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Moving Atlanta Forward Newsletter - Office of Mayor Andre Dickens

** Note From The Mayor
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September 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUWX1kXl9Ps&feature=youtu.be

Click the image to watch the video about Hurricane Helene Recovery.

Thank you City Employees

Hurricane Helene was an unprecedented weather event that many in the city of Atlanta haven’t seen in decades. Pockets of flooding and massive power outages were predicted across the metro Atlanta area, and we were prepared and ready to respond. To ensure the safety of our residents and provide swift action, all City departments were activated and deployed before, during and after the storm cleared. We pre-cleaned storm drains, stood up the Joint Operations Center for 33 hours and opened shelters for our unhoused population.


Despite the shift of the storm’s path, many of our communities experienced major flooding especially in the Peachtree Creek area. We continue to assess and conduct full inspections in areas affected by storm. If you are still experiencing any challenges, please contact us at 311.


Also, I want to take a moment to thank the employees of the City of Atlanta for their commitment to this city. They worked countless hours to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens, businesses, and visitors. It is my privilege to serve alongside each of them.


** What’s going on in Atlanta?
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AAA Bond Rating

Who has good credit? Atlanta. Fitch has upgraded the City of Atlanta’s credit rating from an outstanding AA+ to a perfect AAA. This is the highest Fitch credit rating in the City’s history – and is the equivalent of having a 850 personal credit score. With this new credit rating, Atlanta has now become even more attractive to businesses, potential homebuyers, students, and event organizers due to its sound fiscal management, diversified local economy and forward-thinking government. This significant accomplishment reflects our commitment to effective and ethical government and the leadership of Chief Financial Officer Mohamed M. Balla and the entire finance team. Atlanta continues to position itself among the top cities in the nation while investing in our infrastructure, enhancing services, and supporting growth for all residents.

$60M Funding for Homelessness

We’re not just building housing; we are building hope and putting money behind our actions. Recently, Mayor Dickens and Atlanta City Council passed legislation to invest $60M to address homelessness. This investment intends to facilitate a historic public-private partnership focused in dignified housing and wrap-around supportive services for unhoused population. We are also asking corporate and philanthropy to match the $60M and we have already received $15M. This total investment is expected to produce to 700 new units of high-quality affordable housing and 500 quick-delivery housing units to be delivered the end of 2025.

ELEVATE Celebrates 50 Years of Culture

The City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs has announced the return of ELEVATE, celebrating five decades of art and culture. Set to take place on the weekends in September and October, ELEVATE: 50 Years of Culture is offering the public with an opportunity to engage with a dynamic lineup of cultural events including the Ugo Rondinone Unveiling, the Underground Quilt 2024, Gallery 72: All That Jazz Exhibition and more.

For more information, updates, and to follow ELEVATE events, visit www.elevateatlart.com.

2024 Mayor’s Senior Ball

The theme was Putting on the Glitz. The stage was set for performances by Dottie Peoples, Syleena Johnson, and The Temptations and the audience consisted of our most seasoned residents. With 3,500 senior citizens in attendance, the night was filled with joy, dancing, and honoring the wisdom of our city’s elders. If you haven’t heard, Mayor Dickens loves and respects the seniors of Atlanta. He is always willing to put on a tuxedo and engage with some of his favorite residents. If you missed this year’s signature event, click here for a recap Mayor's Senior Ball (youtube.com) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiPY95Ir_n4)

Go Vote ATL Initiative

Election Day is quickly approaching, and we want to make sure all Atlantans are registered to vote and ready to cast their ballot.

Mayor Andre Dickens announced the launch of ‘Go Vote ATL’, a new nonpartisan, youth-led initiative that aims to rally Atlantans of all ages and from every corner of the city to exercise their constitutional right to vote and play an active role in shaping the future of our democracy.

This initiative will incorporate support from dozens of local nonprofit and civic engagement organizations around Atlanta. Through a series of innovative initiatives, community events, grassroots efforts and tech-enabled outreach, the City of Atlanta has joined in this partnership to help citizens overcome barriers to voting and widespread civic engagement.

Visit GoVOTEatl.com for more information and to see how you can get involved.

Equity in Action Month

Based on a proclamation from the Atlanta City Council, September is now recognized as Equity in Action Month. To acknowledge our commitment to advancing equity under the Dickens Administration, the Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion hosted a month of events and activations including a pep rally at City Hall, a workshop with Georgia Tech’s Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation, a $1M investment with the Atlanta Women’s Foundation, a mental health and wellness summit and much more. Equity was truly in action.

Atlanta Says No More

As October approaches, the City of Atlanta continues to strengthen its stand against domestic violence through the “Atlanta Says NO MORE: Together We Can End Domestic Violence” campaign, launched by Mayor Andre Dickens in coordination with the Mayor’s Office of Violence Reduction and prominent local figures
this past July.

We are inviting residents, businesses, and community leaders to join efforts to raise awareness, prevent domestic violence, and help transform cultural norms that support violence. One key initiative this year is “Paint Atlanta Purple” from October 4-6, where Atlantans are encouraged to illuminate their homes and businesses with purple lights to show solidarity against domestic violence.
https://mcusercontent.com/6ccac341034c98afd33b4edff/files/9eaecea8-8510-f608-05fc-3ab30bab2a5b/Mayors_Office_of_Violence_Reduction_2024_Purple_Calendar.pdf


** ATL Social Conversations
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** #NeverForget
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We remembered and honored those we lost on September 11, 2001. As we reflected on that tragic day, we also remember the courage of those who ran into danger without hesitation to save others. It is a reminder that when we support each other with compassion, we uphold the values of this country.

#FirstTee

It was all fresh air and ATL vibes at this year’s Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament at the City’s Chastain Park Golf Course. With the support and generosity of the tournament’s sponsors and participants, we raised nearly $150,000 for the Mayor’s Youth Scholarship Program – ensuring Atlanta’s youth have the financial resources they need to pursue their educational dreams.

#SecondChance

Mayor Dickens and Fulton County Solicitor General Keith Gammage hosted the first-ever Reentry Resource Fair for returning citizens in search of a second chance at success. Individuals with a criminal background were provided with onsite, vital resources including employment opportunities, housing assistance, legal guidance, and healthcare screenings. This event was created to support those re-entering society after incarceration and several individuals took advance of this opportunity to brighten their futures.

#GlobalBlackPride

The City of Atlanta celebrated the 5th Annual Mayor’s Global Black Pride Reception, highlighting Atlanta’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The event, themed around afro-futurism, took place in our beautifully transformed City Hall and raised $75,000 for the Mayor’s Youth Scholarship Program.


** Meet Mayor Dickens’ Cabinet
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Cabinet members advise the Mayor, run City departments
and implement the Mayor’s agenda.

Allison Fouché, Chief Communications Officer

Allison Fouché is responsible for the strategic management of communications for the Mayor’s Office and the City of Atlanta. She serves as a member of the Mayor’s Cabinet, developing and implementing comprehensive communications plans, media relations strategies, crisis communications, brand reputation management, marketing, and social media strategies to enhance the visibility and the brand of the city. Additionally, she oversees the City's website, government access channel ATL 26, and creates and disseminates information and materials in support of the Mayor’s goals, collaborating with 12 departments.

My favorite quote

"Creativity is intelligence having fun.” Albert Einstein

My favorite places in Atlanta— City Winery, 26 Thai Kitchen
Atlanta city skyline with skyscrapers and trees


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