andre Dickens The Beacon @ Coopers Street – Photo by Milton Kirby

The Beacon at Cooper Street includes two multi-story buildings with 100 modular studio units, each designed to provide safe, supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. The development also includes on-site offices for case management, mental health services, and other support systems aimed at helping residents rebuild their lives.

A Citywide Effort

The project is part of Atlanta’s broader Rapid Housing Initiative, a strategy launched by the Dickens administration to address homelessness by quickly converting underutilized city-owned land into permanent supportive housing.

From its earliest days, the initiative relied on partnerships across government, nonprofit organizations, developers, and the private sector.

“This is what it looks like when we listen, when we engage, and when we build together,” Dickens said during the ceremony.

City officials highlighted earlier developments in the initiative, including The Melody, a container-based housing community that gained international recognition, and Waterworks Village, a modular apartment complex delivered in record time.

Community Support in Mechanicsville

Leaders also praised the Mechanicsville community for embracing the project, noting that neighborhood support played a key role in its success.

“There’s a lot of ‘not in my backyard’ across the country,” Dickens said. “But this community said yes—and that made all the difference.”

District 4 Councilmember Jason Dozier described the development as both personal and transformative, pointing to the broader impact stable housing can have on families and neighborhoods.

“Housing creates the foundation for safety, health, and economic stability,” Dozier said.

More Than Housing

Officials emphasized that The Beacon is not just a housing project, but part of a larger ecosystem of care.

Thirty units are dedicated to individuals who need ongoing medical and mental health support through partnerships with local healthcare providers. The development also includes a “housing navigator” program to help individuals transition from hospitals and shelters into stable living environments.

The Beacon @ Coopers Street – Photo by Milton Kirby

Research cited during the event shows that rapid housing programs are effective, with 70 to 90 percent of participants remaining housed after one year.

Looking Ahead

While the ribbon cutting marked a significant achievement, leaders were clear that the work is far from finished.

Speakers emphasized that while the milestone is significant, much work remains to address homelessness across the city.

With the 500-unit goal now achieved, city officials signaled plans to expand the model and continue building housing solutions across Atlanta and the broader region.

As Dickens put it, “Love ought to look like something—and today, you can see what that looks like.”

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In Rome, A Close Race Reveals a District in Tension Between Change and Tradition

By Milton Kirby | Rome, GA | April 8, 2026

The room was loud. The streets were quiet. And somewhere between the two, the truth of this election began to take shape.

When The Truth Seekers Journal arrived just after 6:00 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott Rome Riverwalk, the Harris campaign’s election night gathering was already underway. Inside, the mood was upbeat, almost celebratory. Supporters filled the space. Staff moved with purpose. Cameras from regional and national outlets lined the room.

It did not feel like a campaign bracing for defeat.

It felt like one expecting to compete.

That sense of optimism extended beyond the crowd. Harris’ campaign communications manager, a commuter from Indiana balancing the demands of political work with planning a wedding and searching for a home, spoke candidly about the moment. It was a reminder that behind every campaign are real people — building lives while trying to shape the direction of a district.

But step outside, and the tone shifted.

A short walk toward Broad Street revealed a different kind of energy. Parking spaces were filled, but foot traffic was sparse. The usual buzz of a downtown evening felt muted. Conversations were harder to find and when they did come, they carried a different weight.

One voter visiting from Woodstock, GA did not hesitate when asked about the direction of the country.

“Not good,” he said plainly.

Pressed further, he pointed to rising costs and what he described as a lack of moral leadership. His frustration echoed a familiar theme in conservative-leaning areas where economic pressure and cultural concerns often intersect.

Outside a small convenience store, another conversation revealed a different kind of distance from the political moment. Language barriers limited engagement, but the takeaway was just as telling: uncertainty. When asked about the direction of the country or even basic economic markers like gas prices, responses were hesitant, fragmented — a reminder that not all voters experience politics in the same way, or with the same level of access.

