Julian Bene
@julianbene.bsky.social
Let's reform the Atlanta Way to use resources for an equitable city. Former 'tax break naysayer' on Invest Atlanta board & Gulch RedLighter, I campaign against wasteful revenue giveaways that favor billionaires at the rest's expense.
#GApol
One day perhaps we'll have a reformer as Mayor of Atlanta. Until then, this constant drip.
During the Gulch litigation we caught City Law giving bond counsel work to the same firm for years without bids - in direct violation of a City ordinance. Zero consequences, natch.
One day perhaps we'll have a reformer as Mayor of Atlanta. Until then, this constant drip.
During the Gulch litigation we caught City Law giving bond counsel work to the same firm for years without bids - in direct violation of a City ordinance. Zero consequences, natch.
After AJC reporting, council members were notified that the city attorney had terminated the contract and is proposing new guardrails for consulting work. #atlpol www.ajc.com/news/2026/02...
Atlanta ends referendum consulting deal with former clerk after $910K paid
City attorney recommends new safeguards for consultant contracts after reporting by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
www.ajc.com
February 14, 2026 at 2:46 PM
#GApol
One day perhaps we'll have a reformer as Mayor of Atlanta. Until then, this constant drip.
During the Gulch litigation we caught City Law giving bond counsel work to the same firm for years without bids - in direct violation of a City ordinance. Zero consequences, natch.
One day perhaps we'll have a reformer as Mayor of Atlanta. Until then, this constant drip.
During the Gulch litigation we caught City Law giving bond counsel work to the same firm for years without bids - in direct violation of a City ordinance. Zero consequences, natch.
Could #GApol Rs save ATL from its electeds on the TAD extension folly?
Usually, state legislators interfere in malign ways. Here, they'd be doing us a favor.
No city & schools can afford to treat 17.5% of its property tax as play money for boondoggles.
www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news...
Usually, state legislators interfere in malign ways. Here, they'd be doing us a favor.
No city & schools can afford to treat 17.5% of its property tax as play money for boondoggles.
www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news...
Georgia House bill could thwart Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens' proposed TAD extension - Atlanta Business Chronicle
A bill introduced in the state House would set a limit on renewing tax allocation districts, which allow property tax revenue to be set aside to fund projects within the same area.
www.bizjournals.com
February 14, 2026 at 12:52 AM
Could #GApol Rs save ATL from its electeds on the TAD extension folly?
Usually, state legislators interfere in malign ways. Here, they'd be doing us a favor.
No city & schools can afford to treat 17.5% of its property tax as play money for boondoggles.
www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news...
Usually, state legislators interfere in malign ways. Here, they'd be doing us a favor.
No city & schools can afford to treat 17.5% of its property tax as play money for boondoggles.
www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news...
“While PGC meetings are not publicly attended, they are not secret." - MARTA CEO.
Not publicly attended = closed. So the meetings are indeed secret.
How long after the meeting did news of the decision become public? Many months, right? So it was secret.
Whose tax money is it?
Case closed.
#GApol
Not publicly attended = closed. So the meetings are indeed secret.
How long after the meeting did news of the decision become public? Many months, right? So it was secret.
Whose tax money is it?
Case closed.
#GApol
I can say after this behind closed door meeting and lack of project delivery from ATLDOT, I'm not voting for any future transportation referendums.
MARTA CEO defends vote to stop Beltline rail project amid secrecy concerns
February 13, 2026 at 7:40 PM
“While PGC meetings are not publicly attended, they are not secret." - MARTA CEO.
Not publicly attended = closed. So the meetings are indeed secret.
How long after the meeting did news of the decision become public? Many months, right? So it was secret.
Whose tax money is it?
Case closed.
#GApol
Not publicly attended = closed. So the meetings are indeed secret.
How long after the meeting did news of the decision become public? Many months, right? So it was secret.
Whose tax money is it?
Case closed.
#GApol
Today, I visited Stewart detention center, where I had the opportunity to meet Rodney Taylor, a beloved barber, community leader, and double amputee currently being held in ICE detention. Hear from Rodney’s wife, Mildred Taylor, about her ongoing fight to free her husband and all those in detention.
February 13, 2026 at 5:06 PM
Which is why anyone who in good faith supports extending the Beltline TAD is naive. Plenty of grifters will support it in bad faith, of course.
#GApol
#GApol
That’s a lot of words to basically confirm the reporting was 100% accurate and the city tanked the streetcar east extension without notifying the public
February 13, 2026 at 2:41 PM
Which is why anyone who in good faith supports extending the Beltline TAD is naive. Plenty of grifters will support it in bad faith, of course.
