Politic-ATL: Dickens introduces $994.7 million budget for 2027
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens on Monday unveiled the proposed $994.7 million budget for fiscal year 2027, which the administration said focuses on affordable housing, public safety and youth engagement efforts.
Why it matters: The general fund budget outlines how the city will spend tax dollars on staffing, operations and projects across Atlanta's 12 City Council districts.
Zoom in: Dickens wants continued funding for his Year of the Youth initiative, which includes the Summer Youth Employment Program and At-Promise Centers.
- Other priorities include training programs, new vehicles, "competitive compensation" and equipment improvements for public safety personnel, as well as funding to build or preserve 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030.
What's next: The Atlanta City Council's budget hearings began Tuesday and will continue through May 21. You can view the full schedule on the City Council's website.
404 Day emergency study approved
The City Council on Monday approved a resolution that would explore what changes need to be made for 404 Day festivities after a teenager was shot and killed last month at Piedmont Park.
- An advisory committee will review the event permitting process, public safety response, traffic management and impacts to residents, neighborhoods and infrastructure.
- Another resolution was approved to establish the Special Event Technical Advisory Group, which will review and recommend any changes to the permitting process for events held at Piedmont Park.
Council members also gave the green light to establishing an open container district in certain parts of Downtown during the FIFA World Cup.
- The district will be active June 11 through July 19 and will allow people 21 and older to drink alcohol in designated public spaces.
Council president pulls request for car
Council President Marci Collier Overstreet told colleague Jason Winston to shelve a resolution that would have provided her with a vehicle and driver to take her to and from city-related events.
- Overstreet said Monday she listened closely to people who raised concerns about the request, saying, "And I want all of the residents to know that I really did hear you."
- Winston originally introduced the resolution, which was held in committee last week.
- "I am always going to be here and be open to conversations about everything," Overstreet said. "I'm not right about everything. No Council member on this dais is right about everything. So we are all committed to keeping our ears and eyes open and always open to your comments."
Bond wants audit of Housing Help Center
Council member Kelsea Bond introduced a resolution that would audit and review the data collected through Atlanta's Housing Help Center to "better inform city housing policy and eviction-prevention initiatives," their office said Tuesday.
- The Help Center is an online tool that puts residents in touch with housing-related resources.
- Bond's resolution calls for results to be presented in August to the Council's Community Development and Human Services Committee.