びびなび : アトランタ : (アメリカ合衆国) Atlanta

** Note From The Mayor
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March 2025
https://youtu.be/yx706-XHSfo

Click to watch Mayor Dickens’ transit video

When I first took office, I shared a vision that has remained my north star: to make Atlanta the best place in the nation to raise a child. That vision isn’t just a slogan — it’s a commitment to equity, opportunity, and transformation for every single person who calls our great city home.


To achieve that vision, we must recognize a truth that many of us experience: our city’s neighborhoods have not all been given the same tools to thrive. Decades of disinvestment and policies rooted in segregation have left deep inequities — in health outcomes, economic opportunity, educational access, and transportation. But today, we have the chance — and the responsibility — to change that.


Our new transit vision is about more than getting from point A to point B. It’s about connecting people to possibilities. It’s about stitching together a city where your ZIP code doesn’t determine your future, where your child can grow up safe, healthy, and inspired, no matter what side of town you live on.


We’re starting in seven key neighborhoods — places like Thomasville Heights, English Avenue, Grove Park, and East and West Campbellton — and building a model for comprehensive revitalization. That means investments not just in transit, but in housing, education, job access, and quality of life. We’re aligning efforts across agencies, breaking down silos, and putting communities at the center of the work.

Our approach includes:
* New infill rail stations that bridge gaps and bring high-quality transit to communities that need it most.
* Transit-Oriented Communities that bring housing and economic growth to the doorstep of our transit network.
* Expanded Light Rail and Bus Rapid Transit service to serve more residents
* Improved first-and-last-mile access so that no one is left out of the system because they can’t get to it.

This is our moment. A moment not just to fix what’s broken, but to build something better — something beautiful, bold, and lasting.

We plan to share additional details about our transit vision soon.


** What’s going on in Atlanta?
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Historic Bowen Homes Groundbreaking

Whether you grew up in Atlanta or flew into Atlanta, you are probably familiar with the historic Bowen Homes community. After being demolished in the 90s, this community is finally getting an opportunity to thrive with the help of Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta City Council, Atlanta Housing, and several public-private partners. As the shovels were pushed into the ground and the dirt was thrown, the spirit of a new day was felt from all community members in attendance of the groundbreaking ceremony. Phase I of the approximately $64M Bowen Homes development will feature 151 apartments, with most of the units being affordable. The full transformation plan will consist of 2,000 units of housing, greenspaces, fresh food, and retail space. Once completed, this project is set to revitalize the historic Bowen Homes site and Carey Park neighborhood in Northwest Atlanta.

Introducing the New Shirley C. Franklin Blvd & Shirley Clarke Franklin Park

“If Maynard Jackson is the father of modern Atlanta, then Shirley Franklin is the mother.” – Chief Policy Officer Courtney English

As the first woman and Black woman to be elected as Mayor of Atlanta, Shirley Franklin is known as a trailblazer, pioneer, and groundbreaker. And that’s just to name a few. At a moment in time when the city was broke and broken, she rose to the occasion like only she could and fixed Atlanta from the ground up – literally. By strengthening the City’s water and sewer infrastructure to creating the original “Pothole Posse,” a team dedicated to rapidly responding to filling potholes, Mayor Franklin set this city on a path to building a sustainable future. Quite frankly, Atlanta would not be the safe city, the diverse city, the international city, the influential city, or the cultural city without Mayor Shirley Franklin.

To recognize and honor her decades worth of love and commitment to the people of Atlanta, Central Avenue has been renamed Shirley C. Franklin Blvd and the City’s largest park, Westside Park is now Shirley Clarke Franklin Park. Both will bear her name, leaving a lasting legacy for women and girls to follow. When Mayor Franklin was elected, she noted that she would work to make us proud and that’s exactly what she did.

Mayor Shirley Franklin, Atlanta is proud of you. Thank you for your service.

Moving HER Forward during Women’s History Month

March was Women’s History Month. And although we know some would rather ignore the power of women and diversity, the City of Atlanta understands its importance. For the entire month, the Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (MOEDI), led by Chief Equity Officer Candace Stanciel, celebrated women and girls across the city.


MOEDI started the month with the Women of Impact Awards ceremony, honoring 90 City women employees making a difference in their departments, supporting their communities and helping to move Atlanta forward. Then they ended the month with a dynamic two-day summit to celebrate Mayor Dickens year-long initiative to uplift, inspire, and empower women and girls in Atlanta, fostering a lasting impact and meaningful connections. The summit featured powerful speeches and conversations from former Mayor Shirley Franklin, sports broadcaster Maria Taylor, actress Gail Bean, Atlanta Dream President and COO Morgan Shaw Parker, entrepreneur and author Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, and many more. After this Women’s History Month, we know that when we move HER forward, we are moving Atlanta forward too.

