By Collin Kelley
INtown Editor

Twenty years ago, a new publication launched in Atlanta called 30306, named after founder Chris Schroder’s neighborhood ZIP code in Virginia-Highland. The mission was to provide community features and reporting that could not be found anywhere else. That goal still holds true today.

By the time I came aboard in 2002, the publication had morphed into the more inclusive Atlanta INtown and was still providing a distinct voice in larger coverage area. My directive was to reinvigorate INtown with a more eclectic mix of features, news and personalities. We were still years away from social media like Facebook and Twitter, so receiving INtown in the mail or picking up a copy at your local coffee house was still the only way to get hyperlocal news.

What a difference a dozen years make.

While our monthly print publication remains the heart and soul of our operation, we’ve also learned to diversify with the advent of Twitter and Facebook. Our website is now a daily destination for news and features, while you can also read the entire paper each month online in a digital edition. Under the guidance of our new owner, Springs Publishing, INtown’s presence in the community continues to grow.

Every day, we see the increase in readership online and our Twitter followers jump (28,000 and growing at this writing). We’re also more proactive about covering hard news that has an impact on the community. As 2014 progresses, you’re sure to see more about the Atlanta BeltLine, the Downtown streetcar project, the future of Turner Field post-Braves, and the wrangling over which cityhood proposal (Briarcliff, Lakeside, Tucker?) has the most merit and political clout to become a reality.

And alongside that news, you’ll find features and profiles on people giving back to the community, artists, authors, local businesses and the latest real estate news. That’s the idea Chris Schroder had two decades ago and it’s more necessary now than ever.

Happy New Year!

Collin KelleyEditor

Collin Kelley has been the editor of Atlanta Intown for two decades and has been a journalist and freelance writer for 35 years. He’s also an award-winning poet and novelist.