#atlanta economic growth

[stratuspropertygroup]

Industrial Property Market Analysis

Stay ahead of the curve in the competitive commercial real estate market in Atlanta with insights from Stratus Property Group. Our industry expertise and local knowledge ensure you make informed decisions!

[robertreich]

The Dark Side of Sports Stadiums

Billionaires have found one more way to funnel our tax dollars into their bank accounts: sports stadiums. And if we don’t play ball, they’ll take our favorite teams away.

Ever notice how there never seems to be enough money to build public infrastructure like mass transit lines and better schools? And yet, when a multi-billion-dollar sports team demands a new stadium, our local governments are happy to oblige.

A good example of this billionaire boondoggle is the host of the 2023 Super Bowl: State Farm Stadium.

That's where the Arizona Cardinals have played since 2006. It was finally built after billionaire team owner Michael Bidwill and his family spent years hinting that they would move the Cards out of Arizona if the team didn't get a new stadium. Their blitz eventually worked, with Arizona taxpayers and the city of Glendale paying over two thirds of the $455 million construction tab.

And State Farm Stadium is not unique. It’s part of a well established playbook.

Here’s how stadiums stick the public with the bill.

Step 1: Billionaire buys a sports team.

Just about every NFL franchise owner has a net worth of over a billion dollars — except for the Green Bay Packers, who are publicly owned by half a million cheeseheads.

The same goes for many franchise owners in other sports. Their fortunes don’t just help them buy teams, but also give them clout — which they cash-in when they want to get a great deal on new digs for their team.

Step 2: Billionaire pressures local government.

Since 1990, franchises in major North American sports leagues have intercepted upwards of $30 billion worth of taxpayer funds from state and local governments to build stadiums.  

And the funding itself is just the beginning of these sweetheart deals.

Sports teams often get big property tax breaks and reimbursements on operating expenses, like utilities and security on game days. Most deals also let the owners keep the revenue from naming rights, luxury box seats, and concessions — like the Atlanta Braves’ $150 hamburger.

Even worse, these deals often put taxpayers on the hook for stadium maintenance and repairs.

We taxpayers are essentially paying for the homes of our favorite sports teams, but we don’t really own those homes, we don’t get to rent them out, and we still have to buy expensive tickets to visit them.

Whenever these billionaire owners try to sell us on a shiny new stadium, they claim it will spur economic growth from which we’ll all benefit.  But numerous studies have shown that this is false.

As a University of Chicago economist aptly put it, "If you want to inject money into the local economy, it would be better to drop it from a helicopter than invest it in a new ballpark."

But what makes sports teams special is they are one of the few realms of collective identity we have left.

Billionaires prey on the love that millions of fans have for their favorite teams.

This brings us to the final step in the playbook: Threaten to move the team.

Obscenely rich owners threaten to — or actually do — rip teams out of their communities if they don’t get the subsidies they demand.

Just look at the Seattle Supersonics. Starbucks’ founder Howard Schultz owned the NBA franchise but failed to secure public funding to build a new stadium. So the coffee magnate sold the team to another wealthy businessman who moved it to Oklahoma.

The most egregious part of how the system currently works is that every dollar we spend building stadiums is a dollar we aren’t using for hospitals or housing or schools.

We are underfunding public necessities in order to funnel money to billionaires for something they could feasibly afford.

So, instead of spending billions on extravagant stadiums, we should be investing taxpayer money in things that improve the lives of everyone — not just the bottom lines of profitable sports teams and their owners.  

Because when it comes to stadium deals, the only winners are billionaires.

[threadatl]

This is a good article about Atlanta's I-MIX zoning designation, created in 2020 to allow for mixed-use development in formerly industrial spaces while leaving space for some industrial uses. Some of the biggest recent developments in the city have happened through this zoning.

Apparently the success of it is prompting other cities to explore similar zoning designations.

And while it's good to see new life on these properties, there's still some serious work to be done to improve the projects. Apart from the obvious need to fund affordability in theme, there's also the transportation component that needs to be addressed.

The article focuses on The Works on Chatthoochee Avenue. It's a street that lacks frequent transit, has no protected bike lanes, and has spotty sidewalks. We can do better than drive-to urbanism. Instead of just applauding individual developments in a vacuum, let's work at a more holistic level and ensure that these projects are part of equitable, sustainable urban neighborhoods.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Mike Smith :: Las Vegas Sun

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

April 29, 2024

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

APR 30, 2024

In December 2020, when the pandemic illustrated the extraordinary disadvantage created by the inability of those in low-income households to communicate online with schools and medical professionals, then-president Trump signed into law an emergency program to provide funding to make internet access affordable. In 2021, Congress turned that idea into the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and made it part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law). 

The program has enabled 23 million American households to afford high-speed internet. Those benefiting from it are primarily military families, older Americans, and Black, Latino, and Indigenous households. In February, the Brookings Institution cited economics studies that said each dollar invested in the ACP increases the nation’s gross domestic product by $3.89 and that the program has led to increased employment and higher wages. It also cuts the costs of healthcare by replacing some in-person emergency room visits with telehealth.  

