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Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 28m

We’re tune in to the Atlanta City Council’s Finance Committee meeting. An ordinance that would require the Department of Procurement to offer “post-award debriefings” to any bidder on a City contract within 30 days of the contract’s final award is up for discussion.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzvQ...

#Atlanta City Council Finance/Executive Committee meeting: October 15, 2025 #atlpol

YouTube video by atlcouncil - Atlanta City Council

www.youtube.com

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 1h

Tune in now: www.youtube.com/live/7dIRMcY...

Fulton County Board of Commissioners Meeting - October 15, 2025

YouTube video by FGTV - Fulton Government Television

www.youtube.com

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 1h

- the County Manager's report noting 63 people are currently sleeping on the jail floor
- $5.6M in proposed amendments to the 2025 County budget
- County’s proposed 2026 State legislative priorities focused on more resources for Superior Court

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Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 1h

This morning, we’re tuned in to the Fulton County Board of Commissioners meeting. Here’s what we’re paying special attention to…

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Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 1d

Today’s Community Development/Human Services Committee meeting has moved to the Council Chamber to accommodate the large number of people signed up to speak on the proposed extension of Atlanta’s eight Tax Allocation Districts (TADs).

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Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 2d

(10/10) Mark your calendar! 🗓️
• citycouncil.atlantaga.gov
• voteatl.org
• dekalbcountyga.legistar.com
• fulton.legistar.com
• investatlanta.com/about-us/board-of-directors

Mark your calendar for upcoming events

Monday, October 13
* Columbus Day Holiday – observed by the federal government and State of Georgia, designated elsewhere as Indigenous Peoples’ Day
* Atlanta City Council meets in committees through Wednesday, October 15 – citycouncil.atlantaga.gov

Tuesday, October 14
* Early voting begins for 2025 municipal election. – voteatl.org
* 9:00am – DeKalb County Board of Commissioners meeting – dekalbcountyga.legistar.com

Wednesday, October 15
* 10:00am – Fulton County Board of Commissioners meeting – fulton.legistar.com

Thursday, October 16
* 9:00am – Invest Atlanta Board of Commissioners meeting – investatlanta.com/about-us/board-of-directors

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 2d

(9/10) Atlanta Public Schools (APS) released a set of refined scenarios for its APS Forward 2040 Comprehensive Long Range Facilities Plan, outlining proposed adjustments to school boundaries, consolidations, and grade configurations across several clusters. atlantapublicschools.us/APS2040

APS releases refined scenarios for long-range facilities plan

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) released a set of refined scenarios for its APS Forward 2040 Comprehensive Long Range Facilities Plan, outlining proposed adjustments to school boundaries, consolidations, and grade configurations across several clusters.

Newly proposed changes include:
* combining Finch and Perkerson elementary schools at a converted Sylvan Hills Middle facility,
* shifting several schools into new clusters,
* expanding the proposed School of the Arts at Carver to grades 6–12, and
* repurposing KIPP Soul charter school campuses.

APS emphasized that “nothing is final,” with additional community engagement sessions planned before the Board of Education’s first read in November and a potential vote in December.

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Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 2d

(8/10) Atlanta’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Commission heard about @cityofatlantaga.bsky.social’s expanding use of AI across departments and raised concerns about potential racial bias. They supported testing AI models for fairness. citycouncil.atlantaga.gov

AI Commission reviews City’s growing use of artificial intelligence

Atlanta’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Commission heard from Chief Information Officer Jason Sankey and IT Director Natalie Hall on the City’s expanding use of AI across departments. Examples include police tools that summarize reports from body-camera audio recordings and pilot systems identifying potholes or sidewalk issues through vehicle-mounted cameras.

Commission members raised concerns about potential racial bias and supported testing AI models for fairness. They also discussed the City’s protocol “to review and validate AI-generated content before finalizing or sharing to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with organizational standards.” Members stressed the need for greater oversight and accountability as AI adoption grows.

The Commission’s next meeting, scheduled for November 12, will focus on AI for constituent services.

