Atlanta Civic Circle
atlantaciviccircle.org
Atlanta Civic Circle
@atlantaciviccircle.org
We are a nonprofit newsroom that informs the public on the most critical issues facing metro Atlanta, especially on housing affordability and democracy. Learn more: https://atlantaciviccircle.org
Facing public scrutiny, city council punts TAD-extension bill to 2026

In a surprising reversal, Atlanta City Council today postponed an expected committee vote on legislation steered by the Mayor’s Office to extend the city’s eight tax allocation districts (TADs) to 2055. Bowing to pressure from a…
Facing public scrutiny, city council punts TAD-extension bill to 2026
In a surprising reversal, Atlanta City Council today postponed an expected committee vote on legislation steered by the Mayor’s Office to extend the city’s eight tax allocation districts (TADs) to 2055. Bowing to pressure from a growing chorus of critics warning the move would shortchange local public schools and questioning the speed at which the eight-week old proposal is moving, the council tabled the measure until early 2026.
atlantaciviccircle.org
November 26, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Atlanta IG’s new board holds first meeting, receives active cases amid uncertainty

The board received binders containing dozens of open investigations into waste, fraud, and abuse that had been launched under Manigault and then Interim Inspector General LaDawn Blackett.
Atlanta IG’s new board holds first meeting, receives active cases amid uncertainty
The board received binders containing dozens of open investigations into waste, fraud, and abuse that had been launched under Manigault and then Interim Inspector General LaDawn Blackett.
atlantaciviccircle.org
November 22, 2025 at 6:20 PM
🗓️ Today's the last day to request an absentee ballot for the Dec. 2 runoff elections. Get your request in now: securemyabsenteeballot.sos.ga.gov/s/
Rather vote in person? Early voting is Nov. 22-26. #gapol
Elections Portal
securemyabsenteeballot.sos.ga.gov
November 21, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Also-ran Atlanta school board contenders flag key issues for runoff candidates

Atlanta Civic Circle reached out to the school board contenders knocked out of the race for Districts 2, 6 and Seat 8, At-Large to ask who they’re endorsing and what issues the runoff candidates should champion for…
Also-ran Atlanta school board contenders flag key issues for runoff candidates
Atlanta Civic Circle reached out to the school board contenders knocked out of the race for Districts 2, 6 and Seat 8, At-Large to ask who they’re endorsing and what issues the runoff candidates should champion for Atlanta Public Schools (APS). 
atlantaciviccircle.org
November 20, 2025 at 1:49 AM
Atlanta’s unsheltered population could balloon as Trump cuts long-term housing funding

“This is pretty much all bad,” Partners for Home CEO Cathryn Vassell said.
Atlanta’s unsheltered population could balloon as Trump cuts long-term housing funding
“This is pretty much all bad,” Partners for Home CEO Cathryn Vassell said.
atlantaciviccircle.org
November 20, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Atlanta housing trust fund fix advances to full-council vote — but mayor’s office pushes back

CFO Mohamed Balla says the current setup maximizes the city’s ability to finance new housing.
Atlanta housing trust fund fix advances to full-council vote — but mayor’s office pushes back
CFO Mohamed Balla says the current setup maximizes the city’s ability to finance new housing.
atlantaciviccircle.org
November 16, 2025 at 11:39 PM
Why are metro Atlanta Starbucks workers striking?

Starbucks baristas at unionized stores in Alpharetta and Roswell walked off the job and shut down both stores for the coffee giant’s “Red Cup Day” launching its busy holiday season. The 44 local baristas joined over 1,000 striking Starbucks Workers…
Why are metro Atlanta Starbucks workers striking?
Starbucks baristas at unionized stores in Alpharetta and Roswell walked off the job and shut down both stores for the coffee giant’s “Red Cup Day” launching its busy holiday season. The 44 local baristas joined over 1,000 striking Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) members in the Nov. 13 walkout, which has swept 65 unionized stores in 40 cities. After years of…
atlantaciviccircle.org
November 16, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Q&A: How will Atlanta use Microsoft’s 22-acre land gift to develop Grove Park?

Atlanta Urban Development Corporation boss envisions 400 to 500 residential units.
Q&A: How will Atlanta use Microsoft’s 22-acre land gift to develop Grove Park?
Atlanta Urban Development Corporation boss envisions 400 to 500 residential units.
atlantaciviccircle.org
November 12, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Atlanta City Council runoffs: knocked-out District 7 and 11 challengers make endorsements

Atlanta Civic Circle asked the candidates who didn’t make the runoffs if they are endorsing anyone – and what issue mattered most to them for the district.
Atlanta City Council runoffs: knocked-out District 7 and 11 challengers make endorsements
Atlanta Civic Circle asked the candidates who didn’t make the runoffs if they are endorsing anyone – and what issue mattered most to them for the district.
atlantaciviccircle.org
November 12, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Metro Atlanta Starbucks baristas to join national strike Thursday

Unlike previous union actions, held for a single day, organizers say they are ready to hold out for weeks.
Metro Atlanta Starbucks baristas to join national strike Thursday
Unlike previous union actions, held for a single day, organizers say they are ready to hold out for weeks.
atlantaciviccircle.org
November 12, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Endorsement Tracker for Atlanta runoffs: Who’s endorsing who?

