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civicatlanta.bsky.social
Center for Civic Innovation
@civicatlanta.bsky.social
430 followers 42 following 660 posts
Strengthening community understanding, engagement, and power to create bold and transformative policy change in Atlanta.
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civicatlanta.bsky.social
(10/10) Mark your calendar! 🗓️
• dekalbcountyga.legistar.com
• atlantapublicschools.us/apsboard
• citycouncil.atlantaga.gov
Mark your calendar for upcoming events Tuesday, December 9 * 9:00am — DeKalb County Board of Commissioners meeting – dekalbcountyga.legistar.com * 3:00pm – Atlanta Board of Education Ethics Commission meeting – 130 Trinity Ave SW * 6:00pm — Atlanta Commission on Women meeting – City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave SW Wednesday, December 10 * 3:30pm – Atlanta Artificial Intelligence Commission meeting – Microsoft, 200 17th St NW, South Building - MPR 2.2A Thursday, December 11 * noon – Atlanta Board of Education Policy Review Committee meeting * 2:00pm – Atlanta Board of Education Audit Committee meeting – atlantapublicschools.us/apsboard Saturday, December 13 * 10:00am – Atlanta Planning Advisory Board meeting – City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave SW
December 8, 2025 at 5:07 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
(9/10) Fulton County Commissioners reviewed a resolution restricting Commissioners’ use of countywide staff — particularly External Affairs and Real Estate — for events, prompting a debate over constituent access, staff workload, and political motives. fulton.granicus.com/player/clip/...
Fulton Commissioners debate limits on use of County staff for events The Fulton County Board of Commissioners reviewed a resolution restricting Commissioners’ use of countywide staff — particularly External Affairs and Real Estate — for events, prompting a debate over constituent access, staff workload, and political motives. Vice Chair Bob Ellis argued the measure prevents blurred lines between government events and campaign activities and relieves departments from unsustainable event demands, while still allowing unlimited town halls using Commissioners’ district staff. Commissioners Marvin Arrington, Mo Ivory, and Dana Barrett countered that the proposal is overly restrictive and limits subject-matter expertise essential to helping residents navigate tax and justice systems. Following requests for amendments, the item was held for revision and will return at a future meeting.
December 8, 2025 at 5:07 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
(8/10) Fulton County Commissioners unanimously approved the eighth renewal of the County’s contract with NaphCare, totaling up to $45.1M for 2026 for physical and mental health services for people incarcerated at the County’s jails. appenmedia.com/news/fulton-...
Fulton County renews jail healthcare contract, plans for major update   Fulton County Commissioners unanimously approved the eighth renewal of the County’s contract with NaphCare, totaling up to $45.1 million for 2026 for physical and mental health services for people incarcerated at the County’s jails. Discussion focused on the need to overhaul the underlying procurement framework, which has not been significantly updated since at least 2004, according to County leaders. One renewal option remains before a full rebid is required. Commissioners questioned whether the current contract aligns with the requirements of the federal consent decree and urged bringing in an outside subject-matter expert — or potentially the court-appointed monitor — to guide development of a new request for proposals to be issued in 2027.
December 8, 2025 at 5:07 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
(7/10) Fulton County Commissioners raised budget concerns about transparency, unfunded obligations, and the full cost of the federal jail consent decree — ranging from $30 million to +$60 million for next year. fulton.granicus.com/player/clip/...
Fulton County Commissioners review FY2026 budget proposal During discussion of the FY2026 proposed operating budget, Fulton County Commissioners raised concerns about transparency, unfunded obligations, and the full cost of the federal jail consent decree. The County Manager and Chief Financial Officer outlined a $1.05 billion spending plan with a projected 4.4% increase in the property tax rate. The budget includes $30 million for consent decree compliance, but $60 million or more may be required next year. Commissioners Dana Barrett and Mo Ivory pressed for clearer accounting and alternative scenarios reflecting full costs and departmental needs, warning that underestimating obligations risks further weakening County justice services. County leadership will revise revenue and expenditure estimates before the budget is adopted in January.
December 8, 2025 at 5:07 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
(6/10) Atlanta’s Fatal Crash Review Commission examined safety issues at the Roswell Rd and Laurel Forest Cir intersection where a 16-y.o. was killed in September. Family members described it as plagued by speeding and poor visibility. atlantanewsfirst.com/2025/12/03/r...
Fatal Crash Review Commission recommends safety improvements after teen’s death Atlanta’s Fatal Crash Review Commission examined safety issues at the Buckhead intersection where 16-year-old Benjamin Reiser was killed in September. Family members described Roswell Road at Laurel Forest Circle as plagued by speeding, poor visibility, and limited accountability because jurisdictions overlap — Roswell Road is a federal and state highway. They urged swift fixes, noting years of crashes and a petition with more than 5,000 signatures. Atlanta and Georgia Department of Transportation officials said visibility improvements will begin immediately, with potential turn restrictions, a median, or a one-way conversion under review. Commission members also discussed fatal crashes near North Atlanta and Douglass high schools.
