A new report (pdf) out from the Atlanta Regional Commission shows the areas of the Atlanta metro that experienced the largest job growth from 2000-2009.  Not surprisingly, the biggest gainers were in the fringe counties, while the old, traditional city center saw – with a few exceptions – near universal declines.

The map above gives a good overview, with the largest job gains (+1,901 – +19,446) in dark blue, modest gains (+1 – +1,190) in light blue, modest declines (0 -  -1,899) in orange and the largest declines (-1,900- -11,910) in white. (After the jump, see how Decatur specifically fared).

As for how the city has fared during the recession, compared to the nation as a whole, the report shows that Atlanta saw the fifth largest decline in employment from 2008-2010 among American cities, down 8%.

The map above can be found on page 2 of the report.

h/t: Atlanta Business Chronicle

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Erin sends along info for next week’s Decatur Farm to School Showcase at Renfroe…

You are cordially invited to the Decatur Farm to School Showcase on April 27, 2010 to enjoy local hors d’oeuvres and celebrate the successful completion of the first Farm to School Teacher workshop series. Participants will have the

opportunity to hear first-hand experiences from teachers and catch a glimpse into the day of a life of a Decatur student immersed in gardening, local food investigations and hands-on taste testings.

The Showcase will be held at Renfroe Middle School 220 West College Avenue Decatur, GA 30030-5299

The ribbon cutting for the “Yes to Yum” Garden will begin promptly at 5:15pm.

Please RSVP [Here] by April 17, 2010 or email: erin@georgiaorganics.org

Here come the festivals!!!

The Decatur Green Fest will kick off the 2010 Decatur Business Association’s Concert on the Square series next Sunday, May 1st.

The event will feature:

• Live Music from 3pm – 9:30pm
• Free compact fluorescent light bulb exchange courtesy of Atlanta Light Bulbs, Inc.
• Green tasting of local organic produce and food by Five Seasons, Leon’s Full Service, and many more
• Beer provided by Athens’ microbrewery Terrapin Beer
• Exciting new organic beverages provided by Bionade
• Showcase of Equal Exchange and other fair traded products
• Green organizations and vendors presenting information and products.  (2009 : 58 exhibitors)
• Showing of artists who work with recycled materials
• KidZone – Children’s activity area

Both committed and potential volunteers can meet-up at Eddie’s Attic on next Monday evening April 26th at 6pm to learn about volunteer opportunities.  You can find a bit more info on this event on the Fest’s Facebook page.

Rachel sends in this announcement and call for support…

This year Decatur Active Living will be hosting Laxapalooza, a two day lacrosse tournament featuring 24 recreational boys and girls youth lacrosse teams from across metro Atlanta. Laxapalooza will take place on Saturday, May 8th, and Sunday, May 9th on playing fields across the City of Decatur. This event will bring hundreds of players and their families and friends into the City for two full days of fun and excitement.

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