#GApol
#GApol
Great dissection of Sen. Matt Brass's sham curb on data-center tax breaks. Past time to hold these special-interest puppets accountable. #GApol
www.times-herald.com/opinion/geor...
www.times-herald.com/opinion/geor...
Georgia can afford better choices on health care and energy
This essay responds to Senator Matt Brass’s recent opinion column outlining his legislative priorities and record under the Gold Dome.
www.times-herald.com
February 12, 2026 at 6:36 PM
Great dissection of Sen. Matt Brass's sham curb on data-center tax breaks. Past time to hold these special-interest puppets accountable. #GApol
www.times-herald.com/opinion/geor...
www.times-herald.com/opinion/geor...
#Gapol There's a major attack on GA's ag sector exports at 0.35. But y'all will adore his pronunciation of our leading nut.
“I’ve reviewed over 50 sticky toffee puddings” is an incredibly powerful way to begin a video
February 12, 2026 at 5:57 PM
#Gapol There's a major attack on GA's ag sector exports at 0.35. But y'all will adore his pronunciation of our leading nut.
Did you forget to get a card for your crush or significant other again? Don't worry, I've got you covered.
February 12, 2026 at 5:03 PM
This is new!
#GApol Senate Dems seem to have their act together, their message clear and their video slick.
#GApol Senate Dems seem to have their act together, their message clear and their video slick.
The GOP tax scam hits the floor this morning. GA Senate Dems are ready. #gapol
February 12, 2026 at 1:40 PM
This is new!
#GApol Senate Dems seem to have their act together, their message clear and their video slick.
#GApol Senate Dems seem to have their act together, their message clear and their video slick.
Why doesn't the #GApol state sales-ratio test flag huge trophy underappraisals?
1. Because trophies all have tax breaks, on a fiction that they belong to development authorities. 'No sale occurred!'
2. Because hotels have furniture & franchise value, so sale is ignored.
www.ajc.com/business/202...
1. Because trophies all have tax breaks, on a fiction that they belong to development authorities. 'No sale occurred!'
2. Because hotels have furniture & franchise value, so sale is ignored.
www.ajc.com/business/202...
Fulton audit to see if commercial property owners pay their share of taxes
Fulton’s top elected official plans to find out whether the owners of office buildings, hotels and data centers are being asked to pay their fair share in property taxes.
www.ajc.com
February 12, 2026 at 1:35 PM
Why doesn't the #GApol state sales-ratio test flag huge trophy underappraisals?
1. Because trophies all have tax breaks, on a fiction that they belong to development authorities. 'No sale occurred!'
2. Because hotels have furniture & franchise value, so sale is ignored.
www.ajc.com/business/202...
1. Because trophies all have tax breaks, on a fiction that they belong to development authorities. 'No sale occurred!'
2. Because hotels have furniture & franchise value, so sale is ignored.
www.ajc.com/business/202...
The $2.5 billion cost of GA's data center sales-tax exemption is higher than numbers usually quoted.
That's because it includes the Data Center-specific exemption and the Computer Equipment exemption and local sales tax as well as state sales tax.
Those lobbyists earn their keep!
#GApol
That's because it includes the Data Center-specific exemption and the Computer Equipment exemption and local sales tax as well as state sales tax.
Those lobbyists earn their keep!
#GApol
Georgia is expected to lose $2.5 BILLION to data center sales tax exemptions in FY 2026, according to the state’s updated fiscal projections.
That’s 664% higher than the previous estimate made just a few months earlier of $327 million. 🧵
goodjobsfirst.org/georgia-data...
That’s 664% higher than the previous estimate made just a few months earlier of $327 million. 🧵
goodjobsfirst.org/georgia-data...
Georgia estimates $2.5 billion in losses to data center tax breaks in a single year - Good Jobs First
Georgia is expected to lose $2.5 billion to data center sales tax exemptions in fiscal year 2026, 664% higher than state’s previous estimate.
goodjobsfirst.org
February 11, 2026 at 7:02 PM
The $2.5 billion cost of GA's data center sales-tax exemption is higher than numbers usually quoted.
That's because it includes the Data Center-specific exemption and the Computer Equipment exemption and local sales tax as well as state sales tax.
Those lobbyists earn their keep!
#GApol
That's because it includes the Data Center-specific exemption and the Computer Equipment exemption and local sales tax as well as state sales tax.
Those lobbyists earn their keep!
#GApol
Making progress here. “Thanks to Chairman Pitts’ & Board of Assessors Chair Lee Morris’ leadership, improved data-center valuation is underway, potentially worth $100M extra in 2026,” Bene said in a statement.
#GApol
roughdraftatlanta.com/2026/02/10/f...
