Category: Home

Millennials and Gen Z adults priced out of homeownership are renting for longer, prompting many to seek out ways to personalize their not-so-temporary space. New data from Zillow¹ and Thumbtack² finds there are affordable, nonpermanent upgrades that allow renters to make their space their own and add value for their landlord. 

Certain home features can contribute to more views, saves and shares per day when a home is listed on Zillow Rentals®, the number one most visited rental network³. That makes many of these projects a win-win for landlords and renters alike. They also typically cost less than $1,000, based on national average cost estimates from Thumbtack, the technology company helping millions of people confidently care for and improve their homes. 

“There are so many improvements that are both beneficial to a landlord and allow renters to make their space feel more like home,” said Emily McDonald, Zillow’s rental trends expert. “However, before making any major changes, renters should always review their lease and check with their landlord. If a renter can show how the upgrades add function or style, they may be more likely to get buy-in. In some cases, a landlord may be willing to split the costs if a renter is hiring a professional to do the work and willing to manage the project themselves.” 

These are the seven renter-friendly home improvements to consider: 

Swap out cabinet hardware: Changing out cabinet hardware is one of the easiest ways to make a kitchen or bathroom feel more contemporary. Choose half circles, fluted, or curved hardware for a fresh feel. 

As for color, matte black finishes can modernize a space and help a rental listing get 25% more saves and 49% more shares per day on Zillow Rentals. The cost of updating hardware or fixtures can range anywhere from $50 to a few hundred dollars, depending on the fixtures and how many are swapped out.

Add open shelving: Zillow® research finds rental listings with open shelving get 36% more saves per day on Zillow Rentals than similar units. With a national average cost of $275 for professional installation, open shelving allows renters to display personal mementos, art or books without adding bulky furniture that takes up valuable square footage. 

Become a plant parent: Plants can improve a home’s air quality and boost a renter’s mental and physical health. A small herb garden is great for a home chef, a hanging eucalyptus plant can turn a shower into a spa, and succulents or cacti can add low-maintenance greenery.  

For outdoor spaces, a patio garden can boost a rental’s daily views by 24.2% on Zillow Rentals. No patio? Try window or railing boxes to add color. Thumbtack finds the average national cost for a window box is $100–$150 for professional installation and $15–$900 for materials, depending on the type purchased. 

Paint a room or add an accent wall: Landlords commonly allow renters to paint their walls if they agree to paint it back before they move out. The right color can make a dramatic impact and boost value. Darker hues are now preferred over white walls, according to Zillow’s latest research on paint colors. 

“Gen Z shows an inclination towards bold, dark colors, which is a departure from more traditional color schemes,” said Rafael Rodriguez, a Thumbtack Pro and owner of Dambrak Painting. “Unlike previous generations that commonly use semi-gloss white for trim and flat white for ceilings, many Gen Z renters opt to paint both walls and trim in the same, often dark color, and ceilings in varied shades of off-white or other colors, creating a more cohesive look.”

Interior painting requests are up 18% year-over-year on Thumbtack. The national average cost to paint a room is $324–$1,620. Homes with higher ceilings and bigger walls will typically cost more to paint, leading many renters to opt for accent walls instead. Painting of any kind can pay off. Fresh paint helps a rental listing get 14% more saves and 17% more shares per day on Zillow Rentals. 

Upgrade lighting: New lighting fixtures can instantly change the mood of a space and save money. LED bulbs and fixtures are up to 90% more efficient. 

App-controlled smart lights can change color and brightness based on the time of day. Smart lights can boost daily saves by 22% and daily shares by 35% on Zillow Rentals. Thumbtack finds the average cost for lighting installation is about $150 but depends on the number and type of fixtures installed.

Hang Mirrors: Wavy, circular, and arched mirrors are on-trend, and they make a room feel bigger and brighter. Hanging a mirror is a relatively easy DIY project, and savvy shoppers may be able to snag a great vintage find for less than $100. For a more dramatic effect that visually expands a space, consider a mirrored wall. Rental homes with a mirrored wall get an additional 10% more saves and shares per day on Zillow Rentals.  

Embrace peel-and-stick: Renters have embraced temporary wallpaper for a custom look without the commitment. On Thumbtack, wallpaper installations are up 10.1% year-over-year. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is generally more expensive than paint and can be tricky to apply. Hire a pro and expect to shell out $300 to $450 on average for installation. 

Keep in mind, peel-and-stick isn’t just for walls anymore. Temporary backsplash applications are trending along with adhesive floor tiles or stickers. 