At a nearby restaurant, the conversations grew more layered — and more personal.

Patrons spoke openly about national issues, including U.S. involvement overseas, frustration with political leadership, and the feeling that neither party fully addressed their concerns. One voter described deep concern about American foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East, while still expressing a measure of trust in Democratic candidate Shawn Harris over his opponent.

Others reflected on community identity – describing Rome as a place where faith, family, and familiarity still shape daily life. Politics, in these conversations, was not abstract. It was tied to values, relationships, and lived experience.

Photo by Milton Kirby – Sidewalk view of Broad Street

By the time the race was called, the numbers brought clarity, but not simplicity.

According to Georgia Secretary of State official election results, Republican candidate Clay Fuller secured victory with 72,304 votes, while Democrat Shawn Harris received 57,030. The margin was decisive, but the context told a deeper story. In a district previously carried by Donald Trump by nearly 37 points, the narrower gap signaled movement — even in defeat.

Back inside the Marriott, that perspective defined the night.

Moments after networks called the race, Harris entered the room to sustained applause. Supporters rose to their feet. There was no visible deflation — only determination.

“We didn’t win here tonight,” Harris told the crowd. “But we did.”

He pointed to the nearly $2 million spent by Republicans and national attention brought into the race, arguing that such investment in a traditionally “ruby red” district reflected a changing political landscape.

“The Republican Party should never have to spend that kind of money here,” he said. “That tells you things are changing in northwest Georgia.”

Harris emphasized that the campaign’s work would continue immediately, framing the result not as an endpoint, but as momentum heading into November.

“This is not about me,” he added. “This is about the people here – working families trying to make ends meet.”

He also struck a conciliatory tone toward his opponent, acknowledging the result as fair and signaling a willingness to move forward without dispute.

The night, in many ways, became a study in contrast.

Inside: energy, belief, and a narrative of progress.
Outside: skepticism, frustration, and quieter conviction.

Between them sat the reality of Rome  in a district where political identity is not fixed, but layered. Where some voters feel deeply engaged, others feel disconnected, and many are navigating both at once.

The result belonged to Clay Fuller.

But the story of the night — and perhaps of the district — remains unfinished.

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Metro Leaders Urge Veto of HB 369, Call Bill “Targeted” and “Discriminatory”

Metro Atlanta leaders urge Governor Kemp to veto HB 369, warning the bill targets five counties, undermines voter clarity, and threatens local control.

Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 5, 2026

A coalition of metro Atlanta leaders gathered at the Georgia State Capitol on March 31 to deliver a unified message: veto House Bill 369.

Led by DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, officials from DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton counties stood alongside members of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus to oppose the Senate substitute version of the legislation. Their appeal was directed squarely at Governor Brian Kemp.

At issue is a provision that would make local elections nonpartisan—but only in five of Georgia’s 159 counties.

A Bill Reshaped Late in the Process

State Representative Carla Drenner opened the press conference by raising concerns about how the bill evolved. She noted that HB 369 “began as something entirely different” before being significantly altered through a Senate amendment that did not receive full debate in the House.

“That matters,” Drenner said, emphasizing that legislative process ensures transparency and public trust.

Leaders argued that such a late-stage transformation raises questions about fairness, particularly given the bill’s targeted scope.

What HB 369 Would Do

Under the proposed substitute, elections for key local offices—including commissioners, district attorneys, and tax officials—would become nonpartisan in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties.

Those counties represent nearly four million residents and a significant share of Georgia’s economic activity.

Cochran-Johnson and other leaders emphasized that these same counties are largely led by Democratic and African American officials—an overlap they say cannot be ignored.

“If fairness and election integrity are truly the goals,” Cochran-Johnson asked, “why does this bill apply to only five counties out of 159?”

Concerns Over Voter Impact

Speakers repeatedly stressed that removing party affiliation from ballots could make it harder for voters to make informed decisions.