Candidates are jockeying for key endorsements that could sway voters from local civic leaders, political advocacy groups, and unions. 
Endorsement Tracker for Atlanta runoffs: Who’s endorsing who?
Candidates are jockeying for key endorsements that could sway voters from local civic leaders, political advocacy groups, and unions. 
atlantaciviccircle.org
November 10, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Rising food needs tax Atlanta nonprofits during SNAP freeze

Atlanta food pantries are scrambling to fill widening gaps in the social safety net as the federal government shutdown stretches into its fifth week. Food insecurity is rapidly spreading for Atlanta families since the federal government…
Rising food needs tax Atlanta nonprofits during SNAP freeze
Atlanta food pantries are scrambling to fill widening gaps in the social safety net as the federal government shutdown stretches into its fifth week. Food insecurity is rapidly spreading for Atlanta families since the federal government failed to make SNAP payments to roughly 42 million Americans on Nov. 1. The unexpected halt of SNAP benefits, which support about 260,000 people…
atlantaciviccircle.org
November 5, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Atlanta, Fulton voters overwhelmingly back new senior property-tax breaks

The measures will divert property tax revenue away from local public school systems.
Atlanta, Fulton voters overwhelmingly back new senior property-tax breaks
The measures will divert property tax revenue away from local public school systems.
atlantaciviccircle.org
November 5, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Atlanta establishment prevails in city races, despite strong progressive challenges

Democratic Socialist Kelsea Bond scored an outright victory in crowded District 2 city council race, as five council and school board races head to runoffs
Atlanta establishment prevails in city races, despite strong progressive challenges
Democratic Socialist Kelsea Bond scored an outright victory in crowded District 2 city council race, as five council and school board races head to runoffs
atlantaciviccircle.org
November 5, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Early voting numbers are coming in for the Georgia Public Service Commission Districts 2 and 3. As of 7:31 p.m., Alicia Johnson leads Tim Echols with 60.3% of the vote. Peter Hubard leads Fitz Johnson , also with 60.3% of the vote.
November 5, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Looking for a place to watch tonight's #gapol / #atlpol election results? Join ACC, @capitalbatl.bsky.social, and @iamkingwilliams.bsky.social at Manuel's Tavern. We'll also have a discussion with reps from @acluofga.bsky.social, @workingfamilies.org, and @psequity.bsky.social.
RSVP for free:
November 4, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Reposted by Atlanta Civic Circle
The @atlantaciviccircle.org voting guide is extremely helpful for this election, get out there and vote if you haven't yet! atlantaciviccircle.o... #atlpol #gapol #atlanta #georgia
Elections 2025
Your trusted hub for the PSC and city of Atlanta elections.
atlantaciviccircle.org
October 30, 2025 at 11:21 PM
🗳️The ACC Election Day liveblog is up! Follow along as we provide key updates and highlights on the city of Atlanta (mayor, city council, school board), Georgia Public Service Commission, Marietta mayor, and other races across the region. Polls are open now.

atlantaciviccircle.org/2025/11/04/l...
Live blog: November 4 General Election
Join us as we bring you real-time updates and coverage of the November 5 general election!
atlantaciviccircle.org
November 4, 2025 at 12:19 PM
BREAKING: City of Atlanta voters can vote until 8 PM on Election Day

But Atlantans who arrive at polls after 7 PM can’t vote in the Georgia PSC elections and must use provisional ballots.
BREAKING: City of Atlanta voters can vote until 8 PM on Election Day
But Atlantans who arrive at polls after 7 PM can’t vote in the Georgia PSC elections and must use provisional ballots.
atlantaciviccircle.org
November 3, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Is culture infrastructure? City council candidates on arts funding for Atlanta’s future

Atlanta’s arts and culture are the backbone of the city’s identity.
Is culture infrastructure? City council candidates on arts funding for Atlanta’s future
Atlanta’s arts and culture are the backbone of the city’s identity.
atlantaciviccircle.org
November 3, 2025 at 10:41 PM
We asked city council hopefuls: Should Atlantans have a say in the city budget?

All respondents favor participatory budgeting – but with varying enthusiasm, plus caveats.
We asked city council hopefuls: Should Atlantans have a say in the city budget?
All respondents favor participatory budgeting – but with varying enthusiasm, plus caveats.
atlantaciviccircle.org
October 29, 2025 at 11:39 PM
Welcome home: a 160-square-foot fresh start

The Melody transforms shipping containers into housing for some of Atlanta’s unhoused community members A resident enters the Melody Cost of Living Fellow Iris Brooks This story is part of a series called “Rethinking the American Dream.” Through these…
Welcome home: a 160-square-foot fresh start
The Melody transforms shipping containers into housing for some of Atlanta’s unhoused community members A resident enters the Melody Cost of Living Fellow Iris Brooks This story is part of a series called “Rethinking the American Dream.” Through these vignettes, Cost of Living Fellow Iris Brooks is exploring how innovative housing solutions—like land trusts—can address Atlanta’s affordability crisis. Brooks lives in a multigenerational home, sharing space with several family members, a living arrangement that has become increasingly common as housing costs rise.
atlantaciviccircle.org
October 28, 2025 at 12:07 AM
How would Atlanta City Council candidates stand up to federal overreach?

Here’s how they responded to our question on protecting Atlanta’s residents, finances and local authority from the Trump administration
How would Atlanta City Council candidates stand up to federal overreach?
Here’s how they responded to our question on protecting Atlanta’s residents, finances and local authority from the Trump administration
atlantaciviccircle.org
October 27, 2025 at 11:13 PM
How would APS board candidates address housing affordability concerns?

ACC asked Board of Education hopefuls how APS could use the land it owns to make housing more affordable for families.
How would APS board candidates address housing affordability concerns?
ACC asked Board of Education hopefuls how APS could use the land it owns to make housing more affordable for families.
atlantaciviccircle.org
October 27, 2025 at 10:25 PM
How Atlanta City Council candidates say they’d confront the housing crisis

Most candidates support the expansion of "missing middle" housing.
How Atlanta City Council candidates say they’d confront the housing crisis
Most candidates support the expansion of "missing middle" housing.
atlantaciviccircle.org
October 27, 2025 at 10:06 PM