AGP Executive Report

Local Philanthropy: Jackson EMC Foundation approved $85,000 in grants, including $30,000 for Jackson County groups, with support ranging from youth summer programs and teen mental health to a Mini-Medical School Summer Academy. Health & Wellness: New research links GLP-1-based meds to fewer serious heart events and fewer emergency visits among adults who have both obesity and autoimmune disease. Education & Equity: Georgia was selected for Attendance Works’ “Deep Dive” cohort to cut chronic absenteeism and boost student engagement, building on the state’s attendance dashboard and targeted support. Community & Learning: A Black-owned financial literacy board game, “Black Blocks,” launches with a mission to teach wealth-building through Black history and real-world money decisions. Culture & Sports (Atlanta): The Pirates and Braves wrap up their series at Truist Park, with Atlanta looking to keep the momentum after earlier wins. Social Issues: Immigration advocates argue closing an ICE detention center is the only real fix, while officials say Delaney Hall won’t shut down.

Gender & Communication: A Chamblee woman’s story spotlights why women over-apologize, tying it to an “impossible set of expectations” that pressures girls to be nurturing, competitive, and desirable at once. Education Enrollment Watch: Georgia districts keep releasing 2024-25 school demographic snapshots, from Valdosta Middle’s 124 white students to Cobb’s Campbell High (2,996 total) and Forsyth’s Lambert High (3,246, majority Asian). Community & Youth Support: Jackson EMC Foundation awarded $40,000 to Hall County programs, including summer learning, college prep for English learners, and art therapy for youth. Local School Spotlight: Howard High School led Bibb County enrollment (1,132) with Black students at 71%, while Morrow High topped Clayton County (2,020) with Black students at 67%. Culture & Community Events: Lithonia’s Mikey’s Sparkle Family Fun Day returns June 21, bringing Caribbean food, music, and kids’ activities to the Atlanta area.

STEM & Community Spotlight: Madisonville Community College’s GLAD summer camp honored Dr. Mike Shifflett for 13 years of teaching astronomy and physics, even as he’s sidelined by cancer—students and volunteers still made sure his impact was celebrated. Civic Innovation in Atlanta: The Center for Civic Innovation opened a new 4,500-square-foot headquarters at Atlanta’s historic Prince Hall Lodge, expanding policy work, civic labs, classes, and a co-working hub for community problem-solvers. Human Rights Watch: The Southern Center for Human Rights says conditions at the Fulton County Jail are so dire that more inmates will die, after former prisoners described inadequate food, water, and medical care. Gullah Geechee & Local Zoning: McIntosh County proposed new limits for Sapelo Island’s Hogg Hummock—capping home size and height—after residents pushed back against earlier zoning changes that raised fears of gentrification. Education & Tech Training: Georgia Cyber Center hosted a cybersecurity workshop for teachers, pairing educators with industry partners to better align classroom learning with workforce needs. Elections: DeKalb County’s primary runoff early voting runs June 6–12, with Election Day June 16. Arts & Culture: Susan Ker-Seymer’s “Some Kind Of Love” opens June 6 at Marcia Wood Gallery in Buckhead, debuting her new body of work.

Local Business & Community: Four new Black woman-owned businesses opened inside Atlanta Municipal Market, including A Taste of Secrets (Jamaican-Puerto Rican fusion), with a ribbon-cutting, tastings, and a mini-tour on June 5. Education Funding & Planning: DeKalb County Schools reviewed a proposed E-SPLOST VII renewal that would ask voters to continue a 1% education sales tax and could generate up to $946.8M for capital projects plus up to $500M in bonds, with the vote set for Nov. 3, 2026. School Enrollment Snapshots: Georgia Department of Education data highlighted shifting demographics at multiple campuses, including Meadowcreek Elementary (Hispanic students down to 76% of 754), McCall Primary (African American students up to 36% of 241), and Mount Bethel Elementary (white students 66% of 887). Health & Wellness: A “Brain Chat” podcast episode from Smyrna’s Joy Life Wellness Group breaks down sleep science and practical ways to improve rest. Sports Culture: Atlanta-area soccer superfans are gearing up for World Cup energy, with American Outlaws-style fandom bringing flags, costumes, and big-match vibes. Outdoor Recreation: Georgia DNR is promoting National Fishing and Boating Week (June 6–14) with two free fishing days on June 6 and June 13.

