CCI Policy Updates: February 11, 2022
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 – February 11, 2022
No Buckhead City Vote
The Georgia General Assembly will not approve a referendum this year to allow Buckhead residents to de-annex from the City of Atlanta. Both the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House have said the legislation will not be allowed to proceed during this legislative session.
State GOP leaders scuttle Buckhead secession push in 2022 (AJC)
Statement on Remarks by State Legislative Leaders on Deannexation (press release)
Campbellton Road Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
Members of the Atlanta City Council representing Southwest Atlanta hosted a town hall meeting to discuss MARTA’s recent announcement that they’re planning to add bus rapid transit (BRT) along the Campbellton Road Corridor rather than a light rail line as previously proposed at a savings of $200 million.
Anger over MARTA's plans in southwest Atlanta (Fox 5)
MARTA Accused of 'Stealing' Two Hundred Million Dollars (WAOK)
Transportation Justice for SW Atlanta Community Meeting (YouTube)
Center for Diversion and Services
Legislation was introduced on Monday that will convert a portion of the Atlanta City Detention Center (“city jail”) into a Center for Diversion and Services. The 24-hour center is being supported by Fulton County, Grady Hospital, and the Policing Alternatives and Diversion (PAD) Initiative.
Atlanta aims to convert jail into diversion center (Axios)
Atlanta City Council Approves Legislation to Amend Public Safety Commission (press release)
Community Schoolyards
Schoolyards at Kimberly Elementary and Dobbs Elementary are now open to the public outside of school hours thanks to a partnership between Atlanta Public Schools, The Trust for Public Land, Urban Land Institute Atlanta, and Park Pride. These are the first two of 10 APS campuses that are part of the program to increase access to parks within a 10-minute walk of where people live.
Atlanta schoolyards can moonlight as neighborhood parks (Axios)
Mayor Promises Improvements at Forest Cove Apartments
Roughly 200 residents of the Forest Cove apartments in southeast Atlanta will soon be relocated following a municipal court judge’s decision to condemn the property that was previously proposed for a $56 million renovation. The property has received over 500 housing code complaints in the last five years – the most in the city.
Atlanta Mayor Dickens promises plan to relocate Forest Cove tenants by end of the week (WABE)
Opportunities to Engage Next Week
Monday, February 14
10:00am – Atlanta Housing Commission Meeting [canceled]
2:00pm – Atlanta City Council Public Safety & Legal Administration Committee Meeting
3:00pm – Invest Atlanta, URFA, and DDA Finance Committees Meeting
Tuesday, February 15
8:30am – Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority (AFCRA) Board of Directors Meeting
10:00am – Atlanta City Council City Utilities Committee Meeting
1:30pm – Atlanta City Council Community Development & Human Services Committee Meeting
6:30pm – NPU K
Wednesday, February 16
9:30am – Atlanta City Council Transportation Committee Meeting
1:30pm – Atlanta City Council Finance & Executive Committee Meeting
6:00pm – Atlanta Housing Board of Commissioners Special Meeting
7:00pm – NPU I
Thursday, February 17
9:00am – Invest Atlanta Board Meeting
10:00am – MARTA Board of Directors External Relations Committee Meeting
6:00pm – Governing Board of the Office of the Inspector General Meeting [canceled]
7:30pm – NPU Q
Friday, February 18
no public meetings
Saturday, February 19
Other Ways to Engage:
NPU University: Zoning Fundamentals I – Tuesday, February 15, 6:00pm
This beginner-level course is designed to make zoning terms and concepts easier for ordinary residents to understand. Upon completion of the course, attendees will understand what zoning is, what specific zoning types are, how to find the zoning for any property, and why zoning is important. This course is one of a three-part series that will conclude in students closing on cases from beginning to end as well as learning how to apply zoning concepts to corridors and neighborhoods in Atlanta.
Atlanta Public School (APS) GO Team Candidate Declarations
Atlanta Public Schools is currently looking for parents, educators, and community members to serve on local school governance teams (GO Teams) for 2022-23. Candidate declarations are open until the end of February. Voting will take place in April.
What We’re Reading:
City Council taking steps to reduce vacancies on Atlanta's boards and commissions (AJC)
As Atlanta businesses continue dealing with pandemic, city announces new round of grants (WABE)
Without explanation, Atlanta Housing delays Bowen Homes redevelopment (Atlanta Civic Circle)
Atlanta's break-the-mold affordable housing project may become model for future (SaportaReport)
Muscogee dismayed by nearly naked statue of Georgia ancestor (WABE)
The Covid Policy That Really Mattered Wasn't a Policy (New York Times)
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.