Slightly more of the money in the program goes to districts represented by Republicans than to those represented by Democrats, which might explain why 79% of voters want to continue the program: 96% of Democrats, 78% of Independents, and 62% of Republicans.

But the ACP is running out of money. Back in October 2023, President Joe Biden asked Congress to fund it until the end of 2024, and a bipartisan bill that would extend the program has been introduced in both chambers of Congress. Each remains in an appropriation committee. As of today, the House bill has 228 co-sponsors, the Senate bill has 5. 

Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has said he supports the measure, but House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has not commented. Judd Legum pointed out in Popular Information today that the 2025 budget of the far-right Republican Study Committee (RSC) calls for allowing the ACP to expire, saying the RSC “stands against corporate welfare and government handouts that disincentivize prosperity.” More than four fifths of House Republicans belong to the RSC. 

The differences between the parties’ apparent positions on the ACP illustrates the difference in their political ideology. Republicans object to government investment in society and believe market forces should be left to operate without interference in order to promote prosperity. Democrats believe that economic prosperity comes from the hard work of ordinary people and that government investment in society clears the way for those people to succeed. 

Wealth growth for young Americans was stagnant for decades before the pandemic, but it has suddenly experienced a historic rise. In Axios, Emily Peck reported that household wealth for Americans under 40 has risen an astonishing 49% from where it was before the pandemic. Wealth doubled for those born between 1981 and 1996. This increase in household wealth comes in part from rising home prices and more financial assets, as well as less debt, which fell by $5,000 per household. Households of those under 35 have shown a 140% increase in median wealth in the same time period.

Brendan Duke and Christian E. Weller, the authors of the Center for American Progress study from which Peck’s information came, say this wealth growth is not tied to a few super-high earners, but rather reflects broad based improvement. “A simple reason for the strong wealth growth is that younger Americans are experiencing an especially low unemployment rate and especially strong wage growth,” Duke and Weller note, “making it easier for them to accumulate wealth.” 

In honor of National Small Business Week, Vice President Kamala Harris today launched an “economic opportunity tour” in Atlanta, where she highlighted the federal government’s $158 million investment in “The Stitch,” a project to reconnect midtown to downtown Atlanta. This project is an initial attempt to reconnect the communities that were severed by the construction of highways, often cutting minority or poor neighborhoods off from jobs and driving away businesses while saddling the neighborhoods with pollution. 

While some advocates wanted to use the $3.3 billion available from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act to take down highways altogether, the administration has shied away from such a dramatic revision and has instead focused on creating new public green spaces, bike paths, access to public transportation, safety features, and so on, to link and improve neighborhoods. More than 40 states so far have received funding under this program. 

The administration says that projects like The Stitch will promote economic growth in neighborhoods that have borne the burden of past infrastructure projects. Today it touted the extraordinary growth of small businesses since Biden and Harris took office, noting that their economic agenda “has driven the first, second and third strongest years of new business application rates on record—and is on pace for the fourth—with Americans filing a record 17.2 million new business applications.” 

Small businesses owned by historically underserved populations “are growing at near-historic rates, with Black business ownership growing at the fastest pace in 30 years and Latino business ownership growing at the fastest pace in more than a decade,” the White House said. The administration has invested in small businesses, working to level the playing field between them and their larger counterparts by making capital and information available, while working to reform the tax code so that corporations pay as much in taxes as small businesses do.  

“Small businesses are the engines of the economy,” the White House said today. “As President Biden says, every time someone starts a new small business, it’s an act of hope and confidence in our economy.” 

In place of economic growth, Republicans have focused on whipping up supporters by insisting that Democrats are corrupt and are cheating to take over the government. Matt Gertz of Media Matters noted in February that “Fox News host Sean Hannity and his House Republican allies spent 2023 trying to manufacture an impeachable offense against President Joe Biden out of their fact-free obsession with the president’s son, Hunter.” At least 325 segments about Hunter Biden appeared on Hannity’s show in 2023; 220 had at least one false or misleading claim. The most frequent purveyor of that disinformation was Representative James Comer (R-KY), chair of the House Oversight Committee, who went onto the show 43 times to talk about the president’s son. 

The House impeachment inquiry was really designed to salt right-wing media channels with lies about the president and, in the end, turned up nothing other than witnesses who said President Biden was not involved in his son’s businesses. Then the Republicans’ key witness, Alexander Smirnov, was indicted for lying about the Bidens, and then he turned out to be in contact with Russian spies. 

Comer has been quietly backing away from impeaching the president until today, when he popped back into the spotlight after news broke that Hunter Biden’s lawyer has threatened to sue the Fox News Channel (FNC) for “conspiracy and subsequent actions to defame Mr. Biden and paint him in a false light, the unlicensed commercial exploitation of his image, name, and likeness, and the unlawful publication of hacked intimate images of him.” His lawyer’s letter calls out FNC’s promotion of Smirnov’s false allegations. 

Last year, FNC paid almost $800 million to settle defamation claims made by Dominion Voting Systems after FNC hosts pushed the lie that Dominion machines had changed the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. 