December 8, 2025 at 5:07 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
(5/10) The City Council approved a revised overhaul of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund that removes several proposed restrictions intended to direct more money toward deeply affordable housing. atlantaciviccircle.org/2025/12/02/a...
Council adopts weakened restrictions on housing trust fund spending The Atlanta City Council approved a revised overhaul of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) that removes several restrictions intended to direct more money toward deeply affordable housing. The vote follows reporting that more than 75% of last year’s AHTF dollars went to pay for bond debts and staffing instead of housing construction or preservation. The original proposal would have capped administrative costs (5%) and debt service (15%) while reserving at least half of funds for housing affordable at 50% of area median income (AMI). The adopted substitute instead raises the limit on administrative spending to 15%, eliminates the debt-service cap, broadens eligible uses, and increases the affordability threshold to 60% AMI without requiring a any minimum investment in deeply affordable housing. Administration officials argued greater flexibility is needed to manage debt and maintain operations.
December 8, 2025 at 5:07 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
(4/10) Atlanta voters decided two City Council and three School Board seats in the December 2 runoff election, with most results aligning with Mayor Andre Dickens’s endorsements. Turnout was 5.5 percent. atlantaciviccircle.org/2025/12/03/a...
Voters elect candidates in City Council and School Board runoffs Atlanta voters decided two City Council and three School Board seats in the December 2 runoff election, with most results aligning with Mayor Andre Dickens’s endorsements. Turnout was 5.5 percent. Thomas Worthy won the District 7 Council seat, and Wayne Martin secured District 11. In the Atlanta Board of Education contests, Kaycee Brock captured the At-Large Seat 8 and Tony Mitchell won in District 2. In the School Board’s District 6 race, challenger Patreece Hutcherson defeated incumbent Tolton Pace after campaigning against school closures and the expansion of charter schools in Southwest Atlanta. Pace – endorsed by Mayor Dickens – was appointed by the Board to represent District 6 in January 2025. Newly elected City Council and School Board members will take office in early January 2026.
December 8, 2025 at 5:07 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
(3/10) Parents urged the Board to take a clear public stance barring ICE activity from APS campuses – citing growing fear among students and families – and adopt a written policy outlining how schools must respond if immigration agents arrive. youtube.com/live/KaPto_9...
Parents urge APS to clarify its stance on ICE and protect students At Wednesday’s meeting of the Atlanta Board of Education, parents urged the Board to take a clear public stance barring immigration enforcement (ICE) activity from Atlanta Public Schools (APS) campuses, citing growing fear among students and families. Speakers described children crying in classrooms, families keeping students home when enforcement is rumored, and immigrant staff distressed by helicopters overhead. They said the threat of a parent’s detention creates toxic stress that undermines learning. Commenters urged APS to adopt a written policy outlining how schools must respond if immigration agents arrive, including requiring principals and district legal staff to meet agents outside the building, providing staff-wide training, and ensuring consistent communication with families.   youtube.com/live/KaPto_9zBqQ?t=6457
December 8, 2025 at 5:07 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
(2/10) APS leaders say they must “rightsize,” noting roughly 70k available seats but only 50k students, and project that consolidation could save $25M annually.

Parents warned that vacant buildings would further destabilize disinvested neighborhoods. youtube.com/live/KaPto_9...
Atlanta School Board approves plan to close 16 schools The Atlanta Board of Education unanimously adopted a long-range facilities plan that will close 16 schools starting in fall 2027 and invest in expansions, program conversions, and two new specialized academies. Atlanta Public Schools (APS) officials said APS must “rightsize,” noting roughly 70,000 available seats but only 50,000 students, and project that consolidation could save $25 million annually for academic initiatives. Parents warned that vacant buildings would further destabilize neighborhoods experiencing disinvestment and questioned why the closures accompany more than $300 million in proposed new construction. APS plans to start community engagement next spring on attendance zones, closures, and repurposing shuttered schools.   youtube.com/live/KaPto_9zBqQ
December 8, 2025 at 5:07 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
(1/10) This week in Atlanta, the School Board unanimously adopted a long-range facilities plan that will close 16 APS schools starting in fall 2027 and invest in expansions, program conversions, and two new specialized academies. 🧵
THIS WEEK IN ATLANTA News from the week of November 30 * School Board approves plan to close 16 schools * Parents urge APS to protect students from ICE * Voters elect candidates in municipal runoffs * Council adopts new restrictions on housing trust fund * Fatal Crash Review Commission evaluates safety improvements after teen’s death * Fulton Commissioners review FY2026 budget proposal, renew jail healthcare contract, and debate use of staff
December 8, 2025 at 5:07 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
To “serve community needs”, for example as affordable housing, early education centers, community hubs, or non-profit or business incubators.