“We’re seeing Gen Z take advantage of renter-friendly improvements to make their space uniquely their own – whether it’s through bold lighting upgrades, finishes or eclectic decor,” said Morgan Olsen, Design Expert at Thumbtack. “Being a renter doesn’t mean you have to compromise on adding character to your space, and budget conscious options can still have a big impact on how your space feels and looks.”

(l-r) Dr. W. Todd Groce, former Representative Calvin Smyre, and Robert Bunch unveiling the historical marker.

On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, the Georgia Historical Society (GHS) unveiled a new historical marker in Columbus as part of the Georgia Business History Initiative. Dedicated in partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the marker shares the history of Anthem’s Georgia Plan and its significance to Georgia’s economic history.

“The Georgia Historical Society is pleased to recognize Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia as an iconic representative of the industry in this state,” said Dr. W. Todd Groce, GHS President and CEO. “For nearly 90 years this company has played a key role in the growth and delivery of medical insurance, leaving an indelible imprint on the history of Georgia and the nation.”

Each year GHS selects iconic companies in our state to be honored through the Georgia Business History Initiative. By showcasing companies like Anthem, GHS seeks to teach Georgia students, citizens, and tourists alike about the pivotal role of Georgia’s leading businesses in the economic, cultural, and social development of Georgia and the United States. Each honoree receives a historical marker, and GHS also develops educational materials to enrich student understanding of the businesses that built Georgia. The resources are available on the GHS website, free to educators, parents, and students across the state.

“Eighty-seven years ago, a health plan was created in Georgia with a specific focus on service for our members,” said Robert Bunch, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia President. “Today, we celebrate the dedication to customer service made by our founders and look forward to many more years of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield supporting Georgians as the largest health insurance provider in the state.”

Conducting business today as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the corporation has a long history of providing services to the citizens of Georgia. In 1937, the Blue Cross Plan got its start in the state as an outgrowth of New Deal programs being implemented throughout the nation. It began as three distinct Blue Cross plans supporting patient access to hospital services. The first policy, called the Atlanta Plan, cost twelve dollars per year, and all subscribers had to reside within a 50-mile radius of Georgia’s capital city. The success of the Atlanta Plan led to the establishment of the Savannah Plan in 1939 and the Columbus Plan in 1947. In 1966, the Savannah and Columbus Plans merged. By 1985, the Columbus and Atlanta Plans combined, becoming Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia. Today, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Georgia is the largest health insurance company in the state.

The marker dedication took place at the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield offices in Columbus. Speakers included Dr. W. Todd Groce, President and CEO, Georgia Historical Society; The Honorable Calvin Smyre, former State Representative of Georgia; Robert Bunch, President and CEO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia; and 29+ Year Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Associate Kellie Murphy, Staff Vice President, Operations and Account Support.

The marker text reads:

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

In 1929, Texas educator Justin Kimball developed hospital prepayment plans for teachers. Inspired by Kimball’s program, the American Hospital Association soon encouraged the sale of “Blue Cross” hospital prepayment plans nationwide. After the passage of Georgia’s Group Hospitalization Act in 1937, five Atlanta hospitals established the United Hospitals Service Association of Atlanta and sold Blue Cross plans to city residents. In 1947, the West Georgia Medical Association began offering Blue Cross plans to Columbus residents. “Blue Shield” plans, physician prepayment services, were added in the 1950s. By 1975, both the Atlanta and Columbus plans included hospital and physician coverage. The Atlanta and Columbus plans merged, becoming Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia in 1985. Today, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia is the largest health insurance company in the state.

Erected by the Georgia Historical Society
and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

For more information about the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield historical marker dedication, the Georgia Business History Initiative, or the Georgia Historical Society marker program, please contact Elyse Butler, Manager of Programs and Special Projects, at 912.651.2125, ext. 119, or by email at ebutler@georgiahistory.com.

Lindsey Albright with Lockton Companies talks about some of the recent changes to the Georgia FireFighters Cancer Benefit Program and how to enroll.

Georgia Power has identified locations for 500 MW of new battery energy storage systems (BESS) authorized by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) earlier this year as part of the company’s 2023 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Update. According to the company’s recent filing with the Georgia PSC, the portfolio of BESS resources proposed by Georgia Power helps address the resource needs identified in the 2023 IRP Update in a cost-effective and strategic manner. 

Each of the proposed resources will consist of 4-hour duration BESS. Once developed, these projects will serve as dispatchable capacity resources that will provide customers with a reliable and economical source of electricity for the winter of 2026/2027. These resources will add to Georgia Power’s diverse generation portfolio, helping to ensure the company has the mix of technologies necessary to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable electric service for all customers during all hours.   

