Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 2d

Yesterday, we were at City Hall for the October meeting of City Council’s Artificial Intelligence Commission.

Atlanta’s Chief Information Officer Jason Sankey and IT Director Natalie Hall presented on citywide AI projects and the city’s AI policy.

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 5d

Also on the agenda is a resolution appointing 12 members to serve on the City of Atlanta Reparations Study Commission.

The Commission, which was established in November 2023, has not been able to officially begin meeting due to the lack of confirmed appointees.

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 5d

Today's agenda includes an ordinance that would ratify Mayor Andre Dicken's executive order, temporarily halting the acceptance of permit applications for certain activities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Soccer tournament.

1

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 5d

Happy Monday! We’re back at City Hall for the Atlanta City Council meeting. Tune in here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTA6...

1

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 6d

This Week in Atlanta is a cumulative effort from the CCI team. Every week, we attend meetings for @cityofatlantaga.bsky.social, APS, DeKalb County, @fultoncountyga.bsky.social, and more. We report that info back in ways that actually make sense. To support this work, go to civicatlanta.org/donate.

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 6d

(6/6) Mark your calendar! 🗓️
• citycouncil.atlantaga.gov
• atlantapublicschools.us/apsboard
• futureatlatnatransit.eventbrite.com
• itsmarta.com/bod-overview...
• atlantapublicschools.us/aps2040

Mark your calendar for upcoming events

Monday, October 6
* 1:00pm – Atlanta City Council meeting – citycouncil.atlantaga.gov
* 2:30pm – Atlanta Board of Education meeting – atlantapublicschools.us/apsboard

Tuesday, October 7
* 7:00pm – The Future of Transit in Atlanta town hall meeting – futureatlantatransit.eventbrite.com

Wednesday, October 8
* 4:00pm – Atlanta Artificial Intelligence Commission meeting – Atlanta City Hall, Committee Room 2

Thursday, October 9
* noon – MARTA Board of Directors work session and meeting – itsmarta.com/bod-overview.aspx
* 6:00pm – Atlanta Public Schools Long-Range Comprehensive Facilities Plan Community Task Force Recommendation Meeting – atlantapublicschools.us/aps2040

1 1

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 6d

(5/6) @letspropelatl.bsky.social published “Voices from the Bus: MARTA Riders Speak Out” — a report based on a bilingual survey of more than 900 bus riders, documenting their daily experiences and identifying operational and equity challenges. letspropelatl.org/voicesfromth...

MARTA bus riders speak out in new survey

Transportation-advocacy organization Propel ATL published “Voices from the Bus: MARTA Riders Speak Out” — a report based on a bilingual survey of more than 900 bus riders (conducted March–July 2024), documenting their daily experiences and identifying operational and equity challenges.

Key findings from the survey show that riders face:
* “ghost buses” – cancellations and severe delays,
* infrequent schedules and limited hours,
* limited payment options,
* weak real-time tracking and app issues, and
* unsafe first/last-mile conditions such as a lack of sidewalks and crosswalks.

The report emphasizes that buses serve many low-income and minority communities and recommends prioritizing reliability, increasing frequency and hours, improving transit priority and digital tools, enhancing first/last-mile access, and centering equity in planning.

1 1

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 6d

(4/6) Fulton County Commissioners approved two contracts totaling $10.8M for senior transportation services in 2026. youtube.com/live/ztzYdBq...

Fulton Commissioners approve $10.8M for senior transportation services in 2026

Fulton County Commissioners unanimously approved final one-year renewals of two contracts for transportation services for seniors in 2026.

Transdev will receive up to $7.63M to provide residents aged 60 and older access to non-emergency medical services, neighborhood senior centers, and adult daycare centers. Common Courtesy will receive up to $3.13M to provide up to 10 flexible ride-sharing trips per month using Uber and Lyft for medical shopping, and social trips.