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Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 2d

(7/10) Mayor Andre Dickens announced a series of changes in his executive leadership team:

• Chief of Staff – Courtney English
•• Deputies – Greg Clay and Gabrielle Slade

• Chief Housing Officer – Amanda Rhein
•• Deputy – Chatiqua Ellison

atlantaga.gov/government/m...

Mayor Dickens names new chief of staff and housing leadership team

Mayor Andre Dickens announced a series of changes in his executive leadership team:

* Chief of Staff – Courtney English: previously Chief Policy Officer and interim Chief of Staff
* Deputy Chiefs of Staff – Greg Clay, previously Director of Constituent Services, and Gabrielle Slade, previously Deputy Chief Equity Officer
* Chief Housing Officer – Amanda Rhein: Director of the Atlanta Land Trust, will begin in January 2026
* Deputy Chief Housing Officer and Senior Advisor on Homelessness – Chatiqua Ellison: oversees the City’s Rapid Housing Initiative and Homelessness Task Force

The City reports that a nationwide search is being conducted for a new Chief Policy Officer.

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Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 2d

(6/10) Councilmember Andrea Boone introduced legislation to require the Department of Procurement to conduct “post-award debriefing sessions” within 30 days of awarding any contract. atlantacityga.iqm2.com/Citizens/Det...

Proposal would require City to have debriefing sessions for unsuccessful bidders on contracts

Councilmember Andrea Boone introduced legislation to require the Department of Procurement to conduct “post-award debriefing sessions” within 30 days of awarding any contract.

The proposal seeks to increase transparency and confidence in the City’s procurement process by explaining why certain bids were unsuccessful. While the City’s procurement code allows debriefing sessions to help ensure small businesses have an equitable opportunity to compete for contracts and subcontracts, there is currently no requirement that debriefing sessions must occur.

The legislation has been referred to the Council’s Finance/Executive Committee for review.

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Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 2d

(5/10) Councilmember Byron Amos proposed requiring owners of vacant, undeveloped properties left unsecured for more than 60 days to install fencing to deter trespassing, illegal dumping, and other unlawful or hazardous activity. atlantacityga.iqm2.com/Citizens/Det...

Vacant property owners could face new fencing mandate after 60 days

Councilmember Byron Amos proposed requiring owners of vacant, undeveloped properties left unsecured for more than 60 days to install fencing to deter trespassing, illegal dumping, and other unlawful or hazardous activity.

The proposed legislation would require six-foot-tall fences with lockable gates. Alternative measures – like monitored security systems and regular patrols
— could be approved by City Code Enforcement. Exceptions would apply to sites actively under construction or with approved maintenance plans. Violations could trigger fines of up to $500 per day. The measure builds on efforts to address nuisances such as a 2024 ordinance authorizing higher taxes on blighted properties.

The legislation was referred to the Community Development Committee.

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Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 2d

(4/10) Councilmember Michael Bond introduced legislation requiring at least 4 firefighters per company per shift — aligning w/ nationally recommended standard. The proposal follows warnings from labor union leaders that many crews operate with only 3 members. atlantacityga.iqm2.com/Citizens/Det...

Legislation calls for increasing firefighter staffing to meet national standards

Councilmember Michael Bond introduced legislation requiring at least four firefighters per engine, ladder, or truck company per shift — aligning with the National Fire Protection Association’s recommended standard. The proposal follows warnings from the Atlanta Professional Fire Fighters union that many crews currently operate with only three members.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD) states that no neighborhood lacks coverage and that fire-related emergencies make up less than 1% of calls. AFRD says staffing flexibility reflects operational needs, while the ordinance argues that fewer personnel increases risk in emergency operations. Meeting the standard could require hiring additional firefighters or more overtime.

The proposal now goes to the Public Safety Committee.

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Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 2d

(3/10) Councilmember Carden Wyckoff’s legislation was introduced to require automatic door openers with push-button activators at the main pedestrian entrances of new commercial and mixed-use buildings throughout Atlanta. citycouncil.atlantaga.gov/Home/Compone...

