CCI Policy Updates: July 30, 2021
The Center for Civic Innovation's mission is to increase civic participation and elevate more effective solutions in Atlanta by inspiring people to take action, investing in the work of local community leaders, and advocating for policy change. We believe that informed and civically-engaged residents are the key to making Atlanta the city we all know it can be.
We started this Weekly Policy Update series to provide our community with important and relevant policy updates. Each post recaps the past week and provides a look ahead at what's on the agenda next week, including opportunities for everyone to engage within the community. We hope you’re inspired to take action, support and invest in local community leaders, and advocate for public policy that reflects the needs and voices of everyone who calls Atlanta home.
July 30, 2021 Policy Update
Atlanta Mask Mandate
In response to the rising number of COVID-19 infections and new CDC guidance, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has issued a new Executive Order requiring everyone to wear masks while indoors in public places, including inside private businesses.
Possible State Takeover of Elections in Fulton County
A group of Republicans in the Georgia state senate have requested a performance review of Fulton County’s elections chief. This is the first step towards replacing the locally-appointed position with a state-selected manager, as outlined in Georgia’s controversial new elections law.
Georgia Republicans take first step to Fulton elections takeover (AJC)
Eviction Moratorium Set to Expire on Saturday
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) nationwide ban on housing evictions is set to expire on July 31. The ban to prevent homelessness and overcrowded housing conditions that could encourage the spread of the coronavirus.
Biden to allow eviction moratorium to expire Saturday (AP)
Local governments urged to use mediation, other aid to stop evictions (AJC)
Atlanta’s New Plan
Atlanta’s Department of City Planning has released a second draft of Plan A, the latest update of the city’s Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) that will serve as a guide to growth and development for the next 5 years. Copies are available online and at branch libraries and recreation centers.
Plan A: Atlanta’s 2021 Comprehensive Development Plan
Opportunities for Engagement Next Week:
Monday, August 2
1:00pm – Atlanta City Council Meeting
2:30pm – Atlanta Board of Education Meeting
7:00pm – NPU P
Tuesday, August 3
Wednesday, August 4
10:00am – Fulton County Board of Commissioners Meeting
7:00pm – NPU R
Thursday, August 5
Atlanta Public Schools first day of classes
7:00pm – NPU H
Friday, August 6
Saturday, August 7
Other and On-Going Opportunities:
Plan A is Atlanta’s comprehensive development plan (CDP) – a guide to growth and development that’s updated every 5 years. The Department of City Planning has posted a 2nd draft of Plan A for public review and comment online at and at 15 libraries and community recreation centers. The 2nd round of review and comment will end on August 27th. A 3rd draft and round of public review and comment will be from 9/13 to 9/27. The City Council’s Community Development/Human Services (CD/HS) Committee will host the final virtual public hearing on September 27th at 6pm. The full City Council will adopt the CDP by October 31, 2021. For additional information please email cdp2021@atlantaga.gov.
MARTA is seeking input on its plans to add light-rail transit (LRT) or bus rapid transit (BRT) along the Campbellton Road corridor between the Oakland City MARTA station and the Greenbriar Mall area.
At the NPUs:
Councilmember Amir Farokhi has proposed a series of changes to the City’s zoning ordinance related to increasing residential density around MARTA rail stations, removing minimum parking requirements, and allowing more options for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). All three proposals are intended to increase the availability of affordable housing.
Councilmembers Joyce Sheperd and Carla Smith have proposed changes to Park Pride’s Community Garden program in City of Atlanta parks to require NPUs to be notified of new agreements with adopter groups and agreements must include a process for community members to utilize the garden.
What We’re Reading:
Historic Negro League Team receives well-deserved community revitalization (The Atlanta Voice)
Atlanta neighborhood seeks to improve Beltline housing policy (Atlanta Progressive News)
As rising violent crime turns Atlanta into a ‘warzone,’ residents disagree on a solution (PBS)
Gun violence is up across the country. It’s changing mayoral politics. (Politico)
To make these updates better, we need your input! What was most informative or helpful? What did we miss? Please email us at policy@civicatlanta.org.