Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens delivered the 2025 State of the City Address on Tuesday night. During his address, Dickens stressed the importance of connecting neighborhoods. Among his points, the mayor briefly mentioned that in less than 18 months, people will be able to take trails from the Beltline to the Chattahoochee River. However, people, both for and against light rail on the Beltline were left searching for more details and are now wondering what’s next. Matthew Rao, the chairperson for BeltLine Rail Now, and Hans Klein, an associate professor in the School of Public Policy at the Georgia Institute of Technology, share more about their opposing visions for the Beltline.

Plus, more than 9.2 million workers in 21 states saw a minimum wage increase at the start of 2025. However, that does not include Georgia, which remains at $5.15/per hour. But by law, the state must pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25/per hour. Forest Park Mayor Angelyne Butler joins “Closer Look,” to talk more about how the City of Forest Park is offering a $23.46 minimum wage for its full-time city employees.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens delivered the 2025 State of the City Address on Tuesday night. During his address, Dickens stressed the importance of connecting neighborhoods. Among his points, the mayor briefly mentioned that in less than 18 months, people will be able to take trails from the Beltline to the Chattahoochee River. However, people, both for and against light rail on the Beltline were left searching for more details and are now wondering what&rsquo;s next. Matthew Rao, the chairperson for <a href="https://beltlinerailnow.com/">BeltLine Rail Now</a>, and <a href="https://saportareport.com/a-streetcar-on-the-beltline-would-be-a-train-wreck/columnists/guestcolumn/derek/">Hans Klein</a>, an&nbsp;associate professor in the School of Public Policy&nbsp;at the Georgia Institute of Technology, share more about their opposing visions for the Beltline.
Plus, more than 9.2 million workers in 21 states saw a minimum wage increase at the start of 2025. However, that does not include Georgia, which remains at $5.15/per hour. But by law, the state must pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25/per hour. <a href="https://www.forestparkga.gov/directory-listing/angelyne-butler-mpa">Forest Park Mayor Angelyne Butler</a> joins &ldquo;Closer Look,&rdquo; to talk more about how the City of Forest Park is <a href="https://www.forestparkga.gov/city-manager/page/city-takes-historic-action-raises-minimum-wage-2346-hour#:~:text=FOREST%20PARK%2C%20Ga.,Clark%2C%20Jr.">offering a $23.46 minimum wage</a> for its full-time city employees.

"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.