Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms' Legislative Agenda Receives Atlanta City Council Approval

Strategic Insights -

The Atlanta City Council has approved several key items on Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms' legislative agenda, addressing pressing issues such as homelessness, public safety, solid waste sanitation, and COVID-19 vaccination incentives. At the heart of these initiatives is the Mayor's commitment to providing compassionate solutions for the city's most vulnerable residents. "Protecting and housing people experiencing homelessness is a top priority for our Administration," Mayor Bottoms emphasized. "We will continue to lead with compassion so that every Atlantan has a safe place to lay their head at night."

Key Takeaways:

  • The Atlanta City Council approved approximately $3.5 million in additional funding for Partners for Home to support HomeFirst and LIFT initiatives, including non-congregate shelter hotel operations, rapid rehousing for 100 homeless households, and dedicated street outreach.
  • The funding will be matched by philanthropic funds, underscoring the city's commitment to addressing homelessness through multi-stakeholder partnerships.
  • Georgia Power Company will partner with the Atlanta Department of Transportation to upgrade and expand the city's streetlight footprint as part of the "One Atlanta Light Up the Night" initiative.
  • The agreement with Georgia Power is for a term of one year with five one-year renewal options not to exceed $2 million, aiming to increase street safety through increased lighting.
  • The City of Atlanta has approved a contract extension with Georgia Works, Inc. to alleviate staffing shortages in the Department of Public Works -- Office of Solid Waste Services (DPR-OSWS), ensuring timely collection of recycling and yard trimmings.
  • The contract extension will remain in effect through June 30, 2022, providing temporary personnel support for the Solid Waste Services Division.
  • Mayor Bottoms has issued an Executive Order to extend and expand the COVID-19 vaccination incentive pilot program, offering City of Atlanta employees a one-time $100 incentive payment for receiving initial vaccinations and booster shots during the program period (September 15, 2021 to December 31, 2021).

Statistics:

  • Approximately $3.5 million in additional funding will be allocated to support HomeFirst and LIFT initiatives.
  • 9,300 existing streetlights will be upgraded as part of the first phase of the Georgia Power partnership, with new LED streetlights to be installed at multiple locations in the city.
  • The partnership with Georgia Power will not exceed $2 million over the one-year contract and five one-year renewal options.
  • Through June 30, 2022, Georgia Works, Inc. will provide temporary personnel support for the Solid Waste Services Division.

Sources:

  • The City of Atlanta
  • Partners for Home
  • Georgia Power Company
  • Georgia Works, Inc.