(GEORGIA NEWS NETWORK)
*Support for President Trump in Georgia voters appears to be waning. A new poll from the company Civiqs finds the approval rating for Trump at 43 percent. NPR, PBS News, and Marist polls show similar trends at 42 percent. However, political analyst Mark Rountree says that the president remains a central figure in Georgia GOP politics, noting that Republicans may look to align themselves closely with Trump as they consider a 2026 run against Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff.
*Atlanta city leaders are expanding a property tax relief program to help longtime homeowners, particularly seniors, stay in their homes as property values rise. Invest Atlanta is leading the initative and Anita Allgood, Vice President of Homeownership Services, says they aim to offset increasing property tax burdens that are displacing legacy residents in stable neighborhoods. Homeowners with a homestead exemption have seen a 31% average property tax increase over the past five years due to new development driving up property values, according to Fox5 Atlanta. The program will cover the difference between current property taxes and established base levels for up to 20 years, with applications open starting May 1st through May 31st. The $10 million fund, launched as a pilot in 2023, is set to assist over 200 families and is seen as a necessary measure to support long-time residents impacted by city growth.
*The city of Atlanta is mulling over an ordinance that would charge fees to non-MARTA buses. The idea is to levy an amount equal to one-percent of bus fare to help pay for maintenance and repair of public roads. This would apply to buses traveling within city boundaries. There are exceptions to the ordinance, like school buses or charter buses with special permits.
*The city of Atlanta is mulling over an ordinance that would charge fees to non-MARTA buses. The idea is to levy an amount equal to one-percent of bus fare to help pay for maintenance and repair of public roads. This would apply to buses traveling within city boundaries. There are exceptions to the ordinance, like school buses or charter buses with special permits.