#GApol
roughdraftatlanta.com/2026/02/10/f...
Pitts seeks fair assessment of 'trophy properties' and data centers
Fulton County Chair Robb Pitts takes action to address undervaluation of trophy properties and data centers, seeking to increase tax revenue.
roughdraftatlanta.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Making progress here. “Thanks to Chairman Pitts’ & Board of Assessors Chair Lee Morris’ leadership, improved data-center valuation is underway, potentially worth $100M extra in 2026,” Bene said in a statement.
#GApol
roughdraftatlanta.com/2026/02/10/f...
#GApol
roughdraftatlanta.com/2026/02/10/f...
The Atlanta Way version of this in @mluckovich.bsky.social hands would also be funny. Not sure the Cox billionaires would approve, though.
#GApol
#GApol
i forget who made it but it cracks me up lol
February 8, 2026 at 3:17 PM
The Atlanta Way version of this in @mluckovich.bsky.social hands would also be funny. Not sure the Cox billionaires would approve, though.
#GApol
#GApol
Georgia’s economy is taking a hit, and Brian Kemp is silent. He’s falling in line with Trump’s disastrous economic policies instead of standing up for working Georgians.
As governor, I’ll put people first and fight for an economy that works for Georgia.
As governor, I’ll put people first and fight for an economy that works for Georgia.
February 7, 2026 at 8:05 PM
This graphic would work. Just add a pic of Andre siphoning off $5 Billion for his TAD extension boondoggles. Half coming from APS.
If APS & County & City can't raise taxes - because state R clowning stops locals from raising revenue - schools & services will collapse. Will be ugly.
#GApol
If APS & County & City can't raise taxes - because state R clowning stops locals from raising revenue - schools & services will collapse. Will be ugly.
#GApol
my editor put one of my stories into notebook llm to see what would happen
tbh i vomited at "the abolition roadmap" and stopped reading
anyway feel free to respond with examples of how to report on fiscal stuff, I am still trying my best and obvs a "thinking partner" is not helping
tbh i vomited at "the abolition roadmap" and stopped reading
anyway feel free to respond with examples of how to report on fiscal stuff, I am still trying my best and obvs a "thinking partner" is not helping
February 6, 2026 at 9:52 PM
This graphic would work. Just add a pic of Andre siphoning off $5 Billion for his TAD extension boondoggles. Half coming from APS.
If APS & County & City can't raise taxes - because state R clowning stops locals from raising revenue - schools & services will collapse. Will be ugly.
#GApol
If APS & County & City can't raise taxes - because state R clowning stops locals from raising revenue - schools & services will collapse. Will be ugly.
#GApol
TAD extension, anyone?
Yes, let's defund schools and the jail, so we can pretend to be investing in projects that never get done. Transport planning consultants have to make a living, after all.
#GApol
Yes, let's defund schools and the jail, so we can pretend to be investing in projects that never get done. Transport planning consultants have to make a living, after all.
#GApol
Exclusive: Ending the Clifton Corridor BRT route at Armour Yards instead of Lindbergh Center could add as much as a decade to the project, a new feasibility study says www.ajc.com/news/2026/02...
Armour Yards endpoint for Clifton bus rapid transit could add decade to project
MARTA has recommended the project end at Lindbergh Center instead of Armour Yards.
www.ajc.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:23 PM
TAD extension, anyone?
Yes, let's defund schools and the jail, so we can pretend to be investing in projects that never get done. Transport planning consultants have to make a living, after all.
#GApol
Yes, let's defund schools and the jail, so we can pretend to be investing in projects that never get done. Transport planning consultants have to make a living, after all.
#GApol
“It's not my duty as Mayor to make sure you have a parking spot. For me it's the same as if you bought a cow, or a refrigerator, and then asked me where you're going to put them.” — Mayor of Pontevedra, Spain (re-elected 6 times)
February 4, 2026 at 1:21 PM
Good news #GApol. Fulton Assessors will appraise data centers at mkt value, raising tens of millions in 2026 property taxes. If applied to servers & GPUs, over $100M. Much more as new centers come on line.
Thank Robb Pitts, Bob Ellis & Lee Morris for making this happen.
www.ajc.com/business/202...
Thank Robb Pitts, Bob Ellis & Lee Morris for making this happen.
www.ajc.com/business/202...
Data centers promise tax gains for Georgia. But are they delivering?
As Big Tech has faced pushback from communities about the hulking projects and concerns over rising energy bills, developers have leaned into big financial promises.
www.ajc.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:41 AM
Good news #GApol. Fulton Assessors will appraise data centers at mkt value, raising tens of millions in 2026 property taxes. If applied to servers & GPUs, over $100M. Much more as new centers come on line.
