Newsletter | October 28, 2025
In this week’s Voices:
- Atlanta city council candidates share how they’ll address the city’s stormwater crisis
- As the TAD debate continues, one lifelong Grove Park resident shares her perspective
- Atlanta Streets Alive is a reminder of the expansiveness and conviviality of our communities
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Dorothy Woods has lived in Grove Park her whole life, long before anybody was talking about TAD money or “revitalization.” Back then, it was just home, maybe rough in spots, and with businesses struggling to survive along the once-vibrant Bankhead corridor.
When folks from the city came out to the neighborhood schools and community centers with charts and PowerPoints, talking about Tax Allocation Districts like they were golden tickets, Dorothy was cautiously optimistic. Now, more than 10 years after the first funding was awarded, Dorothy shares her perspective on how money from Tax Allocation Districts have impacted her neighborhood.
This story also includes interactive maps of the three Westside TADs, showing which projects have been granted TAD money.
“They said TAD money would fix sidewalks, help small businesses, bring new housing, and create opportunities right here. I remember sitting there, hopeful but cautious, thinking: ‘We’ll see if that money ever makes it this far down the block.’”
—Dorothy Woods, Grove Park resident
Canopy Atlanta and Partnership for Southern Equity asked the 40 candidates running for city council positions how they would push for integrated, equitable, and resilient stormwater solutions citywide.
From calls for a stormwater utility to demands for community oversight, the 11 Atlanta City Council candidates who responded to the questionnaire lay out their plans for funding, equity, and climate resilience.
Click on the link below to read each candidate’s full response to the questions.
Want to catch up on the work Canopy Atlanta is doing and share what is happening in your neighborhood? Come out for a free cup of coffee this week.
Canopy Atlanta is popping up in coffee shops around Atlanta. We’ll share our location every week in the newsletter and on social media.
📅 Thursday, Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
📍 Ke’nekt Cooperative: 1492 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30310
📅 Friday, Oct. 31, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
📍Refuge Coffee: 4170 E Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Clarkston, GA 30021
By Nzingha Thompson Hall, Innovation Lab Fellow
Despite the rainy weather on Sunday, folks on scooters, skateboards, and rollerblades zipped up and down Georgia and Ralph David Abernathy avenues as part of Atlanta Streets Alive. Beginning in the West End and ending in Grant Park, last weekend’s event aims to connect seven neighborhoods across the route by creating a car-free, vibrant, walkable atmosphere that celebrates local artists, businesses, and community organizations.
Canopy Atlanta came out to share our latest project, When the Creeks Rise, and hear from residents who’ve experienced flooding in their neighborhoods.
The hustle and bustle was palpable. Many attendees talked about their plans to bike the full 3.5 mile event. Others gathered to discuss their favorite artists playing at Music in the Park over in the West End. Fashionistas checked out the clothing pop-up hosted by GVGatl. Ghosts, witches, and ghouls were spotted on many corners as children wore their finest Halloween costumes.
Atlanta Streets Alive is a reminder of the expansiveness and conviviality of our communities.
Canopy Atlanta does journalism differently. We pay and train local journalists to cover local issues, overseen by local editorial boards. Help us keep it local by becoming a member today.
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