Things are moving fast in the 404 this week. From Commissioner Ted Terry’s bold "AI Tech Dividend" resolution hitting the Finance Committee to the high-stakes $33.7M seller-financed gamble downtown, we are seeing the literal foundation of the "2026 City" being built in real-time. This isn't just growth—it’s a race against deadlines that will define the city's skyline and its social equity for years to come.
In this edition, we break down these shifting headlines and look ahead to a special conversation on the 2026 Business Certification roadmap.
Commissioner Ted Terry has introduced a first-of-its-kind resolution: the "DeKalb For The People AI Tech Dividend Fund.".
As data centers continue to boom across Georgia, Terry is proposing that 50% of the tax revenue from these facilities be funneled directly back into the community. The plan would split the funds between environmental restoration (like greenways and forest buffers) and direct resident equity, including library upgrades and utility assistance for neighbors living near these industrial zones. To see the updated amendment of the regulations visit the Dekalb County Official Site.
While headlines celebrated the "official launch" of the 10-acre Forge Atlanta site downtown, the real story is in the fine print. According to recent reporting from Bisnow, the deal was secured via seller financing from McCall Railroad LLC—the same entity that saw this exact property fall into foreclosure under the last developer back in 2023.
The developer, Webstar Technology Group, is now in a high-stakes race against time. The seller-financed note must be fully satisfied or refinanced by March 2026 (with a potential extension to April). If the penny-stock firm can't lock in permanent, institutional funding by then, the property could potentially reverts back to the seller, effectively putting the $3.8B vision back at square one.
We aren't just talking about filling out forms; we’re looking at the strategic positioning required to navigate the city's procurement wave.
The full conversation drops next week, where Asia shares her perspective on why businesses need to get ahead of the 2026 backlog now to ensure they aren't left on the sidelines when the global spotlight hits the 404.
If there is one theme for Atlanta this week, it’s preparation. Whether it's DeKalb County preparing for the "AI era," the Forge team preparing for a massive financial pivot, or Asia helping you prepare for the World Cup contract rush—the 404 is in a season of building.