Public Safety & Transit: The federal government has launched an investigation into Atlanta’s MARTA rail system after back-to-back stabbings, with the FTA asking for detailed safety and security plans. Education Policy: Bibb County’s school board is weighing possible elementary school closures as it tries to close a growing budget deficit. Immigration & Families: Upstate South Carolina ICE detentions are driving urgent calls from families trying to locate detained loved ones, as lawyers warn detentions are rising. Community & Culture: The Atlanta BeltLine is hosting a World Cup-themed festival at Pittsburgh Yards, mixing screenings, music, and local vendors. Health & Training: The American Heart Association and NWSL are teaming up to expand CPR and AED education through the league’s 2026 “Nation of Lifesavers” ambassador class. Local Agriculture: Georgia’s oyster season will close for summer, reopening in October under state public-health rules. Workforce & Skills: A new Center for Welding and Automation Excellence is set to open in Greenville this fall, aiming to feed Georgia’s skilled-labor pipeline. Education & Enrollment Snapshot: Lake Forest Hills Elementary in Augusta-area Richmond County reported a notable shift in student demographics for 2024-25, reflecting ongoing enrollment changes across Georgia schools.

Home Renovation: Hill Residential Contractors LLC is positioning itself as a full-service Georgia remodeling shop, bundling kitchen, bath, basement and flooring work into one “turnkey” transformation. Voting Rights & Courts: A DOJ voting lawyer tied to 2020 election challenges and George Floyd’s killer’s defense is now appearing in Georgia-related voter-record litigation. Arts in Schools: West Jackson Elementary in Georgia has been named a Creative School/Arts Integration School of Excellence by GaDOE. Atlanta Fringe: The 14th annual Atlanta Fringe Festival returns with 51 shows, including 21 led by LGBTQ+ artists, running through June 7. Community & Culture: Atlanta museums get a family-friendly spotlight in a new guide, including the Waffle House Museum. Education Demographics: New Georgia enrollment snapshots show shifting student populations at multiple schools, alongside continued chronic absenteeism concerns. Georgia’s Global Wine Moment: Georgian wine promotion expands internationally, with showcases and masterclasses tied to “Georgia – The Homeland of Wine.” Sports & Local Voices: Georgia Southern’s “Voice of the Eagles” Danny Reed is set to leave for Westwood One Radio at month’s end.

Georgia Wine in Paris: Georgia’s National Wine Agency and the Embassy of Georgia hosted Paris tastings and tours, including a Michelin-starred stop at Episode, spotlighting qvevri wines and traditional methods for HoReCa and international media. Public Health & Youth Support: In Monroe County, Arena Counseling’s “Light in the Dark” green-light initiative is rallying for mental health counseling as a key state grant runs out, while Macon-Bibb’s EMA fair offered opioid overdose tools like naloxone and fentanyl test strips. World Cup Readiness Watch: Atlanta advocates are pushing for answers on last-minute World Cup construction, flooding, and utility failures, arguing some upgrades prioritize appearances and profits. School Politics & Accountability: Coweta County officials say candidate Tim Ryan omitted Atlanta Public Schools from his resume and application, renewing scrutiny over hiring disclosures. Education Funding Pressure: Savannah-Chatham faces a $6.1M budget shortfall that could mean cuts to raises, staffing, legal services, and emergency weather funding. Community & Culture: Atlanta’s Pride month concerts feature LGBTQ+ choruses, and Georgia State University celebrated spring 2026 graduates at its 111th commencement.

Education & Demographics: Cobb’s Chalker Elementary reported 43% white enrollment in 2024-25, while Gwinnett’s Meadowcreek (3% Asian) and Walnut Grove (23% white) released fresh enrollment snapshots as Georgia continues to wrestle with post-pandemic chronic absenteeism. Local Governance: DeKalb DA Sherry Boston sued over a new Georgia law making most metro Atlanta county elections nonpartisan, arguing it’s unconstitutional. Public Health & Community: Morehouse School of Medicine is partnering with Atlanta on plans for a major new hospital in Southwest Atlanta aimed at closing emergency and specialty-care gaps. Agriculture: Georgia pecan growers voted to keep the Georgia Pecan Commission marketing assessment through 2029, funding education, promotion, and research. Culture & Pride: Pride Month programming and community events are rolling out across metro Atlanta, with organizers spotlighting queer joy, organizing, and drag/dance gatherings. Sports & Entertainment: Moana’s live-action remake is set to run 120 minutes, and Catholic dioceses are preparing for the World Cup as a pastoral moment of global encounter. Safety & Accountability: Roswell police arrested former Roswell High educator Amanda Katz, accused of improper sexual contact with a 16-year-old student.