Legal pressure on companies lying for profit has proved successful. Two weeks ago, the far-right media channel One America News Network (OAN) settled a defamation lawsuit with the voting technology company Smartmatic. Today, OAN retracted a false story about former Trump fixer Michael Cohen, apparently made to discredit the testimony of Stormy Daniels about her sexual encounters with Trump. OAN suggested that it was Cohen rather than Trump who had a relationship with Daniels, and that Cohen had extorted Trump over the story.  

“OAN apologizes to Mr. Cohen for any harm the publication may have caused him,” the network wrote in a statement. “To be clear, no evidence suggests that Mr. Cohen and Ms. Daniels were having an affair and no evidence suggests that Mr. Cohen ‘cooked up’ the scheme to extort the Trump Organization before the 2016 election.”

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[aqquai]

The Democratic party needs drastic changes in messaging to win the next election. The party is seen as old, affulent, and out of touch with middle America.

Harris did, in part, what she attempted to: make gains in white, college educated suburbs while minimizing losses everywhere else. She did the first part relatively well.

The Democrats believed that by moving to the right on specific issues, they could win moderate suburban (generally wealthier) voters. Harris portrayed herself as tough on crime, strong on border control, and put forth means tested welfare policies. She did her best to portray herself as an extension of the status quo, and Trump as a radical.

Democrats made gains they desired: in the suburbs of Atlanta and Dallas, and shifts to the right were minimized in wealthy suburbs outside cities like Milwalkee and Austin, even as those states made hard turns to the right. In 2024, more than any other election year in recent history, voters for the Democratic candidate were comparitively wealthier and older.

It is clear that voters wanted a change to the status quo. If the Democrats want to get back the voters they lost: Hispanic and Black voters in high cost of living cities, working class voters in the rust belt, young voters, they need to acknowledge that the issues they are facing are real.

Globalization and neoliberal economic policy have led to a loss in manufacturing jobs. Poor planning has made large cities too expensive to live in. Inequality and midde class flights have led to poverty concentration in urban centers and increased crime. Job growth is strong, but most of this growth has been in lower paid service sector work: underemployement is a real issue for young voters, and they are generally worse off than previous generations. And politicians, wealthier than ever, seem more bothered by fundraising and corporate interests.

And Republicans have been able to make these issues stick to Biden-Harris.

Workers feel screwed over and overworked, and Trump is telling people that they are. He says immigrants and "coastal elites" are bringing crime and taking jobs, while Americans are being left behind. Trump, to the working class voters who left the Democrats behind, was seen authentically pointing out issues "everyones thinking about:" job loss, crime, immigration, war, and inflation. Trump's platform is short and to the point, while Harris's takes 600 words to answer one policy question.

Elections are based on vibes, and the "Vibe" of the Democratic party is that it's dominated by liberal intellectuals and party machine candidates. Policy such as student loan forgiveness, tax cuts for first-time homebuyers, etc, mean nothing to voters who never went to college and can't imagine buying a home in this economy.

If the Democrats want to move to the right on issues like crime and immigration--if they think this will better reach voters--they cannot simply just take a page out of the Republican's playbook and start talking about border security and being tough on crime. Using Republican framing will fail and will just legitimize Republican talking points.

If they want to move right on issues of immigration and crime, Democrats need to frame the issues in "Democrat" ways. Talk about the potential depressing effect immigrants have on wages. Talk about how big agribusiness loves illegal immigration because they can exploit that labor more, and this is why nothing is done. Talk about inequality and its relation to crime. Talk about how large chains have eaten away at small businesses in middle America, killing downtowns and a small town middle-class.

Democrats also must talk about issues that are generally relatable to voters and motivate their base. Issues like expensive health insurance, strong union rights, high housing costs, stagnant real wages, and money in politics.

A Republican would tell you that it was DEI, abortion, and lgbt issues that caused voters to leave the Democratic party, but I would disagree. Harris, more than Hillary, minimized her gender and focused on policy. Voters broadly agree with the democratic party on issues of abortion and lgbt, but those issues are simply not as important as the core economic issues that bring people to the polls.

I voted for Harris, but I could see her loss coming before the election started. I work with people on the ground, and they feel unheard.

[atlantathecity]

I love this scene. But it's not enough.

Getting affordability right and implementing rail are both key components for equity on the Atlanta Beltline.

If the Beltline ends up as a playground for wealthy & able bodied people, that means we've spent tons of public resources to benefit the privileged -- to generate gentrification.

This has to become a transportation and neighborhood-building project that benefits every economic group, and every ability. We have to do better with funding affordable homes here amid the new growth, and we have to build the rail that has always been at the heart of the Beltline concept.

[atlurbanist]

This quote comes from Dan Immergluck's great book "Red Hot City: Housing, Race, and Exclusion in Twenty-First-Century Atlanta." Recommended reading.

Atlanta saw a 28% increase in its tech talent pool from 2013-18. During that boom, we missed a huge opportunity for equitable outcomes.

Instead of transforming that economic growth into critical public services such as subsidies for housing for lower-income Atlanta, the inflow of higher-wage workers just ended up driving local rents higher, hurting low-income folks the most.