“It matters who represents you,” Cochran-Johnson said. “Party affiliation is often a precursor to values and ideology.”

Clayton County Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson Henry echoed that concern, warning the bill would create “two different election systems” within the same state—one for most counties and another for just five.

“That is not fairness,” she said. “That is discrimination.”

A Broader Question of Local Control

Beyond voter clarity, leaders framed the issue as one of local governance.

Henry County Chairwoman Carlotta Harrell, whose county would not be directly affected, said the bill sets a troubling precedent.

“If the state can redefine election structures in one set of counties today,” she said, “it opens the door for similar interventions across the state in the future.”

That sentiment was echoed across the podium: decisions about local elections, they argued, should originate within local communities not be imposed by the state.

A United Regional Front

The event brought together an unusually broad coalition of elected officials across metro Atlanta, signaling the regional weight behind the opposition.

Gwinnett County Representative Dr. Jasmine Clark described the bill as a “targeted” effort to reshape political power, while Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid called for collaboration rather than division.

Even counties not directly impacted stood in solidarity, underscoring concerns that the legislation could reshape governance statewide.

The Call to Action

Cochran-Johnson closed her remarks with a direct appeal to the governor.

“If our counties, our state, and our nation are to remain beacons of democracy,” she said, “we must reject laws like HB 369 that target, divide, and discriminate under the guise of good policy.”

She added a final warning: “Today, both the people and the world are watching Georgia. Let us not fall on the wrong side of history. Democracy has a price.”

As of this writing, Governor Kemp has not publicly indicated whether he will sign or veto the bill.

Metro leaders say they will continue to monitor its progress—and remain prepared to push back.

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New Leadership on the Menu: Harris Campaign Brings Focus to Hiram Voters

Shawn Harris campaigns in Hiram with Senator Warnock, highlighting small business struggles and leadership contrast in pivotal Georgia 14th District race against Clay Fuller.

Milton Kirby | Hiram, GA | April 3, 2026

With Election Day approaching, Shawn Harris is making his final case directly to voters, meeting them where it matters most: in small businesses, over conversations about cost, stability, and leadership.

A brief “mini-tour” through Paulding County offered a clear window into a high-stakes special election that could reshape Georgia’s 14th Congressional District – an area once considered politically predictable, now firmly in the national spotlight.

Joined by Raphael Warnock, Harris stopped at two Hiram businesses, using the visits to listen, connect, and reinforce a campaign built around a simple message: Leadership Matters.

“Kitchen Table” Concerns at Tips & Clippers

The day began at Tips & Clippers Nails and Barber Shop, where owners Deon and LaToya Edwards shared the realities of running a small business in today’s economy.

Their shop, now two years old, has grown steadily, but not without strain. Supply costs, they said, have nearly doubled in some cases. Rather than pass those increases along, they’ve absorbed much of the impact themselves.

“I think it’s time for a change, and I believe Shawn Harris will be the change that we need,” said LaToya Edwards, who also serves with the Hiram Police Department.

Her husband, Deon, an Air Force veteran said “Harris’s military background stood out, but it was his independence that resonated most.”

“I like independent thought,” he said.

Moments like these grounded in everyday concerns, continue to shape the tone of the race more than national talking points.

A Packed House at The Philly Spot

Later, at The Philly Steak Spot, the energy shifted. A capacity crowd filled the small restaurant, eager to see Harris and hear from Warnock.

Warnock brought visibility and momentum, mixing humor with urgency as he encouraged turnout and highlighted concerns about voting access.

“Let’s send a great man, a veteran, and a farmer to Congress,” he told the crowd.

Still, the focus remained on Harris, his message, his background, and what he represents in this moment.

A District in Transition

Photo by Milton Kirby – Shawn Harris & Senator Raphael Warnock

The stakes in this race are shaped by the departure of Marjorie Taylor Greene, who represented the district since 2020 and brought national attention to northwest Georgia.