Councilmember seeks to make building entrances citywide push-button accessible

An ordinance by newly appointed Councilmember Carden Wyckoff was introduced on Monday to require automatic door openers with push-button activators at the main pedestrian entrances of commercial and mixed-use buildings throughout Atlanta.

The measure aims to enhance accessibility and safety for residents with disabilities or mobility aids. The proposed requirement for zoning districts citywide mirrors changes made in 2024 to the zoning regulations for Midtown – where Wyckoff has advised on zoning permit applications since 2021. Single-family and two-family residential structures are excluded.

The ordinance was referred to the City Council’s Zoning Committee for consideration.

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Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 2d

(2/10) Property-tax growth revenue in TADs is controlled by Invest Atlanta for redevelopment projects rather than paying for @cityofatlantaga.bsky.social, @fultoncountyga.bsky.social, and Atlanta Public Schools’ general operating expenses. atlantacityga.iqm2.com/Citizens/Det...

Legislation introduced to extend all TADs to 2055

Councilmember Michael Julian Bond introduced legislation to extend the sunset dates for Atlanta’s eight Tax Allocation Districts (TADs) through 2055, in support of Mayor Andre Dickens’s $5 billion “Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative.” Proposed investments will “create jobs, support market-rate and affordable housing, park and transit infrastructure, school investment, and build wealth and equity.”

Property-tax growth revenue in TADs is controlled by Invest Atlanta for redevelopment projects in each of the respective districts rather than flowing as usual to the City, Fulton County, and Atlanta Public Schools (APS) for their general operating expenses. The legislation requests that Fulton and APS consent to forego millions of dollars annually in property taxes.

The Council’s Community Development Committee will conduct a hearing on Tuesday, October 14 at 1:30pm.

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Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 2d

(1/10) This week in Atlanta, legislation was introduced to extend the sunset dates for Atlanta’s eight Tax Allocation Districts (TADs) through 2055, in support of Mayor Andre Dickens’s $5 billion “Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative.” 🧵

THIS WEEK IN ATLANTA
News from the week of October 5

* Legislation introduced to extend all TADs to 2055
* Councilmembers seek accessible building entrances, increased firefighter staffing, fencing of vacant properties, and debriefing of unsuccessful bidders
* Mayor Dickens names new chief of staff and housing leadership team
* Commission reviews City’s use of artificial intelligence
* APS releases refined scenarios for school facilities plan

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Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 6d

Yesterday, we were at City Hall for the October meeting of City Council’s Artificial Intelligence Commission.

Atlanta’s Chief Information Officer Jason Sankey and IT Director Natalie Hall presented on citywide AI projects and the city’s AI policy.

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 9d

Also on the agenda is a resolution appointing 12 members to serve on the City of Atlanta Reparations Study Commission.

The Commission, which was established in November 2023, has not been able to officially begin meeting due to the lack of confirmed appointees.

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 9d

Today's agenda includes an ordinance that would ratify Mayor Andre Dicken's executive order, temporarily halting the acceptance of permit applications for certain activities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Soccer tournament.

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Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 9d

Happy Monday! We’re back at City Hall for the Atlanta City Council meeting. Tune in here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTA6...

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Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 9d

This Week in Atlanta is a cumulative effort from the CCI team. Every week, we attend meetings for @cityofatlantaga.bsky.social, APS, DeKalb County, @fultoncountyga.bsky.social, and more. We report that info back in ways that actually make sense. To support this work, go to civicatlanta.org/donate.

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 9d

(6/6) Mark your calendar! 🗓️
• citycouncil.atlantaga.gov
• atlantapublicschools.us/apsboard
• futureatlatnatransit.eventbrite.com
• itsmarta.com/bod-overview...
• atlantapublicschools.us/aps2040

Mark your calendar for upcoming events

Monday, October 6
* 1:00pm – Atlanta City Council meeting – citycouncil.atlantaga.gov
* 2:30pm – Atlanta Board of Education meeting – atlantapublicschools.us/apsboard

Tuesday, October 7
* 7:00pm – The Future of Transit in Atlanta town hall meeting – futureatlantatransit.eventbrite.com

Wednesday, October 8
* 4:00pm – Atlanta Artificial Intelligence Commission meeting – Atlanta City Hall, Committee Room 2