This is from APS’s Board Meeting last month. Here are the slides: simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/...
December 3, 2025 at 11:26 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
The room has filled and public comment has begun at the Atlanta Board of Education's monthly meeting.
December 3, 2025 at 11:15 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
We’re at the Atlanta Board of Education’s December meeting.

Today, the Board is considering approval of the Comprehensive Long-Range Facilities Plan, which would result in the repurposing of 16 schools, as well as investments in several school expansions and other programs.
December 3, 2025 at 8:35 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
(9/9) Mark your calendar! 🗓️🦃
• citycouncil.atlantaga.gov
• voteatl.org
Mark your calendar for upcoming events Atlanta City Council Committee Meetings citycouncil.atlantaga.gov Monday, November 24 * 10:00am – Zoning * 11:00am – Transportation * 2:00pm – Public Safety & Legal Administration Tuesday, November 25 * 10:00am — City Utilities * 11:30am – Community Development & Human Services * 2:00pm – Finance/Executive   Early voting for the December 2 runoff election continues through Wednesday, November 26. voteatl.org   Government offices are closed Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday.
November 24, 2025 at 5:15 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
(8/9) APS’s Budget Commission opened its FY2027 planning cycle, reviewing district-wide parameters ahead of the July 1, 2026 fiscal year. They will reconvene January 15 to review revenue projections and continue allotment discussions. simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/...
APS Budget Commission begins early Fiscal Year 2027 planning The Atlanta Board of Education’s Budget Commission opened its FY2027 planning cycle, reviewing district-wide parameters ahead of the July 1, 2026 fiscal year. Atlanta Public Schools’ Chief Financial Officer walked through the student-based budgeting formula, noting that equity weights — such as grade-level adjustments, English-language-learner (ELL) funding, and gifted weights — are unlikely to change. However, “stability” supports for small schools and schools undergoing rezoning or other transitions are being considered for temporary supplements. Commission members also discussed potential effects of extending Atlanta’s Tax Allocation Districts (TADs) and a recent study on property tax values. The Commission will reconvene January 15 to review revenue projections and continue allotment discussions.
November 24, 2025 at 5:15 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
(7/9) Fulton County’s Reparations Task Force presented its 650-page Harm Report to the Board of Commissioners, outlining how public and private institutions and policies have created and reinforced racial inequities since the County’s founding in 1853. fulton.legistar.com/LegislationD...
Fulton County Reparations Task Force delivers Harm Report Fulton County’s Reparations Task Force presented its 650-page Harm Report to the Board of Commissioners, outlining how public and private institutions and policies have created and reinforced racial inequities since the County’s founding in 1853. Using tax, court, jail data, and other archival records, the report details how slavery, convict leasing, chain gangs, land dispossession, and discriminatory taxation led to generational wealth loss. Findings include an estimated $1.78 billion (in today’s dollars) in lost wages for Black prison laborers, and a more-than-double historical tax burden on Black landowners than the burden on White landowners. Commissioners approved extending the Task Force another 12–24 months to prepare a Repair Report outlining recommendations and feasibility analysis.
November 24, 2025 at 5:15 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
(6/9) The Fulton County Board of Commissioners reviewed the County’s proposed 2026 operating budget, which includes $1.05 billion for the General Fund — up 6.4% over 2025. fultoncountyga.gov/inside-fulto...
Fulton County reviews FY2026 budget proposal The Fulton County Board of Commissioners reviewed the proposed FY2026 operating budget, which includes $1.05 billion for the General Fund — up 6.4% over 2025 — shaped by public safety obligations, personnel costs, and State-mandated services. Major drivers include an additional $27 million for elections and a $12.5 million cost-of-living adjustment (3.45%) for all filled positions. The County expects to maintain a $176 million reserve balance.   While officials describe keeping the 8.87 property tax millage rate “flat,” they anticipate an additional 0.39 mills will be required to comply with federal court orders related to the County’s jails. The Sheriff’s Office has $144.5 million in unfunded budget requests.   Deliberations continue through December ahead of an anticipated final vote in January 2026.
November 24, 2025 at 5:15 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
(5/9) Atlanta’s reconstituted Governing Board of the Office of the Inspector General (IG) convened for the first time and received files on 45 active investigations — including ten with substantiated allegations. atlantaciviccircle.org/2025/11/22/a...
New Inspector General board convenes Atlanta’s reconstituted Governing Board of the Office of the Inspector General (IG) convened for the first time, nine months after the former IG and most Board members resigned in protest over interference with the Board’s independence and the Office’s powers. Interim IG LaDawn Blackett delivered case binders outlining 45 active investigations — including ten with substantiated allegations — and 29 that she had administratively closed. Under legislation adopted in February, the seven-member board — currently with four seated members — now determines the final outcome of cases and what becomes public. The City Attorney reiterated that the Office is not intended to pursue criminal inquiries. Blackett argued that the IG has the duty to investigate “potential violations of the city code, state law, and federal law.” The Board next meets on December 18.