Thank Robb Pitts, Bob Ellis & Lee Morris for making this happen.
www.ajc.com/business/202...
Thank Robb Pitts, Bob Ellis & Lee Morris for making this happen.
www.ajc.com/business/202...
The clock is only ticking on the property tax giveaway if our electeds refuse to extend it to 2055.
The media refuse to report that the biggest winner of TAD extension is the Gulch bros.
Which makes it easy for electeds to rubberstamp another huge Atlanta Way favor for oligarchs.
The media refuse to report that the biggest winner of TAD extension is the Gulch bros.
Which makes it easy for electeds to rubberstamp another huge Atlanta Way favor for oligarchs.
They’ve broken ground on a few other sites too if I recall correctly, but you’re right they are well behind schedule. I’m okay with the slow pace since the clock is ticking on their tax giveaways :)
February 2, 2026 at 10:03 PM
The clock is only ticking on the property tax giveaway if our electeds refuse to extend it to 2055.
The media refuse to report that the biggest winner of TAD extension is the Gulch bros.
Which makes it easy for electeds to rubberstamp another huge Atlanta Way favor for oligarchs.
The media refuse to report that the biggest winner of TAD extension is the Gulch bros.
Which makes it easy for electeds to rubberstamp another huge Atlanta Way favor for oligarchs.
Nope. Hotel Phoenix is their first and only hotel.
To clarify, they’ve topped out a second hotel and are underway with their “entertainment district” -> atlanta.urbanize.city/post/centenn...
Images: Another sizable Centennial Yards building has topped out
Hotel component joins Entertainment District racing to deliver as 2026 FIFA World Cup activity hub
atlanta.urbanize.city
February 2, 2026 at 9:57 PM
Nope. Hotel Phoenix is their first and only hotel.
1 apartment tower & 1 hotel in CY does *not* equal a lot of investment. Ignore PR spin: it's a tiny fraction of their planned 12M SF.
They spent ~$200M on the land + deal offsets to the City. CY looking at miserable RoI on that.
Unless they get tax rebate extended to 2055 by Andre's TAD extension.
They spent ~$200M on the land + deal offsets to the City. CY looking at miserable RoI on that.
Unless they get tax rebate extended to 2055 by Andre's TAD extension.
The other thing is there *has* been a lot of private investment in the lead up to the World Cup. South DT, CY, are both motivated by proximity to the stadium. I’m sure The Center or whatever the old CNN building is being called now will be activated someway for it.
February 2, 2026 at 9:29 PM
1 apartment tower & 1 hotel in CY does *not* equal a lot of investment. Ignore PR spin: it's a tiny fraction of their planned 12M SF.
They spent ~$200M on the land + deal offsets to the City. CY looking at miserable RoI on that.
Unless they get tax rebate extended to 2055 by Andre's TAD extension.
They spent ~$200M on the land + deal offsets to the City. CY looking at miserable RoI on that.
Unless they get tax rebate extended to 2055 by Andre's TAD extension.
Atlanta Way boosterism at its finest. Keeps the rubes thinking that they're winning.
So let’s roundup and say the immediate municipal tax benefit is $10 million. That only pays for like 4 miles of sidewalks lol. It’s a rounding error being sold as a generational benefit.
February 2, 2026 at 5:24 PM
Atlanta Way boosterism at its finest. Keeps the rubes thinking that they're winning.
PK: Why have established economists said nice about Warsh? Think about incentives. Imagine yourself as a policy-oriented economist who tries to have contact with and influence over policymakers. Do you want to risk making a bitter enemy out of the next chair?
Another one for the “As long as someone from my social circle gets picked it’s fine” file:
February 2, 2026 at 2:06 PM
PK: Why have established economists said nice about Warsh? Think about incentives. Imagine yourself as a policy-oriented economist who tries to have contact with and influence over policymakers. Do you want to risk making a bitter enemy out of the next chair?
Breaking:
The special agent in charge of the FBI's Atlanta field office was forced out this month after questioning the Trump Justice Department's renewed push to probe Fulton County's role in the 2020 election, two people familiar with the matter told MS NOW. www.ms.now/news/atlanta...
The special agent in charge of the FBI's Atlanta field office was forced out this month after questioning the Trump Justice Department's renewed push to probe Fulton County's role in the 2020 election, two people familiar with the matter told MS NOW. www.ms.now/news/atlanta...
Atlanta FBI boss ousted after balking at 2020 election probe
Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown refused to execute search warrants over Trump’s long-running fraud claims, sources tell MS NOW.
www.ms.now
January 30, 2026 at 8:52 PM