News Summary
Atlanta, Georgia has been ranked as the 12th best city in America by Resonance in 2025, showcasing its robust business environment and vibrant culture. The city has made impressive strides in large company rankings and convention center size, and is striving to maintain affordability amidst rapid growth. Key developments include the Cosm Atlanta project, aiming to transform the Gulch area and is set for completion by the FIFA World Cup in 2026. In addition, community initiatives address educational needs as serious social issues emerge, highlighting Atlanta’s evolving identity.
Atlanta, Georgia, has earned recognition as one of America’s best cities in 2025, ranking No. 12 on Resonance’s America’s Best Cities list. The Atlanta metropolitan area, home to over 6.3 million residents, has stood out for its robust business environment and vibrant cultural landscape.
Among notable achievements, Atlanta received a commendable No. 4 ranking for its large companies and the size of its convention center, indicative of its significant role in attracting national and international conferences. Additionally, the city’s Prosperity index ranks it as No. 7 overall in the nation, highlighting its economic potential and quality of life.
Local leaders are actively working to ensure that Atlanta’s growth does not come at the expense of affordability. Rising shelter costs have prompted initiatives to deliver tens of thousands of attainable homes for residents. Significant development is underway in Downtown Atlanta, including the Cosm Atlanta project, a multi-billion-dollar redevelopment of the Gulch area. This ambitious initiative aims to create a live-work-play destination, featuring a 70,000-square-foot venue expected to be completed in time for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
The rankings provided by Resonance are based on a combination of statistical performance data, public perception data gathered from national surveys, and user-generated online content. These factors reflect both the objective and subjective views of the city across various domains.
In addition to the recognition of Atlanta as a top city, efforts are being made to address educational needs in the community. Various school supply giveaways have been organized in the metro Atlanta area to help families prepare for the upcoming school year. Events such as the “Shoot Hoops Not Guns Back-to-School Bash” and supply distributions on July 18 and beyond aim to alleviate the pressure on families during this time. Notably, the “Atlanta Falcons Backpack Giveaway” is set to take place at Atlantic Station on July 19, among other locations offering free school supplies, health screenings, and family entertainment across Atlanta, Stone Mountain, and Douglasville.
In a separate and serious development, the recent sex trafficking trial of Atlanta-based rapper Ca$h Out, whose real name is John Michael Gibson, concluded with a guilty verdict on multiple counts, including two charges of sex trafficking. The trial revealed the operations of a trafficking enterprise that employed a record company as a façade to lure women into prostitution. Gibson’s mother, Linda Smith, was also implicated, facing her own charges related to trafficking and being found guilty on several counts.
Witness testimonies during the trial described harrowing experiences of being coerced into prostitution and exploitation by Gibson and his associates. The investigation leading to Gibson’s arrest began during a prostitution sting in 2019. Following the guilty verdict, a judge has scheduled a sentencing hearing for the individuals involved, reflecting the judiciary’s response to the serious nature of the charges.
As Atlanta navigates its growth and development while addressing critical social issues, the city’s dual identity as a vibrant metropolitan region and a backdrop for serious criminal allegations paints a complex picture for residents and stakeholders alike.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Back-to-School Drives and Giveaways
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
