City of Atlanta | 15
filiated with an effect known as urban heat
island, a factor which, no doubt, contrib-
utes to the city’s recognition as “Hotlanta.”
Through its commitment to local growing
initiatives, Atlanta has also passed legislation
to protect Farmers Markets which operate in
the city limits.
ADVANCING IN CLEAN
TECHNOLOGY
Only five short years ago, Atlanta’s air pollu-
tion was recognized among the worst in the
nation, but its air quality has tremendously
improved demonstrating how quickly trends
can be reversed through concerted sustain-
ability efforts. Quarles says the city has yet
to realize all of its goals for air quality, but
while that work continues, several initiatives
are providing crucial support to their effort.
In one case, a bike-share program (called
“viaCycle”) has been launched through a
partnership with the Georgia Institute of
Technology. The City has also invested in
more emission friendly Compressed Natural
Gas (CNG) vehicles, such as those powering
busses at the airport. This summer, Atlanta
anticipates opening two CNG stations, but
those facilities actually follow the opening of
Southeast Energy Efficiency &
Weatherization Training Center
