On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” an open records request by Atlanta Journal-Constitution Transportation Reporter Sara Gregory revealed a “secret vote” that was not known to the public and members of the Atlanta City Council. What she discovered was a May 2025 vote by officials from MARTA, Atlanta Beltline, Inc., and the City of Atlanta to halt light rail construction on Atlanta's Eastside Beltline. Gregory joins the show to share how she learned of the vote. 

Also on the program, we’re joined by the new mayor of South Fulton, Carmalitha Gumbs. She shares her priorities for the first year of her administration, which includes economic development and searching for a new police chief. 

Finally, we speak with the leaders of Food Well Alliance, a nonprofit that helps connect local growers with area communities, to support them socially, economically, and environmentally. Executive Director Kate Conner and Sarah Brown, Senior Manager of Policy and Planning join the program to share the latest local Food System Plan award recipients.

On today&rsquo;s &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>,&rdquo; an open records request by Atlanta Journal-Constitution Transportation Reporter <a href="https://www.ajc.com/staff/sara-gregory/">Sara Gregory</a> revealed a &ldquo;secret vote&rdquo; that was not known to the public and members of the Atlanta City Council. What she discovered was a May 2025 vote by officials from MARTA, Atlanta Beltline, Inc., and the City of Atlanta to <a href="https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/01/eastside-beltline-light-rail-work-secretly-halted-last-year/">halt light rail construction on Atlanta's Eastside Beltline</a>. Gregory joins the show to share how she learned of the vote.&nbsp;
Also on the program, we&rsquo;re joined by the new mayor of South Fulton, <a href="https://www.cityofsouthfultonga.gov/3257/Carmalitha-Gumbs">Carmalitha Gumbs</a>. She shares her priorities for the first year of her administration, which includes economic development and searching for a new police chief.&nbsp;
Finally, we speak with the leaders of <a href="https://www.foodwellalliance.org/">Food Well Alliance</a>, a nonprofit that helps connect local growers with area communities, to support them socially, economically, and environmentally. Executive Director Kate Conner and Sarah Brown, Senior Manager of Policy and Planning join the program to share the latest local Food System Plan award recipients.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.

Closer Look with Rose Scott

AJC Reporter reveals “secret vote” halting Beltline Rail; New South Fulton Mayor sets year one priorities; Food Well Alliance on supporting local growers, communities