Atlanta

2008 Population: 26,700

2010 Projected Population: 38,900

Notable Investment: $290 million in the Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta had the best increase in its commercial office market in seven years, due to low real estate prices compared to surrounding submarkets. Two tax allocation districts in downtown are financial incentives for developers.

Challenges: Atlanta has suffered a record decline in home prices. Traffic congestion remains a problem downtown, which the proposed extension of the Green Line light rail system should alleviate.

Sources: AtlantaDowntown.com, FMLS DATA Monthly Reports Letter, May 21, 2008