BESS support the reliability and resilience of the electric system, while also enhancing the value of intermittent renewable generation like solar. BESS can improve the efficiency of renewable energy by storing excess energy produced during periods when the demand for electricity is lower, for use when the demand is higher, such as on cold winter mornings. Because battery storage can provide stored energy to the grid over several hours, BESS resources can also rapidly respond to other system events to increase the reliability of the electric system. 

The new BESS facilities planned and under development are:

• Robins BESS (Bibb County, 128 MW). This strategic site is co-located with the existing solar facility adjacent to the Robins Air Force Base and allows Georgia Power to leverage existing infrastructure, thereby eliminating the need to construct new transmission generator step-up (GSU) project-level substations and eliminating potential expenses and long lead time projects associated with transmission interconnection and network upgrades.   

   

• Moody BESS (Lowndes County, 49.5 MW). Similar to the Robins BESS project, this strategic choice is co-located with the existing solar facility adjacent to the Moody Air Force Base and allows Georgia Power to leverage existing infrastructure, thereby eliminating the need for constructing new transmission GSU project-level substations and eliminating potential expenses and long lead time projects associated with interconnection and network upgrades. It also offers expedited deployment capabilities and ensures known transmission deliverability.

   

• Hammond BESS (Floyd County, 57.5 MW). The Hammond BESS project is a standalone BESS that leverages existing infrastructure from the retired coal-fired Plant Hammond facility. With the repurposing of an existing generation site and the utilization of already identified transmission capacity, the Hammond BESS project provides significant benefit to customers while aiding the company in meeting its capacity needs.

   

• McGrau Ford Site Phase II BESS (Cherokee County, 265 MW). Given the existing site work, land acquisition, and contracting for McGrau Ford Phase I BESS, Georgia Power will realize efficiencies in contracting and construction by using the same construction company and company-owned land. In addition, the preliminary design for McGrau Ford Phase I BESS provides an opportunity for Georgia Power to cost effectively expand the project level substation and generation tie line rather than construct a new project level substation.  

Each BESS project is expected to produce significant benefits for customers. For example, leveraging existing sites and transmission infrastructure will reduce deployment time and avoid additional capital investment otherwise required.  In addition, each BESS project qualifies for customer cost reducing tax incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act. The proposed BESS resources will also provide “energy arbitrage” benefits, which optimize energy savings by shifting the energy output from hours with a relatively low system marginal cost to hours with a relatively high system marginal cost – ultimately saving customers money.    

In addition to the 500 MW BESS projects from the 2023 IRP Update, Georgia Power is nearing completion on the 65 MW Mossy Branch Battery Facility located in Talbot County, Georgia. Mossy Branch was approved in the 2019 IRP and will be Georgia Power’s first BESS resource. The company is also developing the 265 MW McGrau Ford Phase I BESS project, approved in the 2022 IRP, and expects it to enter service by the end of 2026. 

To learn more about how Georgia Power is meeting the needs of customers through a diverse, balanced energy portfolio, visitwww.GeorgiaPower.com/IRP. 

The Atlanta Regional Commission today approved an amendment to the regional Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) that allocates $265.4 million in federal and state funds for transportation projects across metro Atlanta.

The amendment includes $38.2 million in congressionally directed spending grants, $219.6 million in federal discretionary grant funding, and $7.5 million from Georgia DOT formula fund sources. The amendment covers 33 new projects and 12 existing projects. These include:

• Flint River Gateway Trails
  The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded two grants totaling $65 million for this planned 31-mile multi-use trail network that will connect the Atlanta BeltLine in Southwest Atlanta, Clayton County, and the Tri-Cities area of College Park, East Point, and Hapeville, which includes the headwaters of the Flint River. The funds, awarded through the federal Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods program, will be used to build three trail segments and plan nine other sections.

• The Stitch
  This effort to build a park-like ‘cap’ over a portion of the Downtown Connector in the City of Atlanta has received more than $150 million in federal grants and congressionally directed spending grants for work that includes preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and some construction.

• National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) projects

  EV charging infrastructure is planned along I-575 in northern Cherokee County and I-85 in Coweta County, utilizing $2 million in federal discretionary funding.

• Transit Fleet Upgrades
  $2.55 million in congressionally directed spending grants to improve rolling stock and customer amenities on Gwinnett County Transit route 50, which serves the Suwanee area, and route 60, which connects Georgia Gwinnett College to Lawrenceville and Snellville via SR 124.

• Connected Vehicle Pilot and Plan Development
  Henry County will utilize a $600,000 SMART grant from the Federal Highway Administration to improve roadway operations and decrease vehicle response times.

