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 18, 2022

Mayor’s Green Cabinet

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens announced a group of 13 environmental groups, dubbed a “green cabinet,” that will advise him quarterly on parks and greenspace planning. Park Pride, one of the groups, also announced its largest-ever grant awards, 60% of which are going to parks in low-income neighborhoods.

Park Pride Announces $2.3 Million of Capital Improvements in Store for Local Parks (press release)

Dickens announces 'green cabinet' of Atlanta parks and greenspace advisors (WABE)

Atlanta Housing Settlement Reached

The Atlanta Housing Board of Commissioners signed off on a settlement agreement with developer Integral Group to end a lengthy legal battle that’s prevented the development of affordable housing on over 80 acres of land. The agreement awaits approval from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Atlanta Housing OKs settlement with developer to signal end of yearslong legal battle (AJC)

Business License Renewal Extension

The City of Atlanta’s online business license renewal system had some technical difficulties just as the February 15th deadline for renewals arrived, so the City has extended the renewal deadline to March 4th and waived late fees.

ATLCORE/ENERGOV Outage (press release)

Extra Security at Polling Places

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has called for the Georgia State Patrol to supplement county sheriffs at polling places throughout the state for this year’s elections. Fulton County Commission Chairperson Robb Pitts says its “overkill” and believes the proposal perpetuates false claims about the 2020 election.

Georgia official calls for security at more than 2,000 polling places this year (AJC)

Fulton County Chairman Outraged by Call for Additional Security at Polling Sites (Robb's View)

Opportunities to Engage Next Week:

Monday, February 21 – Presidents’ Day (recognized by Fulton and DeKalb Counties and federal government)

11:00am – Atlanta City Council Committee on Council Meeting
1:00pm – Atlanta City Council Meeting
3:00pm – Development Authority of Fulton County Financial Review/Audit Committee Meeting
6:00pm – NPU V meeting
7:00pm – NPU F and NPU Y meetings

Tuesday, February 22

9:00am – DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Meeting
2:00pm – Development Authority of Fulton County Board Meeting
5:00pm – Atlanta License Review Board Hearing
6:30pm – NPU O meeting
7:00pm – NPU J meeting
7:30pm – NPU D meeting

Wednesday, February 23

10:00am – Atlanta Housing Commission Policy and Best Practices Committee Meeting
4:00pm – Fulton County Library System Board of Trustees Meeting
7:30pm – NPU W meeting

Thursday, February 24

9:30am – MARTA Business Management, Operations & Public Safety, Planning & Capital Programs Committee Meetings
12:00pm – Buckhead Public Safety Task Force Meeting
12:15pm – Atlanta Board of Education Budget Commission Meeting
6:00pm – Atlanta Cemetery Network
7:00pm – NPU N meeting

Friday, February 25

no public meetings

Other Opportunities:

MARTA Riders' Advisory Council

MARTA is looking for residents to serve on its 25-member Riders’ Advisory Council. The all-volunteer group provides feedback on improving the overall transit experience for customers.

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:

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: February 18, 2022