Around Atlanta, Georgia, many communities are looking to urbanize. :Planet Money :NPR

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

In the past 20 years, at least 10 communities around Atlanta, Georgia, have decided to become their own cities. Many more have attempted to become cities. They all want more say over local rules and keep more tax revenue for themselves.

One story about the history of the movement is that it began with Oliver Porter, a retired telecommunications executive who led his community, Sandy Springs, to cityhood in 2005 and now advises others on how to do the same. But the idea of ​​separating and becoming a separate city actually dates back to the 1960s and has its roots in segregationism.

In today’s episode, a predominantly Black and brown community attempts to use city status for its own ends.

This episode was produced by Emma Peaslee, Dave Blanchard, and Willa Rubin, with assistance from Greg Morton. Edited by Molly Messick.

music: Melancholic Pop Guitar, Sailing pastand Star Alignment

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