Thursday, October 9
* noon – MARTA Board of Directors work session and meeting – itsmarta.com/bod-overview.aspx
* 6:00pm – Atlanta Public Schools Long-Range Comprehensive Facilities Plan Community Task Force Recommendation Meeting – atlantapublicschools.us/aps2040

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Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 9d

(5/6) @letspropelatl.bsky.social published “Voices from the Bus: MARTA Riders Speak Out” — a report based on a bilingual survey of more than 900 bus riders, documenting their daily experiences and identifying operational and equity challenges. letspropelatl.org/voicesfromth...

MARTA bus riders speak out in new survey

Transportation-advocacy organization Propel ATL published “Voices from the Bus: MARTA Riders Speak Out” — a report based on a bilingual survey of more than 900 bus riders (conducted March–July 2024), documenting their daily experiences and identifying operational and equity challenges.

Key findings from the survey show that riders face:
* “ghost buses” – cancellations and severe delays,
* infrequent schedules and limited hours,
* limited payment options,
* weak real-time tracking and app issues, and
* unsafe first/last-mile conditions such as a lack of sidewalks and crosswalks.

The report emphasizes that buses serve many low-income and minority communities and recommends prioritizing reliability, increasing frequency and hours, improving transit priority and digital tools, enhancing first/last-mile access, and centering equity in planning.

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Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 9d

(4/6) Fulton County Commissioners approved two contracts totaling $10.8M for senior transportation services in 2026. youtube.com/live/ztzYdBq...

Fulton Commissioners approve $10.8M for senior transportation services in 2026

Fulton County Commissioners unanimously approved final one-year renewals of two contracts for transportation services for seniors in 2026.

Transdev will receive up to $7.63M to provide residents aged 60 and older access to non-emergency medical services, neighborhood senior centers, and adult daycare centers. Common Courtesy will receive up to $3.13M to provide up to 10 flexible ride-sharing trips per month using Uber and Lyft for medical shopping, and social trips.

Commissioners discussed equitable access for less dense areas, coordination to avoid duplication of services, and technology improvements such as online booking, while emphasizing the need to keep human help for seniors less familiar with apps.

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Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 9d

(3/6) Atlanta Public Schools presented a stark financial outlook marked by rising costs, declining enrollment, and revenue shortfalls. Leaders are looking to consolidate facilities, moderate pay growth, and review program efficiency to restore financial health. youtube.com/watch?v=LvB1...

APS budget report warns of “math problem” as spending outpaces revenue

At its Budget Commission meeting, Atlanta Public Schools (APS) presented a stark financial outlook marked by rising costs, declining enrollment, and revenue shortfalls.

Major cost pressures include state health insurance and pension increases (about $25 million combined), competitive teacher pay, and under-enrolled schools. Enrollment in APS’s traditional public schools has dropped 16% since 2016 as charter and private options have expanded. The report cited an “immediate need for efficiency and sustainability,” warning that extending tax allocation district (TAD) agreements could further constrain revenue.

APS leaders are looking to consolidate facilities, moderate pay growth, and review program efficiency to restore long-term financial health.

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Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 9d

(2/6) The proposal would direct $5B to affordable housing, transit, and infrastructure projects. Supporters praised TADs as high-return tools to spur development, while critics questioned setting aside so much tax revenue from general operating expenses.
ajc.com/news/2025/09...

Mayor seeks TAD extensions to fund $5B neighborhood reinvestment plan

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens announced plans on Tuesday to extend all of the City’s tax allocation districts (TADs) beyond 2050 to fund his Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, aimed at reducing racial and economic inequality.

The proposal would direct $5 billion to affordable housing, transit, and infrastructure projects. Dickens called the plan a “purposeful investment” in historically neglected areas on the city’s south and west sides.

Supporters praised TADs as high-return tools to spur growth and development, while critics questioned setting aside so much property tax revenue from general operating expenses.

Fulton County and Atlanta Public Schools – each of which forgoes tax revenue within TADs – will review the proposal amid ongoing budget pressures.

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