The Transportation Improvement Program is the mechanism by which federal, state, and local funds are approved for all significant surface transportation projects and programs in the region The TIP is updated several times throughout the year, as projects change or new funding becomes available. This update is required to incorporate new discretionary grant funding from Congress and U.S. Department of Transportation.

For more information, download an executive summary, or visit Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

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Stryten Energy LLC, a U.S.-based energy storage solutions provider, added to its in-house battery testing and analysis capabilities with a new laboratory space. The opening of the battery lab was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting celebration on August 26 at Stryten Energy’s new corporate headquarters. The event was attended by staff members from the offices of Senator Jon Ossoff, Senator Raphael Warnock, Representative Rich McCormick, Representative Andrew Clyde and local community leaders. Attendees toured the new battery lab and the onsite working solar plus energy storage microgrid.

A proclamation from Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones in recognition of the celebration stated, “Through innovative projects, Stryten Energy is helping shape the future of energy storage technology in Georgia that will be important on a national scale for U.S. energy independence and security. Stryten Energy forging a brighter future for economic development in Georgia and fulfilling a shared commitment to innovation and growth, harnessing collective talents for the prosperity of the state of Georgia.”

“For the U.S. to achieve long-term energy resiliency and energy security, we’ll need a range of solutions across battery chemistries,” said Mike Judd, CEO and President of Stryten Energy. “We need to put battery materials through their paces, to stress test lead and lithium batteries and achieve market readiness for newer chemistries such as vanadium. With this expanded lab, we’ll be able to collaborate with new and existing customers to find additional applications for these chemistries, as well as strengthen existing ones.”

The lab will support Stryten Energy’s engineering, research and development, and quality assurance departments, as well as manufacturing facilities, in new product development, technology evaluations, warranty investigations and root cause analysis. The expanded facility has three vital parts:

• The Corporate Materials Lab performs tests on various battery materials, including electrolyte, polypropylene, lead and lead alloys. These materials are utilized in automotive, heavy-duty commercial, industrial, lithium and vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB).

• The Lead Battery Test Lab performs electrical performance and teardown testing on automotive, industrial and heavy-duty commercial batteries, including enhanced flooded (EFB), conventional flooded, and absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries.

• The Lithium Battery Test Lab, the newest addition to the lab, focuses on conducting non-destructive functional charge/discharge, environmental and UL-related testing on lithium battery products.

As Georgia continues to attract clean energy innovators, the new lab will serve as a model to other local energy technology companies – further strengthening the state’s claim as one of the key power players in the sector.

For more information about Stryten Energy’s solutions, visit stryten.com.

Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) announced the appointment of Kevin Duvall as its new chief executive officer. Today at the Board of Governors meeting the Board voted in support of the executive search committee’s unanimous recommendation. Duvall will officially assume the role on September 16, succeeding Frank Poe, who has been at the helm of the Authority since April 2010.

Prior to the board meeting the executive search committee shared the results of its nearly year-long search conducted in collaboration with renowned firm Heidrick and Struggles.

“The search committee was committed to finding a leader who not only had the expertise to navigate the complexities associated with the position but also shared our vision for the future of the Authority,” said Glenn Hicks, chair of GWCCA’s board of governors search committee. “Following an extensive industry search process, we are confident that Kevin is the right leader for this critical role. His exceptional track record, innovative approach, and deep understanding of the live events industry made him the standout choice.”

With over 20 years of significant influence and oversight in various aspects of organizational management and strategic development at GWCCA, Duvall, who currently serves as chief operating officer, brings more than 30 years of experience in live events and public facility management. Duvall’s extensive background includes campus and facility operations, event management, public safety, contract negotiations, capital planning, crisis management, and key stakeholder relationships in public, political, business, economic development, and philanthropic sectors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin as the new CEO of Georgia World Congress Center Authority,” said Brian Daniel, chair of GWCCA’s board of governors. “Kevin’s extensive experience and proven track record in executive leadership make him the ideal candidate to lead GWCCA. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, and we are confident that under his guidance, GWCCA will continue to thrive, impacting not only Georgia’s economy, but the live events industry.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize Frank Poe for his exceptional leadership and game-changing contributions to GWCCA. Frank has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization for future success. His visionary leadership and dedication over the years have left an indelible impact on the organization, its culture, and the Atlanta hospitality community. He will be greatly missed.”

Duvall’s appointment comes at a key time for GWCCA as it continues to enhance its facilities and services, contributing to the economic vitality of the surrounding area. His leadership will be instrumental in steering the organization towards achieving its strategic goals and further solidifying its position as a premier destination for conventions, trade shows, and the country’s most sought-after live events.