Greene announced in November 2025 that she would resign, setting her final day in office as January 5, 2026. Her decision followed a highly publicized political rift within Republican circles, along with mounting pressure inside her party and concerns about a potentially difficult primary, according to national reports.

The open seat quickly drew national interest. In February, Donald Trump endorsed Republican candidate Clay Fuller, a district attorney whose campaign emphasizes law enforcement experience and party unity.

That endorsement, however, did not produce a majority winner in the initial election. Fuller advanced from a crowded 14-candidate field but fell short of the 50 percent threshold required to avoid a runoff.

He has since expressed confidence that Republican voters will consolidate behind him in the final vote.

Harris on Leadership: Local and Global

For Harris, the campaign is both forward-looking and personal. Having previously faced Greene, this race represents a new opportunity to redefine leadership in the district.

Between handshakes and conversations, he addressed not only local concerns but global ones, including U.S. involvement in Iran.

“We can win this war militarily,” Harris said. “However, we can lose this war politically.”

Drawing on his experience with Central Command, he argued that Americans deserve clearer communication especially as global decisions impact everyday costs like fuel and agriculture.

But again and again, his message returned to the same place: leadership, accountability, and trust.

The Choice Before Voters

The race now comes down to a clear contrast.

Harris presents himself as a steady, service-driven leader shaped by decades in uniform focused on discipline, transparency, and what supporters describe as independent judgment.

Fuller, backed by Trump, represents a continuation of conservative leadership in the district, with an emphasis on law enforcement, prosecution, and party alignment.

For voters like Katrina Rebels of Powder Springs, the stakes are immediate.

“This election is so very important,” she said. “I will be out there voting – first one in line as usual.”

Where This Race Will Be Decided

As early voting concludes and Election Day approaches, Georgia’s 14th District stands at a crossroads.

Once considered a quiet stronghold, it is now a proving ground where national attention meets local reality.

And while endorsements and headlines may shape perception, the outcome will likely be decided in places like Hiram – inside barbershops, restaurants, and small businesses, where voters are weighing not just politics, but the kind of leadership they want next.

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Hegseth Ousts Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, accelerating a sweeping leadership shake‑up across senior military ranks in the Trump administration.

By Jennifer Jacobs, Eleanor Watson, James LaPorta | Washington, DC | April 2, 2026

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George to step down and take immediate retirement, sources familiar with the decision told CBS News. 

One of the sources said Hegseth wants someone in the role who will implement President Trump and Hegseth’s vision for the Army. 

Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement that George “will be retiring from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army effective immediately. The Department of War is grateful for General George’s decades of service to our nation. We wish him well in his retirement.”

A senior Defense Department official told CBS News, “We are grateful for his service, but it was time for a leadership change in the Army.”

Two other Army officers were removed from their roles, according to three sources familiar with the matter: Gen. David Hodne, who led the Army’s Transformation and Training Command, and Maj. Gen. William Green, who headed the Army’s Chaplain Corps. The Washington Post was first to report on Hodne and Green’s ouster.

George previously served as the senior military assistant to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin from 2021 to 2022, during the Biden administration, after decades of service. A career infantry officer and West Point graduate, George first served in the first Gulf War and the more recent conflicts of Iraq and Afghanistan. 

The Army chief of staff typically serves a four-year term. George was nominated for the position by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate in 2023, meaning he would typically have held the position until 2027. 

The current vice chief of staff of the Army, Gen. Christopher LaNeve, who was formerly Hegseth’s military aide, will be acting Army chief of staff. He previously served as the commanding general of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division from 2022 to 2023.

Parnell said LaNeve is “a battle-tested leader with decades of operational experience and is completely trusted by Secretary Hegseth to carry out the vision of this administration without fault.” 

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point posted photos on social media on Thursday of George, saying he “shared experience-driven guidance with cadets preparing to lead” during a visit on March 25. 