Commissioners discussed equitable access for less dense areas, coordination to avoid duplication of services, and technology improvements such as online booking, while emphasizing the need to keep human help for seniors less familiar with apps.

1 1

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 6d

(3/6) Atlanta Public Schools presented a stark financial outlook marked by rising costs, declining enrollment, and revenue shortfalls. Leaders are looking to consolidate facilities, moderate pay growth, and review program efficiency to restore financial health. youtube.com/watch?v=LvB1...

APS budget report warns of “math problem” as spending outpaces revenue

At its Budget Commission meeting, Atlanta Public Schools (APS) presented a stark financial outlook marked by rising costs, declining enrollment, and revenue shortfalls.

Major cost pressures include state health insurance and pension increases (about $25 million combined), competitive teacher pay, and under-enrolled schools. Enrollment in APS’s traditional public schools has dropped 16% since 2016 as charter and private options have expanded. The report cited an “immediate need for efficiency and sustainability,” warning that extending tax allocation district (TAD) agreements could further constrain revenue.

APS leaders are looking to consolidate facilities, moderate pay growth, and review program efficiency to restore long-term financial health.

1 2

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 6d

(2/6) The proposal would direct $5B to affordable housing, transit, and infrastructure projects. Supporters praised TADs as high-return tools to spur development, while critics questioned setting aside so much tax revenue from general operating expenses.
ajc.com/news/2025/09...

Mayor seeks TAD extensions to fund $5B neighborhood reinvestment plan

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens announced plans on Tuesday to extend all of the City’s tax allocation districts (TADs) beyond 2050 to fund his Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, aimed at reducing racial and economic inequality.

The proposal would direct $5 billion to affordable housing, transit, and infrastructure projects. Dickens called the plan a “purposeful investment” in historically neglected areas on the city’s south and west sides.

Supporters praised TADs as high-return tools to spur growth and development, while critics questioned setting aside so much property tax revenue from general operating expenses.

Fulton County and Atlanta Public Schools – each of which forgoes tax revenue within TADs – will review the proposal amid ongoing budget pressures.

1 1

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 6d

(1/6) This week in Atlanta, Mayor Andre Dickens announced plans to extend all of the City’s tax allocation districts (TADs) beyond 2050 to fund his Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, aimed at reducing racial and economic inequality. 🧵

THIS WEEK IN ATLANTA

News from the week of September 28
* Mayor launches campaign to extend Tax Allocation Districts to fund $5B neighborhood reinvestment plan
* Atlanta Public Schools budget report warns of “math problem” as spending outpaces revenue
* Fulton County Commissioners approve $10.8M in senior transportation service contracts for 2026
* MARTA bus riders speak out in new survey

1 1

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 11d

We’re at the third meeting of the City of Atlanta's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Advisory Committee. Today’s agenda includes a a review of a proposed grievance procedure policy for the Atlanta Department of Transportation.

1

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 11d

🏫 Increased competition from private and charter schools

📈 Rising costs, including competitive salaries and higher benefit rates

💰 Revenue constraints that limit available funding

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 11d

We’re at the Atlanta School Board Budget Commission meeting today, where they are discussing three factors driving the district’s current budget “math problem”…

1

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 13d

This Week in Atlanta is a cumulative effort from the CCI team. We attend meetings for the City of Atlanta, Atlanta Public Schools, DeKalb and Fulton counties, and more. We report that info back in ways that actually make sense. To support this work, go to civicatlanta.org/donate.