Welcoming Atlanta’s first Urban Farm

The City of Atlanta marked a significant milestone with the ribbon cutting of Red’s Farm Preserve, the city’s first urban farm. Established in the 1990s by Brian “Farmer Red” Harrison, the farm began as a personal initiative to transform neglected, overgrown lots into a vibrant community hub. Today, it stands as a tribute to Harrison’s vision, blending sustainable agriculture with community-driven conservation, and serving as a lasting space for neighbors to gather, grow, and learn for generations to come.

In 2024, the city secured $2.7M in funding to purchase and expand the 5.3-acre farm, adding an additional 4.2 acres of greenspace. These improvements are part of an ongoing effort to ensure the preserve remains a valuable resource for the community. This project is supported by a coalition of local partners, including the Department of Parks, the Atlanta City Council, and organizations like The Conservation Fund and Trees Atlanta, all of whom have played a pivotal role in bringing this dream into reality.

Red’s Farm Preserve also addresses issues like food insecurity. By providing fresh produce and urban farming education, it empowers the community to take an active role in their food systems. Located near the Atlanta Beltline’s Southside Trail, it continues to serve as a gathering space for the Ormewood Park neighborhood, connecting families and individuals of all ages. We want to recognize the Councilmember Jason Winston’s dedicated efforts which were instrumental in preserving the property, ensuring that Red’s Farm Preserve remains a cherished treasure of the community.

Strengthening Atlanta’s Water Infrastructure

The City of Atlanta is actively working to enhance its water infrastructure, ensuring a reliable and sustainable system for the future. Last summer, two major water main breaks highlighted the need for urgent improvements, prompting the City to launch several key initiatives aimed at strengthening its water system. In collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the City has been assessing its critical infrastructure and planning for necessary upgrades. Additionally, the Atlanta Water Advisory Group has been established to provide expert guidance on these efforts.

A major focus is a multi-billion-dollar, 20+ year investment in modernizing the city's drinking water infrastructure—one of the largest projects of its kind in the nation. The R.M. Clayton Water Reclamation Center, a vital facility in wastewater treatment, plays a crucial role in protecting the Chattahoochee River and ensuring long-term water sustainability for the city.

The City is also dedicated to meeting Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) standards, with significant progress already made in improving wastewater treatment operations, maintenance, and environmental performance. This includes successful odor studies and enhanced treatment processes. These ongoing efforts reflect Atlanta’s commitment to building a smarter, more resilient water system, focused on environmental stewardship and ensuring clean water for generations to come.

Anti-Displacement Tax Relief Fund Program

Calling all seniors of Atlanta! The Anti-Displacement Tax Relief Fund, powered by Invest Atlanta, is an initiative designed to protect eligible senior homeowners from displacement due to rising property taxes. This program covers increases in property taxes above the homeowner’s base amount for up to 20 years, as long as they continue to meet the program's eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements:
* Homeowner in the City of Atlanta since 2015
* Age 60 or older
* Clear title/ownership
* Household income at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI)
* Active enrollment in city and county homestead exemption programs
* No encumbrances attached to the property
* Must recertify annually

Apply & Recertify:
The 2025 application period is May 1st - May 31st.

For full details and to apply, visit: investatlanta.com/taxrelief. Don't miss out on this opportunity!


** ATL Social Conversations
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#StPatricksDayParade

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade isn’t just an “Irish thing,” it’s an Atlanta thing too. With our city’s strong diversity, the parade attracts thousands of individuals dressed in their favorite shade of green to celebrate the Irish heritage, culture, and community. This year was no different as people lined the streets to enjoy this special family event where everybody is Irish, and everyone is lucky.

#WestsidePaperSpurTrail

Connecting people and neighborhoods together are two ways we are creating a city built for the future. The Westside Paper Spur Trail is officially open and stretches nearly a mile, connecting the Westside Beltline Connector to West Marietta Street. Made possible through the Moving Atlanta Forward Infrastructure Bond and funding from our partners at the Upper Westside CID. The trail also features a 65-foot bridge and provides access to jobs, green spaces, and businesses.

#GeorgiaFilmDay

Quiet on set! The Mayor’s Office of Film, Entertainment, and Nightlife welcomed more than 300 film industry professionals to Atlanta City Hall for Georgia Film Week. Atlanta is known as the “Hollywood of the South,” mainly because of the hard work of the Georgia Production Partnership and its 30 years of advocacy and education. By attracting major productions to Atlanta, our city has become one of the best places to live and work as a filmmaker. If you’re a writer, director, producer, editor or actor, Atlanta is the place to be. It’s time to tell your story.

#PickleballCourts

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America with more than 48 million people playing across the country – especially in Atlanta. To meet the demand, Atlanta’s Parks and Recreation reopened the Anderson Park’s Indoor Pickleball Courts. These courts, along with other City free pickleball courts, are bringing people together from all generations and backgrounds. Grab your paddle and hit the court.

Check out the new Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Atlanta Host City Poster. Designed by Atlanta artist, Jose Hadathy, the poster, revealed by the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee, in partnership with FIFA, is one of 16 to be unveiled over the next month.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr26dN86tps

Atlanta city skyline with skyscrapers and trees


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