I'm glad to see the city make good efforts toward affordable housing in recent years. We're moving in the right direction.

But going forward, we need to think of growth and investment as a tool for truly equitable outcomes, with measurable success. We're not at that point yet.

City leaders are constantly getting an earful of demands from the local elite about remaining "business friendly" and not disturbing the status quo of investment returns for powerful interests. They need to hear from the rest of us.

[capitalspport]

Top Four Events That Could Shape Markets This Week

The week begins with Donald Trump’s inauguration.

UK labor market data may challenge expectations of a BoE rate cut.

Global PMI figures could underscore differences in global growth trends.

The Bank of Japan is poised to raise interest rates, with subsequent actions likely to impact the Yen.

Last week brought significant economic developments that could shape market trends in Q1. Key among them was a batch of data indicating a return of disinflation in the US and UK. While one month of data doesn’t confirm a trend, sustained disinflation would signal easing price pressures, reassuring central banks. Markets responded positively to progress toward inflation targets. Another notable event was a drop in global bond yields. Following turmoil in the UK bond market earlier this month, UK 10-year yields declined by over 22bps, while US 10-year Treasury yields fell by 15bps.

Markets witnessed a rush to price in interest rate cuts last week. For the UK, expectations now reflect more than 2.5 rate cuts in 2024, with a 90% probability of a Bank of England rate cut in February. In the US, the likelihood of a June rate cut increased to 44%, up from 40% a week earlier. However, this strong market reaction to a single data release raises concerns, particularly given that the timing of the UK’s December inflation survey might have skewed its inflation reading. Meanwhile, the US economy is projected to have grown by 3% in Q4, per the Atlanta Fed GDP Now forecast, suggesting potential overheating and renewed inflation risks in the future.

Despite these concerns, markets rallied globally, reflecting investor relief. The Eurostoxx 50 climbed 3.4%, the FTSE 100 reached a record high with a 3.1% gain, and US indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq rose 2.9% and 2.4%, respectively. Mid-cap stocks outperformed, with the FTSE 250 up more than 4% and the Russell 2000 just under 4%. However, Germany’s MDax underperformed the Dax, possibly reflecting ongoing challenges in German economic growth.

In Japan, speculation of an interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) gained traction, with an 83% probability of a 20bps hike this month and expectations of another hike later. This marks a slow but steady normalization of Japanese interest rates, which is unlikely to disrupt global capital flows significantly due to Japan’s high public debt. The yen responded strongly, becoming the top-performing G10 currency last week and reversing its underperformance in 2024.

In FX markets, the British pound’s performance this week warrants attention. Despite the recovery in UK bonds, the pound lagged and was among the weakest G10 currencies. This may indicate skepticism over the sustainability of the bond market rally, sensitivity to rising rate cut expectations, or a delayed reaction that could lead to a rebound. All three factors likely weigh on the pound’s recovery, making its movements this week particularly notable.

RED MORE — Understanding the History and Evolution of Bitcoin : Future Trends

Here are four key factors driving markets this week

Trump 2.0

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[centelliltd]

Benefits of Outsourcing Accounting Services in Atlanta, USA - Centelli

Top 3 Benefits of Outsourcing Accounting

Delegating accounting tasks to an expert accounting firm provides several advantages that alleviate the challenges of maintaining an internal department.

Here are the key benefits:

Cost-Effective: Outsourced accounting is often more economical than in-house operations. You save on hiring costs, salaries, benefits, office space, and administrative expenses, making it a resource-efficient choice.

Access to Diverse Expertise: Service providers offer access to a wide range of skilled experts, who handle tasks efficiently and accurately. Some accounting firms specialize in specific areas, offering tailored solutions to meet exact needs.

Optimize Internal Resources: Outsourcing frees up internal resources for key business activities like R&D and marketing. In-house employees can pursue innovation and strategic growth rather than get stuck in routine financial management tasks.

Signing Up Accounting Firms in Atlanta or Elsewhere!

Outsourcing accounting and bookkeeping enables businesses to focus on core activities, effectively redirecting resources toward innovation and revenue-generating tasks. Moreover, it prevents in-house teams from being overwhelmed while ensuring access to expert support.

Whether you’re considering outsourced accounting firms in Atlanta or elsewhere in the U.S., a skilled provider can lighten your workload, saving valuable time and effort in today’s fast-paced business climate.

In addition, outsourcing helps streamline your accounting costs, contributing to greater efficiency along the way!

[stratuspropertygroup]

Atlanta Commercial Real Estate

Unlock Opportunities For Your Business in the Atlanta Commercial Real Estate Market

Welcome to the heart of opportunity—Atlanta, Georgia, where our thriving commercial real estate market stands as a beacon for businesses seeking growth and prosperity. Nestled in the bustling southeastern United States, Atlanta offers more than just a strategic location; it's a dynamic hub flowing with possibilities. Learn more as we explore what makes Atlanta the premier destination for your commercial real estate ventures and discover the advantages awaiting your business.

