Pandemic-plagued Georgia economy on track for recovery next year, economist says

ATLANTA — The recession prompted by the coronavirus pandemic is likely over in Georgia, but the state remains far short of a full recovery, a University of Georgia economist said Thursday.

Georgia is on track for an economic growth rate of 4% next year, outperforming a national growth forecast of 3.5%, Benjamin Ayers, dean of UGA’s Terry College of Business, said during the university’s annual economic forecast. The event, usually held at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta, was livestreamed this year.