What keeps Atlanta from reaching LA, Chicago, or NYC levels?

[SteveD]

Originally Posted by MolsonExport

so would annexation make Altanta reach NYC and LA levels?

administrative boundaries that magically change populations and perceptions?

Poor London, England. With its resident population of 9401 (wikipedia). It cannot aspire to greatness.

Of course not but if the city limits were as small as the combination of DeKalb and Fulton counties it would be nearly 2 million. In fact it's been argued for years here locally that the city should be expanded to that, or, to areas inside of I-285.