Strategic Location and Connectivity

Our city seamlessly connects us to the world through the renowned Hartsville-Jackson International Airport, ensuring unparalleled accessibility for businesses aiming to expand regionally or nationally. Atlanta’s strategic positioning makes it a coveted choice for those seeking to amplify their reach.

Diverse Industry Sectors

In Atlanta, diversity isn't just a buzzword; it's the cornerstone of our thriving commercial real estate market. From tech titans to healthcare heroes, Atlanta accommodates a plethora of industries, ensuring that every business finds its perfect match in our vibrant landscape.

Growing Economy

Atlanta isn't just growing; it's thriving. Fueled by a potent mix of corporate giants and burgeoning startups, our city nurtures innovation and fosters growth like no other. With each passing day, Atlanta solidifies its status as an economic powerhouse, attracting investment and driving demand for commercial real estate.

Variety of Commercial Real Estate Options

Whether you're dreaming of a sleek downtown office space or a sprawling suburban warehouse, Atlanta has it all. Our diverse portfolio of commercial properties caters to every need and aspiration, ensuring that your business finds its ideal home amidst our dynamic landscape. Additionally, Atlanta boasts mixed-use developments that combine retail, office, and residential spaces, providing a dynamic environment for work, leisure, and living.

Affordability

Atlanta's commercial real estate market offers affordability without compromising quality. Compared to other major cities, our rates are competitive, allowing businesses to stretch their resources further and invest in their growth with confidence.

Supportive Business Environment

At the heart of Atlanta lies a community dedicated to your success. From government incentives to bustling networking events, our city pulls out all the stops to support businesses of every size and sector. In Atlanta, your success isn't just a goal; it's a shared mission.

Conclusion

Atlanta isn't just a city; it's a promise of growth, opportunity, and success. With its strategic location, diverse industries, booming economy, expansive property options, affordability, and unwavering support for businesses, Atlanta stands as the ultimate destination for commercial real estate ventures. So why wait? Contact us today and allow Stratus help your business dreams come to life amidst a landscape brimming with possibilities!

[seantarpenningrealestate]

Investment Strategies That Work: The Story of Sean Tarpennings

When it comes to successful real estate investment, there are a few standout professionals whose expertise can’t be ignored. One such individual is Sean Tarpennings, a seasoned real estate professional whose strategic insights and innovative approaches have made a significant impact in markets across the United States. From humble beginnings in Kansas City to building a nationwide investment portfolio, Sean’s journey is a testament to the power of well-executed strategies, perseverance, and the ability to spot opportunities others might miss.

The Early Years: Laying the Foundation for Success

Sean Tarpennings’ career didn’t start in real estate. He grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, where he attended the University of Central Missouri and earned a Bachelor's degree in Administration and Management. His professional journey began at Cerner, a leading healthcare technology company, followed by a stint as a certified CAD technician for the US Railroad. While these early roles were integral in shaping his career, they also provided Sean with a deep understanding of systems, analysis, and strategy — skills that would later become invaluable in the real estate world.

Though his first career path may not have pointed directly to real estate, these early experiences taught him the importance of data-driven decision-making and strategic problem-solving, two qualities that would help him thrive in the competitive world of real estate investment.

Discovering Real Estate: The Spark That Changed Everything

While working in the tech and engineering industries, Sean discovered a growing interest in real estate. What started as a personal fascination quickly transformed into a passion for real estate investing. Sean recognized that real estate was more than just about buying and selling properties; it was about identifying opportunities where others saw challenges, managing risk, and creating value in underserved markets.

In 2011, Sean began collaborating with real estate professionals across various U.S. markets, honing his skills and understanding market dynamics. His ability to identify profitable investment opportunities across diverse regions would become one of his key strengths in the years to come.

Strategic Growth: A Nationwide Investment Vision

From 2011 to 2014, Sean worked alongside partners to acquire cash-flowing investment properties in cities across the Midwest and Southwest, including Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Phoenix, Atlanta, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston. During this time, he facilitated the sale of over 2,500 properties, carefully selecting markets where long-term growth and rental income potential were high.

One of Sean’s primary strategies was to focus on emerging markets that offered strong economic fundamentals but were often overlooked by larger, institutional investors. By targeting areas with stable job markets, affordable housing prices, and growing demand for rental properties, Sean was able to deliver high returns for his clients while also contributing to the revitalization of these communities.

Founding US Real Estate Equity Builder: Scaling for Impact

In 2015, Sean took his expertise to the next level by founding US Real Estate Equity Builder (USREEB), a company that would allow him to scale his investment strategies and reach even more markets. Initially focusing on the Kansas City area, Sean and his team at USREEB expanded operations into Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio, growing the business to acquire and sell over 2,500 assets, including single-family homes, multi-family units, and commercial properties.

One of Sean’s most notable achievements with USREEB was his focus on investing in low-income neighborhoods, where the need for affordable housing was highest. More than 75% of the company’s investments were directed towards these areas, creating new opportunities for local residents and providing stable, cash-flowing properties for investors.

A Commitment to Local Communities

What sets Sean apart from many other real estate investors is his commitment to the communities where he invests. Through his strategic acquisitions and partnerships, Sean has helped create jobs, stimulate local economies, and provide quality housing options to underserved populations. His real estate investments not only generated strong returns for investors, but also helped lift the communities he invested in by creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and promoting economic growth.

