CCI Policy Updates: August 6, 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.

Policy Update – August 6, 2021

COVID-19 and Crime

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms held a press conference on Tuesday to address the increase in COVID-19 cases and crime. While the City was close to reaching Phase 4 of its reopening plan, its now nearing going backwards to Phase 3. Atlanta Police Chief Rodney Bryant says overall crime is down from 2019, but property crimes are up.

Live press conference Keisha Bottoms Atlanta crime, COVID cases (11 Alive)

Atlanta Mayor Bottoms Addresses Crime and COVID-19 Crises (GPB)

Inactive Voters

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has announced that almost 200,000 voters will soon be moved to “inactive” status after 5 years of “no contact” with elections officials. “No contact” means the currently-registered voter has not cast a ballot, requested a ballot, updated their voter registration, or renewed their driver’s license.

Raffensperger Announces 185,666 Voter Registrations Will Soon Move To Inactive Status (GPB)

Back to School

The new school year started on Thursday for Atlanta Public Schools students with in-person learning the default option for all students whose parents didn’t opt-out. The district has partnered with the Fulton County Board of Health to offer free COVID-19 vaccines next week to all eligible students and staff at middle and high schools.

APS Offers COVID-19 Vaccinations at Middle and High Schools Beginning Aug. 9 (Talk Up APS)

Cascade Road Improvements

At their first meeting back from their summer recess, the Atlanta City Council voted in support of nearly $21 million in transportation improvements along Cascade Road. This will include resurfacing, restriping, traffic signal upgrades, bus stop enhancements, streetscapes, extended bike lanes, and pedestrian safety improvements.

Atlanta City Council Approves Agreement for Cascade Road Streetscape Improvements (Press Release)

Per Diem Approval

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Wednesday to compensate Development Authority of Fulton County (DAFC) board members $150 for each day they meet. Previously some board members had been receiving multiple $200 payments for multiple agenda items or meetings on the same day.

Fulton commissioners OK development authority per diem amid scandal (AJC)

APD Pushes Back at Buckhead

In a recent interview, the chairman of the Buckhead City Committee stated that police are “looking the other way” rather than addressing violent crime. The Atlanta Police Department responded on Wednesday saying, “While the community is relaxing in the comfort of their homes, our officers are out helping people in crisis and tracking down lawbreakers.”

APD releases statement on Buckhead cityhood movement (Reporter Newspapers)

Councilmember Smith Opposed to Training Center Location

On Friday, District 1 Atlanta City Council member Carla Smith — not seeking re-election — stated that while she fully supports the construction of a new public safety training center, she cannot support the proposed location as it's currently planned for greenspace. The Council's Public Safety Committee will get an update on the proposal Monday at 2:00pm.

Atlanta City Council Member Carla Smith (Facebook)

Atlanta City Council Public Safety & Legal Services Committee Meeting (agenda)

Opportunities for Engagement Next Week:

Monday, August 9

10:00am – Atlanta Housing Commission Meeting
11:00am – Atlanta City Council Zoning Committee Meeting
2:00pm – Atlanta City Council Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee Meeting
6:00pm – Atlanta Public Schools Millage Rate Hearing
7:00pm – NPU V and NPU X

Tuesday, August 10

10:30am – Atlanta City Council City Utilities Committee Meeting
1:30pm – Atlanta City Council Community Development/Human Services Committee Meeting
6:30pm – NPU L

Wednesday, August 11

8:00am – #VoteATL Mayoral Candidate Conversation with Antonio Brown
9:30am – Atlanta City Council Transportation Committee Meeting
1:30pm – Atlanta City Council Finance/Executive Committee Meeting
7:00pm – NPU T

Thursday, August 12

10:00am – Fulton County Board of Elections and Registration
12:00pm – MARTA Board of Directors Work Session and Board Meeting
1:00pm – Invest Atlanta & URFA Housing Committees Meeting
2:00pm – Invest Atlanta TAD Project & Policy Committee Meeting
3:30pm – Invest Atlanta Economic Development Committee Meeting

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.

Proposed Ordinance 21-O-0456

Fact Sheet

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.

Proposed Ordinance 21-O-0266