What North Atlanta Should Know Today. Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026

North Atlanta’s growth, housing supply and transportation needs lead Thursday’s briefing. Also important today: a Georgia-specific food recall, new school-performance results, road work and two practical programs for families and hunters.

1. North Atlanta keeps growing as homebuilding slows

Forsyth County’s population grew 1.5% between April 2025 and April 2026, the second-fastest rate in the 11-county Atlanta region. Fulton County, including Atlanta, led at 1.9%.

The larger warning is housing supply. Residential permits across the region fell 18.5% in 2025 and remain below the long-term average, helping keep prices elevated. North Fulton was an exception, with Johns Creek among the cities driving increased multifamily construction. The same day, regional leaders adopted a growth plan built around a projected population of nearly 7.9 million by 2050. Atlanta Regional Commission population report and 2050 development plan.

2. Roswell rejects townhomes and adopts data-center rules

Roswell’s City Council voted 3–2 Monday night to deny a proposed 62-townhome development on 10 acres along Old Roswell Road, providing a final answer to a closely watched rezoning case.

Council also adopted rules governing potential data centers, including standards related to noise and water and energy consumption. In another divided vote, the city authorized applications for as much as $4.5 million in state financing for the Green Street Mobility Project. Roswell meeting recap.

3. Check for a recalled Kroger sandwich

A widening salmonella investigation now includes a Georgia-distributed Kroger product: the 8.53-ounce Private Selection Spicy Roast Beef Sandwich, UPC 011110678171, with best-by dates from Aug. 7 through Aug. 12.

The FDA says the broader jalapeño outbreak has sickened 345 people, including Georgia residents, and hospitalized 36. Anyone with the recalled sandwich should discard it or return it for a refund. FDA outbreak notice and product list.

4. The heat concern now extends through the weekend

North Atlanta is outside Thursday’s formal Heat Advisory area, but the National Weather Service says heat-index readings will reach triple digits across parts of the region each day through the weekend.

Isolated or scattered afternoon storms also remain possible, bringing lightning, gusty winds and locally heavy rain. Outdoor practices, construction work and weekend events should keep heat precautions in place beyond today. National Weather Service hazardous-weather outlook.

5. Arrest follows gunshot outside a Buford business

Gwinnett police arrested a 22-year-old man after a bystander was struck by shrapnel outside Tavern at Mall of Georgia on Aug. 9.

Investigators say the suspect fired a handgun into the ground after being removed from the business. The 25-year-old victim’s injuries were not life-threatening. Police said camera information helped officers identify the vehicle and make an arrest within hours. Gwinnett County Police account.

6. Forsyth students post leading Milestones results

Forsyth County Schools ranked first among Georgia’s large school districts in math and social studies for every tested elementary and middle-school grade level.

The district also ranked second statewide in fifth-grade science, while its high-school students led large systems in Algebra and Biology. English language arts results are delayed until later this fall because Georgia introduced new course standards. Forsyth County Schools results.

7. North Fulton residents can shape the next transportation plan

A transportation survey covering Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs remains open through the end of August.

The regional planning effort will help set priorities for roads, sidewalks, bicycle routes, transit, safety and future funding applications. It is one of the more direct opportunities residents have to identify difficult intersections and missing connections before projects are ranked. North Fulton transportation survey.

8. Peachtree Corners begins a busy stretch of road work

Technology Parkway’s reconfiguration is underway, with lane closures generally limited to 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and business access maintained. Work includes median construction, sidewalks, paving and new striping.

The city’s annual resurfacing program begins Monday, Aug. 17. Residents should watch for signs posted one or two days before paving and move vehicles off affected streets. Technology Parkway project and resurfacing notice.

9. Gwinnett adds two free meal pickups

Families with children 18 and younger—and adults with disabilities 19 and older—can pick up free shelf-stable meals from 6–8 p.m. today and 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Friday while supplies last.

Northside locations include Bogan Park Gym in Buford and Shorty Howell Park Activity Building in Duluth. No income qualification is listed. Gwinnett Summer Meals Program.

10. Forsyth’s suburban deer-hunt registration opens Monday

Forsyth County will open registration at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 17 for two controlled archery hunts intended to reduce white-tailed deer overpopulation in southern Forsyth.

A youth hunt for county residents ages 10–17 is scheduled for Oct. 3–4; an adult hunt follows Oct. 24–25. Registration places applicants in a lottery, and selected participants must meet county and state requirements. Forsyth County program information.

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