Key Investment Strategies That Have Led to Success

So, what exactly makes Sean Tarpennings’ investment strategies so effective? Let’s break down a few of the key principles that have guided his success:

Market Research and Data-Driven Decision-Making One of Sean’s primary strategies is his commitment to thorough market research. By analyzing economic indicators, job growth trends, and housing demand, he is able to make informed decisions about where to invest and what types of properties to target. His ability to collect and analyze data allows him to stay ahead of the curve and identify emerging markets before they become saturated.

Focus on Cash Flow Sean believes that long-term success in real estate comes from focusing on properties that generate consistent cash flow. Whether it’s single-family homes, multi-family units, or commercial properties, his investments are always driven by the potential to deliver strong, steady rental income. Cash-flowing investments provide a buffer against market fluctuations and ensure that his clients' investments remain profitable over time.

Investing in Undervalued Markets By targeting emerging markets that are often overlooked by larger investors, Sean has been able to acquire properties at a lower cost while still benefiting from significant appreciation potential. His ability to spot these undervalued markets allows him to buy low and sell high, often years before other investors catch on to the opportunity.

Creating Value Through Community Revitalization Sean is not just interested in making money — he’s also focused on making a positive impact in the areas where he invests. By acquiring properties in low-income neighborhoods and improving them, he helps revitalize these areas and provides affordable housing options to local residents. This approach creates value not only for his investors but for the entire community.

The Future of Real Estate: Looking Ahead

As of 2025, Sean continues to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions. With the growth of remote work, shifts in housing demand, and the increasing importance of sustainability, the real estate industry is evolving — and Sean is right there with it. His ability to pivot, adopt new technologies, and stay ahead of market trends ensures that his strategies remain effective in the years to come.

In the ever-changing world of real estate investing, Sean Tarpennings’ journey is proof that with the right strategy, hard work, and a commitment to adding value, it’s possible to build a successful, impactful investment portfolio. His story is one of vision, perseverance, and a passion for identifying opportunities that work — for both investors and the communities they invest in.

[threadatl]

Invest Atlanta is requesting proposals for turning a 1-acre stretch of parking lots next to MARTA’s Garnett Station into affordable & market-rate housing! The property is at 184 Forsyth Street. There is *way* to much underused space (mostly parking) around this Downtown rail station and it's past time for something to happen with it. Mixed-income housing would be a great outcome. The Request for Proposals (RFP) also asks for the project to have "revenue sources other than rent paid by residents (ground floor retail, rooftop urban farm, etc.)" Responses are due March 31, 2023. You can spot Thread ATL's own Matt Garbett in the article/video linked above, talking about why these parking lots are a bad use of this land.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

February 1, 2024

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

FEB 2, 2024

One of the biggest stories of 2023 is that the U.S. economy grew faster than any other economy in the Group of 7 nations, made up of democratic countries with the world’s largest advanced economies. By a lot. The International Monetary Fund yesterday reported that the U.S. gross domestic product—the way countries estimate their productivity—grew by 2.5%, significantly higher than the GDP of the next country on the list: Japan, at 1.9%.

IMF economists predict U.S. growth next year of 2.1%, again, higher than all the other G7 countries. The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta projects growth of 4.2% in the first quarter of 2024.

Every time I write about the booming economy, people accurately point out that these numbers don’t necessarily reflect the experiences of everyone. But they have enormous political implications. 

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, and the Democrats embraced the idea that using the government to support ordinary Americans—those on the “demand” side of the economy—would nurture strong economic growth. Republicans have insisted since the 1980s that the way to expand the economy is the opposite: to invest in the “supply side,” investors who use their capital to build businesses. 

In the first two years of the Biden-Harris administration, while the Democrats had control of the House and Senate, they passed a range of laws to boost American manufacturing, rebuild infrastructure, protect consumers, and so on. They did so almost entirely with Democratic votes, as Republicans insisted that such investments would destroy growth, in part through inflation. 

Now that the laws are beginning to take effect, their results have proved that demand-side economic policies like those in place between 1933 and 1981, when President Ronald Reagan ushered in supply-side economics, work. Even inflation, which ran high, appears to have been driven by supply chain issues, as the administration said, and by “greedflation,” in which corporations raised prices far beyond cost increases, padding payouts for their shareholders.

The demonstration that the Democrats’ policies work has put Republicans in an awkward spot. Projects funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, are so popular that Republicans are claiming credit for new projects or, as Representative Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) did on Sunday, claiming they don’t remember how they voted on the infrastructure measure and other popular bills like the CHIPS and Science Act (she voted no). When the infrastructure measure passed in 2021, just 13 House Republicans supported it. 

Today, Medicare sent its initial offers to the drug companies that manufacture the first ten drugs for which the government will negotiate prices under the Inflation Reduction Act, another hugely popular measure that passed without Republican votes. The Republicans have called for repealing this act, but their stance against what they have insisted is “socialized medicine” is showing signs of softening. In Politico yesterday, Megan Messerly noted that in three Republican-dominated states—Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi—House speakers are saying they are now open to the idea of expanding healthcare through Medicaid expansion.