November 24, 2025 at 5:15 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
(4/9) Invest Atlanta approved a $1.4 million grant from the Westside Tax Allocation District (TAD) to the Atlanta Land Trust (ALT) for construction of 14 permanently affordable homes in the English Avenue neighborhood. go.boarddocs.com/ga/investatl...
Invest Atlanta backs 14 permanently affordable homes in English Avenue Invest Atlanta approved a $1.4 million grant from the Westside Tax Allocation District (TAD) to the Atlanta Land Trust (ALT) for construction of 14 permanently affordable homes in English Avenue. The project includes six duplexes and two single-family houses. To maintain long-term affordability, the nonprofit ALT retains ownership of the land but homebuyers build equity in the house. Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) L leaders expressed concerns about difficulty selling four earlier units. ALT staff said that conditions such as a 60% Area Median Income (AMI) cap and a live/work/learn requirement do not apply to the new homes, and emphasized that units will not be delivered all at once. The Board voted unanimously to approve the grant.
November 24, 2025 at 5:15 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
(3/9) The City Council unanimously approved updates to legislation creating the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative Commission, accepting Mayor Andre Dickens’s request to accelerate the Commission’s work and clarify which organizations will hold seats. atlantacityga.iqm2.com/Citizens/Det...
City adjusts reinvestment commission timeline and representation The City Council unanimously approved updates to legislation creating the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative (NRI) Commission, accepting Mayor Andre Dickens’s request to accelerate the Commission’s work and clarify which organizations will hold seats. The Commission will evaluate implementation of the Mayor’s Initiative, including due diligence on extending Tax Allocation Districts (TADs). The deadline for issuing recommendations shifts from June to March 2026. In addition to representatives for the Mayor, City Council, Atlanta Public Schools, Fulton County, and the Atlanta Planning Advisory Board (APAB); the amended legislation now specifies the following groups: Atlanta Committee for Progress, Metro Atlanta Chamber, Arthur M. Blank Foundation, Purpose Built Communities, Westside Future Fund, and Focused Community Strategies.
November 24, 2025 at 5:15 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
(2/9) The Council approved a similar ban in Home Park — just north of Georgia Tech — in August. A more comprehensive, citywide rewrite of the STR ordinance — introduced in December 2024 — remains held in committee. atlantacityga.iqm2.com/Citizens/Det...
City Council rejects Northeast Atlanta short-term rental ban The Atlanta City Council defeated a proposal from Councilmember Howard Shook to prohibit new short-term rentals (STRs) across District 7. Six members voted in favor – Bond, Bakhtiari, Wan, Shook, Norwood, and Lewis – but eight votes are needed to adopt. The Council approved a similar ban in Home Park — just north of Georgia Tech — in August, but the Northeast Atlanta legislation lacked similar support from the affected Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs) and the Zoning Review Board. A more comprehensive, citywide rewrite of the STR ordinance — introduced in December 2024 — remains held in committee. That version, supported by the Dickens administration, would impose a 1,000-foot spacing requirement and limit multifamily buildings to no more than 10% STR units.
November 24, 2025 at 5:15 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
(1/9) This week in Atlanta, the Atlanta City Council defeated a proposal from Councilmember Howard Shook to prohibit new short-term rentals (STRs) across District 7 in Northeast Atlanta. 🧵
THIS WEEK IN ATLANTA News from the week of November 16   * Council rejects Northeast Atlanta short-term rental ban * City adjusts Neighborhood Reinvestment Commission * Invest Atlanta backs affordable homes in English Avenue * New Inspector General board convenes for first time * Fulton County reviews proposed budget for 2026 * Fulton Reparations Task Force delivers Harm Report * APS Budget Commission begins early FY2027 planning
November 24, 2025 at 5:15 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
We're at the Atlanta School Board’s Budget Commission meeting, where commissioners are starting discussions for the FY27 budget — which begins on July 1, 2026. They're discussing parameters for the FY27 plan, potential TAD extensions, and what school allotments could look like.
November 20, 2025 at 6:56 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
Today’s funding proposal was primarily for duplexes. go.boarddocs.com/ga/investatl...
November 20, 2025 at 4:49 PM
civicatlanta.bsky.social
We’re at Invest Atlanta’s monthly board meeting. On the agenda: selecting a developer for the Hickman Center at Morris Brown College, considering a $1.4M grant to the Atlanta Land Trust for 14 permanently affordable homes, and hearing updates on economic & community development.
November 20, 2025 at 2:53 PM