What North Atlanta Should Know Today

Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026

A regional housing strategy with consequences for Fulton, Forsyth and Gwinnett counties leads today’s briefing. Gwinnett commissioners hold a public hearing tonight, two Alpharetta hiring events offer same-day opportunities, and changing auto-pricing rules may make online bargains harder to compare.

1. Regional plan calls for 367,000 additional homes by 2035

Metro Atlanta needs approximately 367,000 additional homes by 2035 to keep pace with population and employment growth, the Atlanta Regional Commission estimates.

The proposed Housing Forward 2035 strategy also calls for preserving more than 100,000 affordable homes and directing more development toward job centers, transportation corridors and areas less vulnerable to climate risks.

The 11-county planning area includes Fulton, Forsyth and Gwinnett counties. If adopted, the strategy would guide regional funding, data collection and local housing decisions rather than directly changing municipal zoning. ARC’s Housing Forward 2035 overview explains the targets and development approach.

2. Gwinnett commissioners hold a public hearing tonight

Gwinnett County residents can address the Board of Commissioners during a public hearing tonight at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center.

Public hearings are the commission’s primary forum for rezoning requests, special-use permits, changes to existing development conditions and other land-use cases. Public comment is also scheduled near the end of the meeting.

The Board of Commissioners public hearing runs from 7 to 9 p.m. at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.

3. Two Alpharetta hiring events take place today

Job seekers can meet employers at two hiring events in Alpharetta today.

Dycom Industries is recruiting telecommunications field workers from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Alpharetta Marriott on Windward Parkway. Available positions include equipment operators, fiber splicers, telecommunications linemen, utility locators, quality-control technicians and supervisors. Some jobs are open to applicants without previous industry experience.

An AT&T store at 2685 Old Milton Parkway is recruiting full- and part-time sales associates from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advertised pay ranges from $13 to $17.50 an hour plus commission, with training available. North Atlanta Star’s hiring-event guide explains the roles and requirements.

4. Online car discounts may become harder to compare

North Atlanta car shoppers may see fewer deeply discounted prices in online listings as automakers tighten rules governing how dealers advertise below-list prices.

Stellantis, which owns Jeep, Ram, Chrysler and Dodge, is joining manufacturers including Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Mazda and General Motors in limiting advertised discounts. Dealers may still negotiate lower prices, but buyers could have to request them directly.

Georgia requires advertised vehicle prices to include mandatory dealer fees and options, apart from government charges such as tax, title and registration. An emailed, out-the-door quote tied to a specific vehicle identification number remains the most useful comparison. North Atlanta Star’s car-pricing guide explains what shoppers should request before visiting a dealership.

5. SK Battery workforce stabilizes after major layoffs

SK Battery America’s Commerce plant employs approximately 1,600 workers after cutting 958 positions in March.

The company reports no major workforce change since those layoffs, providing some stability at one of northeast Georgia’s largest advanced-manufacturing operations. SK is also broadening its work beyond electric-vehicle batteries as demand grows for energy-storage systems used by power grids and large facilities.

The Commerce operation remains an important regional employer for communities along the Interstate 85 corridor, including Gwinnett County. North Atlanta Star’s update on the plant examines the workforce and market shift.

6. Roswell gives residents a clearer view of transportation projects

Roswell residents can now follow transportation work through an expanded public project dashboard showing locations, scopes, progress and current development stages.

The accompanying guide explains why some projects can remain in design, right-of-way acquisition, utility coordination or procurement for long periods before construction becomes visible.

The Roswell transportation-project guide includes access to the searchable dashboard and an explanation of each project phase.

7. Grocery pressure remains concentrated in a few products

Georgia is not facing a broad food shortage, but several products remain vulnerable to higher prices or inconsistent availability.

Beef supplies are constrained by the smallest national cattle inventory in roughly 75 years. Florida citrus losses continue to affect orange juice, while recalls can create sudden gaps for individual products. Coffee and chocolate shoppers are more likely to encounter higher prices or reduced selection than completely empty shelves.

The practical distinction is between a temporary product-level disruption and a general shortage. North Atlanta Star’s grocery-supply review separates the products under real pressure from broader shortage rumors.

8. Forsyth offers a voluntary special-needs registry

Forsyth County families and caregivers can place information about a person with special needs in the county’s Logan’s Law registry for use during encounters with law enforcement.

A profile can include communication methods, potential triggers, medications, calming techniques, familiar locations and a photograph. The information is encrypted and limited to authorized law-enforcement personnel.

Participation is voluntary, and submitting a profile does not replace calling 911 during an emergency. The Forsyth County Logan’s Law application is available online.

9. Persian fast-casual restaurant prepares to open in Johns Creek

Persi Bite is preparing to open at 11720 Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek.

The fast-casual restaurant plans to serve Persian food through customizable bowls, kebabs, stews and other dishes designed for counter service and takeout. Planned hours extend through dinner on weekdays and later on weekends.

The restaurant has not announced a firm opening date, and online ordering remains disabled. North Atlanta Star’s early look at Persi Bite has the location and planned menu format.

10. Gwinnett extends high-school art deadline

Gwinnett County high-school students have additional time to enter the Drops of Color Calendar Art Contest.

The submission deadline has been extended to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9. Selected work will be used in a county calendar, giving student artists a public showcase beyond their schools.

Gwinnett County’s contest notice includes the revised deadline and entry information.