1

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 13d

(9/9) Mark your calendar! 🗓️
• atlantapublicschools.us/apsboard
• beltline.org/events
• fulton.legistar.com
• atlantapublicschools.us/aps2040

Mark your calendar for upcoming events

Tuesday, September 30
* 11:30am – Atlanta Board of Education Budget Commission meeting – atlantapublicschools.us/apsboard
* 4:00pm – Atlanta Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Advisory Committee meeting – 999 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1400
* 6:30pm – Atlanta Beltline Historic and Cultural Resources Study meeting – beltline.org/events

Wednesday, October 1
* 10:00am – Fulton County Board of Commissioners meeting – fulton.legistar.com

Wednesday, October 1 – Wednesday, October 8
* Atlanta Public Schools Long-Range Comprehensive Facilities Plan community outreach meetings – atlantapublicschools.us/aps2040

1

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 13d

(8/9) Atlanta Public Schools released “refined scenarios” for its long-range facilities planning process, including:
• constructing up to 3 new schools,
• converting the Carver into a district-wide arts “choice school,” and
• redrawing some attendance boundaries. atlantapublicschools.us/APS2040

APS refines facilities plan scenarios, seeks community feedback
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) released “refined scenarios” for its long-range facilities planning process, sharing them first with the Facilities Community Task Force – composed of APS parents, staff, and community members – and then at two community meetings.

Options now under review include:
* constructing up to three new schools,
* converting the Carver high school campus into a district-wide arts “choice school,” and
* redrawing some attendance boundaries.

APS projects the scenarios could save $40M in deferred maintenance and $12M in operating costs.

New community meetings are now scheduled October 1 through October 8. The Task Force is scheduled to make its recommendations on October 9.

atlantapublicschools.us/APS2040

1

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 13d

(7/9) Atlanta Beltline announced a new $2M pilot program, offering $150-500K grants to support developers who offer affordable commercial spaces along the Beltline corridor. beltline.org/press-release/atlanta-beltline-unveils-local-developer-incentive-fund-now-accepting-applications-for-grant

Beltline launches fund to support affordable commercial space

At its annual State of the Beltline event, Atlanta Beltline, Inc. (ABI) announced a new Local Developer Incentive Fund, offering grants between $150,000 and $500,000 to support developers who offer affordable commercial spaces along the Beltline corridor.

The $2 million pilot program aims to ensure that small, flexible spaces are available to support local entrepreneurs and help protect the cultural heritage of Beltline neighborhoods. To qualify, developers must commit to lease a portion of commercial space in their project at below-market rents for at least 10 years. Small business tenants must generate less than $1.5 million in gross revenue, employ no more than 20 people, and have no more than one location in Georgia.

Applications are open through October 24.

1

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 13d

(6/9) Atlanta Beltline CEO Clyde Higgs was questioned about the status of rail transit along the corridor. He noted Eastside rail remains uncertain, citing concerns about disrupting businesses and opposition from some neighbors. youtube.com/live/QH8M2mj7nb8?t=807

Council presses Beltline on future of rail transit

At the Council’s Community Development Committee meeting, Atlanta Beltine CEO Clyde Higgs was questioned about the status of rail transit along the corridor. Higgs noted Eastside rail remains uncertain, citing concerns about disrupting businesses and opposition from some neighbors. He emphasized that studies continue and final mode decisions are still open.

Council President Doug Shipman warned against allowing individual neighborhoods to opt out of high- capacity transit, stressing the importance of providing access to and from job centers. Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari voiced constituent frustration with years of delays and additional studies, noting residents have left her district due to weak transit options.

Higgs acknowledged frustrations but said ultimately decisions must be made for future generations, “not what feels good in the next three years.”

1

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 13d

(5/9) @cityofatlantaga.bsky.social’s Department of Procurement presented its quarterly update to the Finance Committee, highlighting early gains from a new streamlined sourcing process, but time to complete requests for proposals (RFPs) still averages 318 days. youtube.com/live/t4SN5gJqNKw?t=162

Procurement reports progress, delays remain a concern

Atlanta’s Department of Procurement (DOP) presented its quarterly update to the Finance and Executive Committee on Wednesday, highlighting early gains from a new streamlined sourcing process.

The average time to complete an Invitation for Bid has dropped sharply from 385 days to 59, but Requests for Proposals (RFP) only dropped slightly, from an average of 332 days to 318. Chief Procurement Officer Chandra Houston acknowledged the lag, noting many older solicitations are still clearing the system, and said new strategies should shorten timelines.

