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 Updates – May 13, 2022

Affordable Housing Trust Fund

The Atlanta City Council adopted an amendment to the City’s charter last year requiring 1% of the City’s annual budget be set aside for affordable housing, but the proposed budget did not include those funds. After touting $59 million in other investments in affordable housing, Mayor Andre Dickens announced that the budget would be amended to include $7 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Not in Atlanta's budget: money for the city's first recurring housing fund (WABE)

Mayor debuts housing "Strike Force," touts $59M investment—but none is new money (Atlanta Civic Circle)

Reversing course, mayor adding $7 million for new affordable housing trust to city budget (Atlanta Civic Circle)

Atlanta Department of Transportation Commissioner Resigns

Josh Rowan, Commissioner of the Atlanta Department of Transportation, announced that he’s resigning at the end of June. This makes six City departments looking for a permanent leader.

Few answers on Atlanta transportation head's surprise resignation (AJC)

Solid Waste Fees

The Atlanta City Council held as work session on Thursday to discuss three options to fund the City’s solid waste services – curbside trash collection, recycling, street sweeping, etc. The City agreed to a $19 million legal settlement last year in response to a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of commercial and condominium property owners.

Atlanta City Council Solid Waste Rate Revision Work Session (YouTube)

TSPLOST & Infrastructure Bonds

While early voting continues for the May 24th election that includes 3 questions for City of Atlanta residents that would fund $750 million in transportation and infrastructure capital projects. The City Council is scheduled to vote on an ordinance at Monday’s meeting that would provide greater certainty, clarity, and accountability on proposed projects in response to resident distrust from previous referendum.

On the Agenda: Atlanta City Council Significant Legislative Items for Monday, May 16 (press release)

Opportunities to Engage Next Week:

Monday, May 16

11:00am – Atlanta City Council Committee on Council Meeting
1:00pm – Atlanta City Council Full Council Meeting
3:00pm – Invest Atlanta, URFA, and DDA Finance Committee Meetings
4:00pm – Atlanta Water and Sewer Appeals Board
7:00pm – NPU F and NPU Y

Tuesday, May 17

10:00am – City of Atlanta Budget Briefing: Atlanta Police Department
11:00am – City of Atlanta Budget Briefing: Atlanta Fire Rescue Department
1:00pm – City of Atlanta Budget Briefing: Department of Corrections
2:00pm – City of Atlanta Budget Briefing: Office of the Inspector General
2:30pm – City of Atlanta Budget Briefing: City Auditor
3:00pm – City of Atlanta Budget Briefing: Atlanta Citizens Review Board
4:00pm – Keep Atlanta Beautiful Commission Board Meeting
6:30pm – NPU K

Wednesday, May 18

10:00am – Fulton County Board of Commissioners Meeting
10:00am – City of Atlanta Budget Briefing: Department of Public Works
11:00am – City of Atlanta Budget Briefing: Invest Atlanta
1:00pm – City of Atlanta Budget Briefing: Department of Watershed Management
2:00pm – City of Atlanta Budget Briefing: Atlanta Information Management
5:00pm – Atlanta Alcohol Technical Advisory Group III
7:00pm – NPU I

Thursday, May 19

9:00am – Invest Atlanta Board of Directors Meeting
10:00am – MARTA Audit Committee Meeting
10:00am – MARTA External Relations Committee Meeting
10:00am – City of Atlanta Budget Briefing: Municipal Court
11:00am – City of Atlanta Budget Briefing: Office of the Solicitor
11:30am – City of Atlanta Budget Briefing: Office of the Public Defender
1:00pm – City of Atlanta Budget Briefing: Department of Law
2:00pm – City of Atlanta Budget Briefing: Department of Aviation
6:00pm – Atlanta Governing Board of the Office of the Inspector General
7:00pm – NPU G, NPU Q, and NPU S

Saturday, May 21

10:00am – Atlanta Planning Advisory Board

Upcoming & On-Going Opportunities to Engage:

NPU University: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – Thursday, May 26, 2022 6:00pm-8:00pm

This course provides basic understanding about GIS Technology. GIS helps city and regional planners understand what, why, and where something is happening to assess past and existing conditions (change analysis), project future conditions, and model alternative scenarios to not only support informed decisions on initiatives, programs, and plans, but to also serve the public.

NPU University: Parliamentary Procedures II: Managing Discussions Around Hot Topics to Conduct Efficient Meetings – Wednesday, June 1, 2022 6:00pm-9:00pm

This class is designed for community leaders who struggle with getting through their agendas timely; want to implement strategy from Robert’s Rules of Order to develop more effective committees or need tools for managing spirited debate and discussion during meetings. Participants will be armed with the tools necessary to run efficient, fair, and timely meetings.

NPU University: Civic Participation for Seniors – Tuesday, June 14, 2022 10:00am-11:30am

Senior participation in civic processes is one of the pillars on which Atlanta’s communities were built. Civic engagement can allow seniors to maintain a healthy, active, and engaged life through building relationships, and reducing loneliness and social isolation. A panel of local and active senior community leaders will share how seniors can remain politically savvy.

What We’re Reading, Watching, and Hearing:

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: May 13, 2022