Development Authorities, Rising Rates

Sunday Solutions — Sept. 20, 2026

Good morning! It’s finally looking like fall out there, so that means the midterm election will be here soon. Today’s stories are reminders that our elected officials also carry influence in more ways than voting for legislation. They appoint and hire others who make decisions on your behalf, and that’s worth considering as you do your homework before you choose your candidates. After all, that ballot is your voice and your vote speaks volumes. Read on.

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EXPLAINER: GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

Development Authorities 101

The data center discussions in Effingham County bring a variety of issues to the forefront, including government transparency, tax policies, water needs, utility expansions and the powers of development authorities. Today, data reporter Maggie Lee explains how development authorities are set up by the state. There’s very little oversight, but some control can come through the appointments elected officials make to the panels. It all goes back to the power of your vote: Are your hired representatives governing for your interests? It’s a question we all need to ask during every election cycle.

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Paperwork pausing data centers

Chatham County won’t consider any big data centers for at least six months, under a moratorium just approved by the county commission.

The 12-page legal document starts with a long preamble of how the county has the power to enact a moratorium and why it is doing so.  Read the moratorium here or skip straight to Adithi Vimalanathan’s coverage.

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NEWS: GOVERNING

Decisions and what happens next

In Georgia, the General Assembly only meets for 40 days in the first half of the year. But, it’s not wise to think other governmental actions aren’t happening. The work of federal and state nonelected (and elected officials) continues daily and, most certainly, affects your life constantly. It was a busy week.

• And speaking of the electeds: Georgia’s first need-based aid comes to campus this fall — is it enough? The aid package for low-icome and rural students passed last session. At $3,000, it’s the smallest plan in the country. From The Daily Yonder.
• And to the nonelecteds: The University System of Georgia will get a new chancellor: the former CEO of Southern Company. From Capitol Beat.
• What does a Fed rate hike mean for Georgia consumers, businesses? State experts explain why cars, homes and credit card payments will cost more. From WABE.
• Georgia school system abruptly bans Toni Morrison’s ‘The Bluest Eye’: School chief says he ordered ban, librarians say he didn’t follow state law, and parents wonder why the passage he found objectionable was texted to them. From Georgia Recorder.
• Three Georgia counties flagged by Trump administration for using non-English election materials: Federal Homeland Security officials noted the counties as spots to monitor during voting because they have large populations of residents who speak a language other than English at home. From Georgia Recorder.

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ANALYSIS: CHILDREN

☕ Your second cup: Elusive childcare

Affordability is the key word for so many needs; a primary concern is the rising costs of childcare. An analysis by The Associated Press and EdSurge found hundreds of thousands of kids who qualify for federal childcare subsidies are sitting on waitlists. In Georgia, lists are closed and parents are turned away. The analysis showed eligible children waiting for aid in 23 states and the District of Columbia as of this spring. While they wait, families face tough choices, with some parents sidelined from work or education. Now, in states like Indiana, the state has stepped in to fill the funding gaps from a budget surplus so more parents can return to work. Read how that’s helping foster parents and others who need assistance.

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