According to his biography on the Army’s website, George received his commission as an infantry officer from West Point in 1988 and deployed during Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Before serving as Army chief of staff, he was vice chief of staff of the Army from 2022 to 2023. 

Hegseth has fired more than a dozen senior military officers, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. C.Q. Brown, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James Slife and the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse. 

The ouster follows Hegseth’s X post lifting the suspension of the aircrew that flew by Kid Rock’s house in Nashville last weekend. After the Army announced the suspension of the aviators involved and an administrative review, Hegseth overruled the Army, writing on his personal X account, “No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots.” 

Hegseth’s decision to ask George to exit wasn’t related to the helicopter incident, one of the sources said. 

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Henry County Charts Path Forward with Growth, Safety, and Investment at 2026 State of the County

Henry County highlights infrastructure growth, job creation, and public safety gains as Chairwoman Carlotta Harrell outlines a strategic vision during the 2026 State of the County.

By Milton Kirby | Stockbridge, GA | April 3, 2026

More than 400 business leaders, elected officials, and residents gathered Thursday morning as Council for Quality Growth hosted the 2026 State of Henry County address, where Chairwoman Carlotta Harrell outlined a vision grounded in resilience, growth, and strategic planning.

Held at Stockbridge Community Church, the annual event brought together a cross-section of the region’s leadership to hear how Henry County is navigating economic pressures while continuing to expand infrastructure, public safety, and economic opportunity.

“This past year tested communities across the country,” Harrell said. “But Henry County remained strong by maximizing resources, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to move forward.”

Infrastructure and Mobility Investments Accelerate

A central focus of the address was transportation, where Harrell detailed ongoing roadway improvements across key corridors, including Henry and McDonough Parkway, Burg and Dutchtown Roads, and Mill and Rock Quarry Roads. Sidewalk expansions are also underway on Fairview and Flippen Roads.

The county plans to resurface 200 roads between now and next spring through a $43.8 million investment funded in part by SPLOST. Harrell also announced plans to pursue T-SPLOST 2 in November, signaling continued reliance on voter-backed funding for long-term mobility improvements.

Technology is also playing a role. Henry County has begun using connected vehicle systems that synchronize traffic signals with emergency vehicles to improve response times—a move reflecting broader regional innovation trends.

Public Safety Gains and Service Expansion

Public safety improvements showed measurable results in 2025. Harrell reported a 17% increase in DUI and drug-related arrests, alongside declines of up to 30% in key crime categories such as vehicle theft and burglaries.

The county also expanded services through jail renovations, accountability court programs, and telehealth partnerships for non-emergency 911 calls. Henry County Fire Rescue responded to more than 41,000 service calls last year, underscoring growing demand.

Economic Development Drives Job Growth

Economic development remains a cornerstone of Henry County’s strategy. In 2025, the Henry County Development Authority helped attract 920 new jobs and $883 million in capital investment.

Major projects include a $300 million plastics recycling facility by Nexus Circular, a $40 million investment by Brava Roofing Tiles, and a $115 million cold storage facility by United States Cold Storage.

According to federal labor data, Henry County led Georgia’s largest counties in year-over-year employment growth. Workforce partnerships with local schools and Southern Crescent Technical College are helping align training with these new opportunities.

Healthcare expansion is also underway. Piedmont Henry Hospital is adding 100 beds and three new operating rooms, signaling continued population growth and healthcare demand.

Quality of Life Investments Expand Across the County

Harrell highlighted $53 million in park and recreation investments, including new amenities at North Mount Carmel Park, Bud Kelley Park, Butler’s Bridge Park, and Cochran Park.

A major highlight is the nearly completed Henry County Aquatic Center and Outdoor Water Park, expected to open this summer. The county is also expanding senior programs and community services, reflecting a broader focus on livability.

Recognizing Service and Leadership

Several individuals and organizations were honored during the event. Kaiser Permanente and Sam Baker received Henry Hero Awards, while Officer Robert Adams was recognized for lifesaving actions during a tornado response.