Councilmembers welcomed progress but stressed the need to continue reducing delays. A 2024 audit found that DOP’s competitive selection processes were taking an average of 400 days, well in excess of the Department’s goal at that time of 120 days.

1

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 13d

(4/9) Policing Alternatives & Diversion (PAD) Initiative has a new public dashboard set to launch this fall to track requests, responses, and outcomes of PAD’s work diverting residents in crisis away from arrest and into services. youtube.com/live/3HBFEcSc7eM?t=1326

PAD to debut public dashboard tracking diversion outcomes

The Policing Alternatives & Diversion (PAD) Initiative briefed the City Council’s Public Safety Committee on a new public dashboard set to launch this fall. Developed with Neighborhood Nexus and funded by the Carter Center, the online tool will track requests, responses, and outcomes of PAD’s work diverting residents in crisis away from arrest and into services.

Data will be reported monthly by Council District and Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU), with a focus on how many 911 calls could have been handled by 311. August data from NPU M – covering Downtown and the Old Fourth Ward – showed 409 calls to 911 that led to dispatching a police officer for concerns similar to the 36 calls to 311 where PAD provided a response.

The dashboard — required under PAD’s two-year contract with the City adopted in late 2024 — is expected to be released by early November.

1

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 13d

(3/9) The Municipal Clerk announced that two City Council District 11 candidates had been disqualified for failing to reside within the council district for at least one year prior to qualifying. fox5atlanta.com/news/residency-rules-disqualify-two-candidates-from-atlanta-city-council-race

Two Council District 11 candidates disqualified over residency

The Atlanta Municipal Clerk announced on Monday that two candidates for this year’s City Council District 11 race had been disqualified for failing to meet residency requirements. The City Charter requires district candidates to reside within the council district they seek to represent for at least one year immediately prior to qualifying.

At an earlier hearing, candidates Sherry Williams and Keith Lewis argued their voter registration and driver’s license addresses were tied to homes they no longer live in, but the City’s Law Department found their documentation insufficient. Williams plans to appeal to Fulton County Superior Court; Lewis does not. Eight candidates remain on the ballot.

The voter registration deadline is October 6 for the election on November 4.

1

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 13d

(2/9) In January, President Trump signed an executive order to end “illegal DEI” policies and require recipients of federal funds to comply with any applicable federal anti-discrimination laws. ajc.com/business/2025/09/dei-programs-cost-atlanta-airport-tens-of-millions-in-federal-grants

Airport loses federal funds over DEI dispute

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will forfeit at least $37.5 million in Fiscal Year 2025 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants after City officials refused to sign an agreement not to operate any diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

In January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to end “illegal DEI” policies and require recipients of federal funds to comply with any applicable federal anti-discrimination laws. Cities including Boston, New York, and San Francisco have jointly sued. In June, a U.S. District Court judge temporarily stopped enforcement of the new mandate against those cities.

According to a City press release, the airport will pursue alternative funding to replace federal support which accounts for less than 10% – about $1 billion – of the airport’s capital budget over the next six years.

1

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 13d

(1/9) This week in Atlanta, @atlairport.bsky.social will forfeit at least $37.5 million in Fiscal Year 2025 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants after City officials refused to sign an agreement not to operate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, according to @ajc.com.🧵

THIS WEEK IN ATLANTA
News from the week of September 21

* Airport loses federal funds over DEI dispute
* Two City Council District 11 candidates disqualified
* PAD to debut dashboard tracking diversion outcomes
* Procurement reports progress, delays remain a concern
* City Council presses Beltline on future of rail transit
* Beltline launches fund to support affordable commercial space for small businesses
* APS refines facilities plan, seeks community feedback

1 2

Center for Civic Innovation @civicatlanta.bsky.social · 17d

The Board oversees 34 libraries serving residents in Fulton County and the portion of the City of Atlanta in DeKalb County.

1