In another sign that some Republicans recognize that the Democrats’ economic policies are popular, the House last night passed bipartisan tax legislation that expanded the Child Tax Credit, which had expired last year after Senate Republicans refused to extend it. Democrats still provided most of the yea votes—188 to 169—and Republicans most of the nays—47 to 23—but, together with a tax cut for businesses in the bill, the measure was a rare bipartisan victory. If it passes the Senate, it is expected to lift at least half a million children out of poverty and help about 5 million more. 

But Republicans have a personnel problem as well as a policy problem. Since the 1980s, party leaders have maintained that the federal government needs to be slashed, and their determination to just say no has elevated lawmakers whose skill set features obstruction rather than the negotiation required to pass bills. Their goal is to stay in power to stop legislation from passing.

Yesterday, for example, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), who sits on the Senate Finance Committee and used to chair it, told a reporter not to have too much faith that the child tax credit measure would pass the Senate, where Republicans can kill it with the filibuster. “Passing a tax bill that makes the president look good…means he could be reelected, and then we won’t extend the 2017 tax cuts,” Grassley said.

At the same time, the rise of right-wing media, which rewards extremism, has upended the relationship between lawmakers and voters. In CNN yesterday, Oliver Darcy explained that “the incentive structure in conservative politics has gone awry. The irresponsible and dishonest stars of the right-wing media kingdom are motivated by vastly different goals than those who are actually trying to advance conservative causes, get Republicans elected, and then ultimately govern in office.” 

Right-wing influencers want views and shares, which translate to more money and power, Darcy wrote. So they spread “increasingly outlandish, attention-grabbing junk,” and more established outlets tag along out of fear they will lose their audience. But those influencers and media hosts don’t have to govern, and the anger they generate in the base makes it hard for anyone else to, either. 

This dynamic has shown up dramatically in the House Republicans’ refusal to consider a proposed border measure on which a bipartisan group of senators had worked for four months because Trump and his extremist base turned against the idea—one that Republicans initially demanded. 

Since they took control of the House in 2023, House Republicans have been able to conduct almost no business as the extremists are essentially refusing to govern unless all their demands are met. Rather than lawmaking, they are passing extremist bills to signal to their base, holding hearings to push their talking points, and trying to find excuses to impeach the president and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.

Yesterday the editorial board of the Wall Street Journal, which is firmly on the right, warned House Republicans that “Impeaching Mayorkas Achieves Nothing” other than “political symbolism,” and urged them to work to get a border bill passed. “Grandstanding is easier than governing, and Republicans have to decide whether to accomplish anything other than impeaching Democrats,” it said. 

Today in the Washington Post, Jennifer Rubin called the Republicans’ behavior “nihilism and performative politics.”

On CNN this morning, Representative Dan Goldman (D-NY) identified the increasing isolation of the MAGA Republicans from a democratic government. “Here we are both on immigration and now on this tax bill where President Biden and a bipartisan group of Congress are trying to actually solve problems for the American people,” Goldman said, “and Chuck Grassley, Donald Trump, Mike Johnson—they are trying to kill solutions just for political gain." 

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[atlantabusinessbroker]

How Business Brokers in Atlanta Evaluate Market Trends

Business brokers in Atlanta evaluate market trends by conducting thorough research on local economic conditions, industry performance, and buyer demand. They monitor factors such as real estate values, interest rates, and industry growth projections, as these can impact a business's value and the willingness of buyers to invest. Brokers also analyze competition within the market and identify emerging sectors. By staying updated on these trends, business brokers can offer informed advice, set realistic pricing expectations, and develop effective strategies to attract buyers, ensuring that both sellers and buyers make well-informed decisions in an ever-changing market.

VISIT OUR ONLINE BLOGS:

[atlantachallenge]

How to Create Impactful Leaders in Atlanta’s Growing Corporate Landscape

Atlanta, one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., thrives on innovation, diversity, and resilience. With its corporate ecosystem booming—from Fortune 500 companies to cutting-edge startups—the demand for strong, impactful leaders has never been greater. In this complex business environment, cultivating visionary leadership is essential for both individual and corporate success.

Let’s explore what it takes to create impactful leaders in Atlanta and why leadership is key to driving the city’s corporate growth.

The Importance of Leadership in a Thriving Economy

Atlanta’s dynamic business ecosystem spans industries like technology, healthcare, logistics, and entertainment. Companies in these sectors need more than managers; they need leaders who can inspire teams, foster innovation, and adapt to constant change.

Effective leadership goes beyond delegating tasks—it’s about creating a vision, building trust, and empowering employees to excel. Impactful leaders drive collaboration, improve productivity, and play a critical role in Atlanta’s continued economic success.