Arts & Community (World Cup): Atlanta Cultural Exchange launched as the city’s World Cup cultural platform, aiming to let local creatives tell Atlanta’s story to the world. Public Art: Downtown Atlanta mural push added 11 new works (plus partners), including the Stitch City mural on the Forsyth Street Bridge. Music Loss: Peabo Bryson, the Atlanta-linked voice behind Disney classics “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World,” died at 75; Mayor Andre Dickens led tributes. Health & Safety (Wildlife): UGA researchers warn snake illnesses could threaten vulnerable species, with multiple pathogens found in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina snakes. Education (Budget): Bibb County school board tentatively approved a FY27 plan adding literacy coaches while pausing staff step increases and studying possible elementary school consolidations/closures. Education (Workforce): Georgia-Pacific and Diboll High School launched a technical skills course with students earning industry certifications. Policy & Lifestyle (Hunting): Gov. Kemp signed legislation letting grades 6–12 take hunter safety education as part of school curriculum. Local Growth & Planning: Statesboro approved a data center ordinance with size limits and special-permit requirements after public concerns. Sports & Culture: Les Claypool talked “Claypool Gold” and Atlanta-area Caverns plans, while Atlanta’s World Cup season also brings themed fan events and watch parties.

Medicaid & Work Rules: CMS says millions of Medicaid adults in ACA expansion states could face new work, education, or community engagement requirements starting Jan. 1, 2027, with major groups like pregnant people, people with disabilities, and many caregivers exempt. Local Infrastructure: Clayton County shared SPLOST progress, including Fire Station No. 9 nearing completion and updates tied to the Lakeview Events Center Amphitheater and county administration building. Coastal Health: Georgia’s recreational and commercial oyster season closes June 1, 2026 at 6 a.m. and reopens Oct. 1, 2026, as part of a Vibrio control plan. Arts & Community: Atlanta’s Sommlympics returns Jan. 10, 2027 at Hotel Phoenix, and The White Dress Project will host its 2026 Empowerment Experience July 24–26 in Atlanta honoring Lupita Nyong’o. Education Watch: A hearing is set June 9 on the future of the Dublin BOE after years of financial turmoil and accreditation risk. Food & Culture: Slutty Vegan announces new Atlanta franchise deals, and Georgia’s oyster closure is paired with summer-season public health guidance.

Youth Sports & Equity: A new UGA Grady study argues Georgia’s expensive club soccer “pay-to-play” system grew as a market response to unequal school funding, with elite clubs charging roughly $1,000–$10,000 a year for coaching and competition. Education Spotlight: Jones County’s Charm Mapp was named Georgia’s 2027 Teacher of the Year, praised for hands-on math and “number talks.” School Safety Tech: Georgia will pilot drone-based active-shooter response at five metro and statewide high schools this fall, funded in the 2026 budget. World Cup Culture in Atlanta: Walton Street’s “Global Grub Alley” returns during 2026 World Cup matches with a car-free food-truck corridor for locals and visitors. Local Governance & Growth: Jefferson officials held the first hearing for “Project Orchid,” a proposed 158-acre metal manufacturing site that has sparked resident controversy. Community Life: UGA Extension is hosting a winter-insect survival program for gardeners, and Cartersville City Schools was selected for an innovative learning-model initiative. Elections (practical): Bulloch County voters get a short early-voting window for the June 16 primary runoff (Mon–Fri, June 8–12).

Georgia Politics & Policy: State Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming) argues Georgia’s lieutenant governor runoff should focus on cost pressures and data-center impacts, calling for repeal of the 2018 tax abatement and a broader income-tax cut. Education & Community Demographics: New Georgia Department of Education enrollment snapshots show shifting student populations across metro and statewide schools, including Ola Elementary (113 Hispanic students, down 11%), Sweetwater Middle (1,062 Hispanic students, up 2.6%), and Arcado Elementary (313 Hispanic students, up 5.4%), alongside ongoing concerns about chronic absenteeism (20.7% of students missing 10%+ of days in 2024). Public Health & Outdoors: Georgia’s Alzheimer’s Association invites Statesboro residents to join the Nov. 7 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Mill Creek Regional Park, while National Fishing and Boating Week runs June 6–14 with two free fishing days on June 6 and June 13. Arts, Culture & Lifestyle: Georgia is set to host the 2027 World Congress of the International Organization of Vine and Wine, a boost for the state’s wine culture and global visibility. Tech & Privacy: A debate over Flock Safety’s license-plate cameras is heating up, with critics warning about warrantless tracking and local privacy tradeoffs. Sports & Local Flavor: Ticket applications for the 2027 Masters open June 1 via a random selection process, and Atlanta’s World Cup season is already driving watch-party and fan-event buzz.

