Politic-ATL: City settling excessive force case
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A man records video of a police line during a 2020 Atlanta protest in response to the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. Photo: Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images
With its FY2025 budget in effect, Atlanta's lawmakers have been working to address police settlements, excessive heat and more.
City of Atlanta reaches $2 million settlement with students tased during 2020 protests
Atlanta will pay $2 million to settle litigation filed by two college students who police pulled from their car and tased in 2020.
- Body camera footage from the time shows Atlanta police damaging the vehicle carrying Messiah Young and Taniyah Pilgrim. The two were stuck in traffic during protests over George Floyd's death.
- Atlanta's law department said the officers involved returned to work, and Atlanta's Civil Service Board overturned the disciplinary action they were facing. They added that a prosecuting attorney agreed that the officers should not face criminal charges.
Council moves to keep public indoor pools open longer
The City Council OK'd legislation to temporarily extend operating hours of Atlanta's four public indoor pools to include Saturdays, 11am to 3pm through Oct. 1 to help provide relief from the extreme heat.
- If Mayor Andre Dickens approves it, the new hours could take effect as early as July 6.
- Atlanta's four public indoor pools are at the C.T. Martin Natatorium, the Martin Luther King Jr. Natatorium, Washington Park Natatorium and Rosel Fann Natatorium.
Atlanta Police Foundation donates trucks
The Atlanta Police Foundation nonprofit is donating $268,800 worth of 2024 Super Duty F-450s to the city for employee transportation during special events.
City Hall considers a contribution to Invest Atlanta
Atlanta's economic development agency could receive $1.8 million from City Hall to fund a legacy business program.
- The program would support businesses that have been operating for 30 years or more and "have contributed to the history, culture and identity of the city," says City Councilman Jason Dozier.
- City Council is also considering separate legislation to fund Invest Atlanta's neighborhood and small business impact recovery fund.
City Council proposes tax increase for blighted properties
City Council has introduced an ordinance to impose a tax increase on owners of neglected properties.
- According to the city, the Community Redevelopment Tax Incentive Program allows municipalities to temporarily increase property taxes on blighted properties until the property is remediated or redeveloped.
Atlanta wants to develop an urban farm
Atlanta wants to purchase approximately 5.34 acres from the national nonprofit Conservation Fund for $2.7 million to develop an urban farm and park preserve known as Red's Farm Preserve in the Ormewood neighborhood.