The Role of Leadership Development Programs

To meet the growing need for exceptional leaders, many organizations in Atlanta are turning to leadership development programs. These programs equip professionals with the skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive environment, such as:

Emotional Intelligence: Building stronger relationships, managing stress, and inspiring teams. Communication Skills: Articulating a clear vision and fostering open dialogue. Strategic Thinking: Anticipating challenges and seizing opportunities with confidence. Diversity and Inclusion: Creating equitable workplaces that reflect Atlanta’s rich cultural diversity.

Leadership workshops, mentorship initiatives, and executive coaching are just a few of the resources available in Atlanta to cultivate these essential skills.

Why Atlanta Is Perfect for Leadership Development

Atlanta’s corporate landscape is a unique blend of well-established companies and innovative startups. This dynamic environment offers diverse opportunities for leadership growth:

Established Corporations: Provide structured programs, mentorship opportunities, and career development pathways. Startups: Offer hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to innovate in fast-paced settings.

Additionally, Atlanta’s culturally diverse workforce inspires leaders to embrace new perspectives and prioritize inclusivity, a critical component of building high-performing teams.

The Future of Leadership in Atlanta

As Atlanta continues to grow, the need for adaptable, visionary leaders will only increase. Companies that prioritize leadership development in Atlanta will gain a competitive edge, cultivating employees who are ready to step into leadership roles and drive success.

By investing in leadership training, organizations can build a strong foundation for the future, helping to shape Atlanta’s evolving corporate landscape.

Empower Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

Creating impactful leaders isn’t just an investment in individuals—it’s an investment in Atlanta’s future. With the right training, tools, and opportunities, leaders can shape a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow.

Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a business owner, consider the value of leadership training in Atlanta. Explore Atlanta Challenge’s empowering leadership workshops and programs tailored to Atlanta’s corporate needs.

Ready to lead the way? Contact Atlanta Challenge today at 404-848-1001 or visit https://atlantachallenge.com/ to find the right leadership development program for you or your team. Let’s shape the future of Atlanta’s corporate world together!

[accapitalmarket]

2025 starts on cautious footing, USD hits 2-year high

US stocks ended weaker on Thursday, after a volatile first session of 2025, starting the new year on a cautious note after a subdued December performance tarnished the strong gains seen overall in 2024.

The main Wall Street indices slipped back again amid concerns over a slower pace of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and uncertainty over the impact of incoming US President Donald Trump’s policy.

Investors fear that Trump’s policies could keep inflation elevated in the long-term, leading to fewer interest rate cuts by the Fed. The central bank recently flagged a slower pace of rate cuts in 2025, citing concerns over sticky inflation and a robust labor market.

Ahead of next week’s monthly official jobs report, the latest weekly jobless claims dropped by 9,000 to a seasonally adjusted 211,000 for the week ended December 28, the lowest level since April and below forecasts for 222,000 claims.

Meanwhile, the S&P Global manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) for December saw a smaller than expected contraction to a reading of 49.4, down from 49.7 in November but above forecasts for a fall to 48.3. A reading above 50 points towards expansion in the sector, while a reading below 50 signals contraction.

The Atlanta Fed GDPNow model has revised its growth estimate for the fourth quarter of 2024. The model now predicts a seasonally adjusted annual growth rate of 2.6%, down from the previous 3.1% forecast made on December 24.

On foreign exchanges, the dollar jumped to a two-year high, adding around 1.0% versus both the pound and the euro, building on the strong gains from the prior year as expectations remained intact that growth in the US economy will still outpace that of its peers.

DXY H4 (1)

DXY H4 (2)

At the stock market close in New York, the blue-chip Dow Jones Industrials Average was down 0.4% at 42,392, while the broader S&P 500 index fell 0.2% at 5,868, and the tech-laden Nasdaq Composite shed 0.2% at 19,280.

The main focus was on electric vehicles maker Tesla, which fell 6.1% after its fourth quarter deliveries came in at 495,570, a record level, but below the consensus estimate for 512,277. Meanwhile, Tesla’s overall deliveries for 2024 fell for the first time in more than a decade.

Elsewhere, Apple lost 2.6% on reports it is offering discounts on its latest iPhone models in China, a rare move that points to rising competition from domestic rivals in the world's largest smartphone market.

And personal finance app SoFi Technologies shed 8.3% after analysts at KBW downgraded the stock to ‘underperform’ on concerns over its lofty valuation and ambitious financial target.

But Nvidia gained 3.0% as Bank of America reiterated the AI chipmaker as its top pick ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show next week, with CEO Jensen Huang set to deliver a keynote speech during the event.

And Unity Software jumped 9.1% higher following a cryptic social media post from well-followed meme stock trader Keith Gill, known online as Roaring Kitty. Also boosting Unity was a block-trade of 1.32 million shares at a market value of $29.7 million earlier this week.

Among commodities, crude prices pushed higher, as traders eyed hopes for an economic recovery in China, the largest global oil importer.

The private-sector Caixin/S&P Global survey indicated that China's factory activity grew in December, albeit at a slower than expected pace. The report echoed Tuesday’s official manufacturing survey, and suggested policy stimulus is gradually trickling into the second largest economy in the world.

USOILRoll H1

US WTI crude climbed 1.9% to $73.09 a barrel, while UK Brent was up 1.7% to $75.90 a barrel.

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