Education & Community Resilience: Atlanta Community Schools’ Class of 2026 celebrated graduation after pandemic-era disruption, major storms, and a push toward volunteering and food drives. Public Health & Foodways: Georgia’s recreational and commercial oyster season closes June 1 at 6 a.m., then reopens Oct. 1—part of the state’s Vibrio control plan. Immigration & Local Legal Fight: Social Circle sued over a proposed ICE “megacenter,” arguing it would strain water, sewage, and emergency services and violate federal decision-making rules. School Demographics Watch: New state enrollment snapshots highlight shifting racial/ethnic counts at multiple Georgia schools, alongside ongoing chronic absenteeism concerns. Arts & Local Makers: Atlanta’s slow-fashion and small-batch craft scene gets a spotlight, from handmade moss art to resin jewelry and a renewed neighborhood butcher culture. Sports & Life Off the Field: Ball State confirmed the death of Georgia-raised freshman Gavin Yates-Lyons after a Florida shooting. Culture & Civic Memory: Thomasville honored historian Jack Hadley on his 90th birthday for founding the Jack Hadley Black History Museum.

School Enrollment Snapshots: New data from the Georgia Department of Education shows shifting demographics across local campuses, including Stripling Elementary (500 Hispanic students, 64% of enrollment) and Mabry Middle (624 white students, 66%), alongside other notable counts like Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary (464 African American students, 96%) and Ola Elementary (411 African American students, 47%). Attendance Pressure: Multiple stories tie the figures to Georgia’s ongoing chronic absenteeism challenge (20.7% missing 10%+ of school days in 2024) and the state’s push for dashboards, outreach, and support. Pop Culture in Atlanta: MomoCon 2026 wrapped with a record 67,277 attendees and a $10,000 donation to Silence the Shame, plus ticket help for 1,400 kids through local nonprofits. Outdoor & Coastal Life: Georgia DNR launched GeorgiaRedSnapper.com to guide anglers through mandatory reporting for the red snapper project season (July 1–Aug. 31). Community Spotlight: A Gwinnett Juneteenth Celebration and Music Festival is set for June 20 at the fairgrounds, with vendors and local artists invited to participate.

Education & Attendance: Georgia’s post-pandemic attendance push is back in focus as the state reports 20.7% of students missed at least 10% of school days in 2024, alongside a statewide plan featuring an attendance dashboard, public awareness, and targeted help; new 2025 rules also bar expulsion based solely on absenteeism. School Demographics (Clayton to Gwinnett): Recent Georgia Department of Education enrollment snapshots show shifting representation across metro schools, from Lake Ridge Elementary’s 2% multiracial enrollment (down 30.8%) to Mason Elementary’s 13% white enrollment, plus multiple updates across Asian, Hispanic, and African American counts in schools like Poole’s Mill, Sara Harp Minter, and Timothy. Public Health (HIV): A CDC-linked update highlights slight improvements in HIV care outcomes, with 83% of 2024 diagnoses linked to care within a month and 69% reaching viral suppression, while stressing the need for expanded testing and prevention. World Cup Culture: FIFA unveiled music lineups for the 2026 World Cup opening ceremonies, including Atlanta rapper Future in the U.S. show and a halftime performance planned for the final.

Education & Philanthropy: Griffin’s ABWA Iris Chapter raised $19,462 through its “Drive the Runway” fashion show, splitting proceeds between college scholarships and the Salvation Army’s After School Program. Community Grants: The Community Foundation of West Georgia opens its 2026 Community Impact Grant cycle June 1, funding arts, education, environment, and human services across Carroll, Haralson, and Heard counties. Youth & Learning: Dunwoody sixth grader Sarv Dharavane placed third at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, while Second Lady Usha Vance announced a Georgia winner in the America’s 250 bookmark design challenge. Arts & Entertainment: Atlanta’s LEGO Discovery Center is building a World Cup trophy-inspired display, and the Savannah Bananas’ dance-driven game-day show continues to turn baseball into a full-on spectacle. Food & Local Economy: “Global Grub Alley” is coming to downtown Atlanta during 2026 World Cup match days, and Georgia’s Shrimp Transparency Act will require restaurants to label local vs. imported shrimp starting Jan. 1, 2027. Public Safety & Policy: Atlanta’s World Cup planning includes new safety efforts, while SNAP cuts are flagged as worsening food insecurity for vulnerable communities.