“I am honored to continue my journey with Georgia World Congress Center Authority as CEO,” said Kevin Duvall. “I look forward to working with the talented team at GWCCA and building on the organization’s legacy of excellence. Together, we will continue to drive innovation, deliver compelling guest experiences, and create lasting value for our stakeholders as part of GWCCA’s strategic vision for a connected campus that caters to the needs of current and future customers and positions Atlanta as a leading destination for entertainment and leisure activities.”

The forecast from Cox Automotive released today suggests that U.S. new-vehicle sales in August should remain relatively stable when adjusted for significant seasonality. In August, the seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), or sales pace, is expected to reach 15.4 million, higher than last August’s 15.3 million pace but down notably from July’s robust 15.8 million level. The strong sales pace in July was partly fueled by a sales rebound following an industry-wide dealership software disruption that slowed the market in the second half of June.  

Sales volume in August, which will include deals completed during the Labor Day holiday weekend, is expected to rise more than 8% from last year and increase 12% from last month. In fact, August could potentially be the month with the highest sales volume of the year so far. However, significant seasonal adjustments are necessary to compare the market selling pace: This August has 28 selling days, three more than last month and one more than last year. August sales data will also include five weekends versus four last year.

Following the software outages in June and recovery in July, new-vehicle inventory was expected to normalize throughout August. As model year 2025 vehicles hit the market, several automakers reported that 40% or more of their current inventory on dealer lots consisted of MY25 vehicles. As automakers work to make room for the new model year, various financing deals are being offered, including options for 0% financing and up to $10,000 in customer bonuses for buyers choosing a new 2024 model.  The improved incentives and healthy inventory should support higher sales volume in August.

According to Cox Automotive Senior Economist Charlie Chesbrough: “The August new-vehicle sales pace is expected to finish within the 15 to 16 million range as monthly sales have for nearly the last two years. Historically, the Labor Day timeframe has been one of the larger sales promotion periods for the industry – and that should boost volume this year. However, this monthly report will also benefit from 28 selling days, more than any other month this year, and the long holiday weekend, so higher volume is expected.”     

August 2024 U.S. New-Vehicle Sales Forecast

Cox Automotive Industry Insights data

Total includes segments not shown 

All percentages are based on raw volume, not daily selling rate. August 2024 has 28 selling days, one more than last year and three more than last month.

Toyota USA Foundation announced grants of up to $8.6 million to prepare Fulton County Schools (FCS) students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The collaboration is part of the Driving Possibilities initiative and is a five-year phased rollout of programming in select schools.

“Our goal is to increase awareness of future STEM careers while helping build sustainable programs in the communities where our Toyota team members live and work,” said Tellis Bethel, group vice president of social innovation, Toyota. “With nearly $2.3 million in the first year, and more to come in years ahead, we’re looking forward to the expansion of Driving Possibilities in the Fulton County area.”   

Driving Possibilities focuses on PreK-12 education and builds on existing programs across the country. The long-term initiative’s aim is to close educational gaps for students through innovative, hands-on STEM programming while addressing the essential needs of students and families.

“Georgia is home to crucial Toyota Financial Services and Lexus operations, and we want to demonstrate how much we appreciate our local communities,” says Scott Cooke, Toyota Financial Services president and CEO. “We consider it a privilege to support Fulton County Schools educators who are providing young people with essential knowledge and skillsets in science, technology, engineering, and math.”

Driving Possibilities in Georgia will focus on supporting three key areas in Fulton County Schools:

• Increasing the level of service at existing Student and Family Engagement (SAFE) Centers. Located in two FCS high schools, Toyota’s support will expand community resources and services to also include PreK to eighth graders at identified schools.

• Integrating STEM learning with the Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) curriculum to provide additional learning resources to students.

• Providing STEM-specific professional development for FCS educators, with support from Kennesaw State University.

In 2022, the Toyota USA Foundation announced Driving Possibilities, a national, career readiness and community engagement initiative, launched to prepare youth for the careers of tomorrow. It is a unique approach that brings together educators, local and national nonprofits, and communities to create limitless possibilities for all. With efforts across the PreK-12 education continuum, the program is the largest and most comprehensive in Toyota’s history. The initiative is funded by Toyota USA Foundation, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and Toyota Financial Services (TFS). 

Fulton County Schools is the seventh site to launch Driving Possibilities programming, which is based on more than 65 years of active support in Toyota communities across the U.S. and builds off the successful model in West Dallas.

Toyota USA Foundation
The Toyota USA Foundation is a charitable endowment created to support education programs serving PreK through 12th-grade students and their teachers in the United States, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). For more information about the Toyota USA Foundation, visit www.toyotaeffect.com/impact.