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 – November 19, 2021

Veto Override

The Atlanta City Council voted 10-4 to override Mayor Bottoms’ veto of a rezoning in Buckhead that had been supported by NPU B, the Zoning Review Board, and the planning department but was still opposed by some neighbors. Councilmember and mayoral candidate Andre Dickens abstained from the vote stating he’d recently held an event at a neighboring property.

Council overrides Atlanta mayor's veto of Buckhead church redevelopment

Other Legislation

The City Council made its first of two votes in support of a proposed amendment to the City’s charter requiring 2% of the City’s annual operating budget be set aside for affordable housing. Legislation was approved revising alcohol license application procedures. New legislation was introduced to exchange the City’s parking deck across from State Farm Arena for a new learning center at the John A. White Park golf course.

Atlanta City Council Moves Closer to Establishing Affordable Housing Trust Fund (press release)

City of Atlanta Partners on Child and Youth Programs

The City of Atlanta has launched the Child Savings Account Program along with Atlanta Public Schools and Operation HOPE to seed new savings accounts for qualified kindergartners with $50. The City has also expanded funding for the Youth Entrepreneurship Program in partnership with the United Way of Greater Atlanta to provide a monthly $200 stipend, mentorship, job readiness training, and leadership development to “water boys.”

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Announces Launch of Child Savings Account and Youth Entrepreneurship Programs (press release)

Early Voting Underway

Voting has begun for Atlanta’s November 30th municipal runoff election to decide who will be the city’s next mayor and council president. Six city council and two school board seats also remain to be decided. Early voting continues through Wednesday, November 24th.

VoteATL: November 30, 2021 Runoff Election

Buckhead Secession Bill Officially Introduced

State Senator Brandon Beach prefiled a bill to let voters decide whether to create the new City of Buckhead City. Beach and twelve other Republican lawmakers – none of whose districts include Atlanta – are attempting to bypass the traditional legislative process requiring support from local representatives.

Buckhead cityhood bill prefiled by lawmaker (Buckhead Reporter)

Opportunities to Engage Next Week:

Monday, November 22

9:00am – Atlanta Board of Education (APS) Policy Review Committee Meeting
4:00pm – Atlanta Urban Design Commission Hearing
6:15pm – NPU M
7:00pm – NPU N and NPU Z

Tuesday, November 23

7:30pm – NPU D

Wednesday, November 24

no meetings

Thursday, November 25 – Thanksgiving

no meetings

Friday, November 26

no meetings

Other On-Going and Upcoming Opportunities:

Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation Master Plan

The Department of Parks and Recreation has begun the public comment period for the Activate ATL: Recreation and Parks for All Comprehensive Master Plan. The plan is available for review online at https://www.activate-atl.com. Activate ATL is a comprehensive parks and recreation system plan that provides recommendations for provision of facilities, programs and services; parkland acquisition and development; maintenance and operations; and administration and management over the next ten years. Activate ATL will be presented during the CDHS Quarterly CDP Public Hearing on November 29th. Send comments via the website to email to activate-atl@atlantaga.gov.

MARTA Bus Network Redesign

MARTA has released a survey to get feedback on the future of its bus network. The concept scenarios are focused on either providing more-frequent service in fewer routes or less-frequent service on more routes. Virtual public meetings are scheduled for December 2nd and 7th.

https://www.marta2040nextgenbus.com/home

What We’re Reading:

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.

CCI Policy Updates: November 19, 2021