Additional honors included awards to Fire Rescue teams from Stations 7 and 16, and Capital Projects Director Lynn Planchon for leadership on major county initiatives.

A Regional Vision for Growth

Harrell closed her address with a focus on planning and sustainability, highlighting the county’s Unified Land Development Initiative and regional mobility strategies.

“Growth without structure is a risk, but growth with strategy is an opportunity,” she said.

Regional leaders echoed that message. Michael E. Paris, CEO of the Council for Quality Growth, praised Henry County’s long-term vision, while Atlanta Regional Commission officials provided updates on water planning and infrastructure coordination.

Sponsors including Truist and Geosam Capital Group also reinforced the importance of public-private collaboration in shaping the county’s future.

As one of eight State of the County events hosted annually by the Council, the Henry County address continues to serve as a key forum connecting business, government, and community stakeholders across metro Atlanta.

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Harrell to Outline Vision for Henry County at Annual State Address

Henry County leaders gather April 2 as Chairwoman Carlotta Harrell delivers State of the County, outlining growth, development priorities, and regional collaboration shaping 2026.

By Milton Kirby | Stockbridge, GA | March 28, 2026

Henry County’s business, civic, and government leaders will gather April 2 for one of the county’s most anticipated annual events the State of Henry County Address, where vision, progress, and future priorities converge.

Hosted by the Council for Quality Growth in partnership with Henry County, the event will take place at Stockbridge Community Church and is expected to draw more than 400 attendees, including elected officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders.

At the center of the program is Carlotta Harrell, who will deliver her sixth State of Henry County address. Her remarks are expected to highlight key accomplishments from the past year while outlining strategic priorities for 2026.

Carletta Harrell – Courtesy photo

The annual gathering serves as more than a ceremonial update. It functions as a working intersection between public policy and private investment — a space where infrastructure, economic development, and quality-of-life initiatives are aligned with the needs of a growing county.

“Under Chairwoman Harrell’s forward-thinking leadership, Henry County continues to see transformative projects come to life,” said Michael Paris, emphasizing the county’s ongoing momentum.

That sentiment was echoed by Gerald McDowell, who pointed to the county’s “thoughtful development and strategic planning” as a driver of opportunity for both businesses and residents.

A Broad Coalition of Voices

This year’s program reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of regional development. In addition to Harrell’s address, attendees will hear from leaders across healthcare, finance, infrastructure, and the judicial system.

Featured speakers include:

  • Mike Alexander, representing the Atlanta Regional Commission and providing an update tied to regional water planning
  • David Kent of Piedmont Henry Hospital
  • Fadzai Konteh of Truist
  • Patrick Brooks of Geosam Capital Group
  • Holly Veal

Together, these perspectives reflect the multi-sector approach now required to manage growth in metro Atlanta’s outer counties — where population increases, infrastructure demand, and economic expansion are converging at a rapid pace.

A Platform for Policy and Progress

The State of Henry County is part of a broader regional series hosted by the Council for Quality Growth, which convenes similar events across multiple counties and agencies, including MARTA and the Atlanta BeltLine.

These events are designed not only to inform but to influence — creating a feedback loop between policymakers and the business community that helps shape decisions on infrastructure, zoning, transportation, and long-term planning.

For Henry County, that dialogue is increasingly critical. Positioned along key transportation corridors and experiencing steady residential and commercial growth, the county faces both opportunity and pressure: how to expand while maintaining livability.

Looking Ahead

As Chairwoman Harrell steps to the podium, the focus will likely center on balancing that growth ensuring that new development aligns with infrastructure capacity, workforce needs, and community expectations.

For attendees, the event offers more than a speech. It is a snapshot of where Henry County stands today and a roadmap for where it intends to go next.

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Truth Seekers Journal thrives because of readers like you. Join us in sustaining independent voices.

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