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Moving Atlanta Forward Newsletter - Office of Mayor Andre Dickens

** Note From The Mayor
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October 2024
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zx7FfycVBLg

Click the image to watch Mayor Andre Dickens’ message on early voting.

Election Day is right around the corner, and we have an important question to answer. How do we want to be remembered in this moment in history? Now I’m not going to tell you who to vote for, but I am going to strongly encourage each of you to exercise your right to vote because I know elections matter.

Years ago, when I started my journey as an elected official, I had the opportunity to build a friendship with the late Congressman John Lewis. I spent time with him. I learned from him. I asked those important and sometimes uncomfortable questions. He believed that our vote was “the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democracy.” And I believe that to be true. We must honor Congressman Lewis’ legacy and the legacy of all those who fought for our rights by getting into some “Good Trouble.”

Voting is the most fundamental right and responsibility that we have as citizens. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take up space, to use your voice and cast your ballot. If you haven’t voted already, please vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. If you have any questions about your polling location or registration status, please visit www.govoteatl.com for more information. GoVote ATL is a nonpartisan, citywide, and youth-led voter engagement initiative led by my office. It is rooted in the fact that every election matters and every vote counts. Make a plan and cast your vote.


** What’s going on in Atlanta?
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Mayor’s 5K on the 5th Runway

Together, participants of the 10th Annual Mayor’s 5K on the 5th Runway raised over $250,000 to benefit the Mayor’sYouth Scholarship Program – an incredible achievement that will help young Atlantans pursue their dreams at over 50 colleges and universities this fall.

No More Campaign – Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Did you know that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month? Unfortunately, most people don’t. But the ATL No More Campaign is working to change that fact and raise awareness. This month, the Mayor’s Office of Violence reduction joined the Alma Davis Foundation and other local domestic violence prevention and awareness organizations to “Paint Atlanta Purple.” Purple represents courage, survival, and hope. During the first weekend inOctober, the city stood in solidarity with survivors of domestic violence and their families from our communities. For more information, please visit https://www.atlnomore.com/. Together, we can make a difference.

The Mall West End. (Courtesy Google Maps)

Historic Mall West End Acquired

A new era is coming to the West End. This month, the City of Atlanta announced the acquisition of the iconic Mall West End based on a partnership between Atlanta Urban Development and Atlanta Beltline, Inc. The 12-acre site, which has served as a cultural hub and shopping destination for the West End community for decades, will be redeveloped into a mixed-use project featuring affordable housing and inclusive commercial space for our diverse business community – including our legacy small businesses. Construction on the Mall West End redevelopment is expected to begin in 2025, with phase one completion slated for 2026.

ATL 311 Celebrates 10th Years of Service

A decade ago, the City began to transform the way we deliver services to our residents, businesses, and visitors. Quite frankly, ATL 311 was born out of necessity. There was a need to be more responsive and more efficient in our interactions with residents – particularly for non-emergency situations. We achieved that goal by creating ATL 311 and putting a team in place that were ready to answer the call. There is always room to grow but the men and women of ATL 311 strive to make every citizen feel heard and valued.

Special shoutout to Commissioner Myesha Good and her team for building a solid foundation of service and consistently providing timely, reliable information. Their jobs can be difficult at times but yet, they continue to be empathetic, patient, and professional because they are committed to the work. Congratulations on 10 years of Moving Atlanta Forward.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8AZagEUW0Q

Secretary Cardona Announces New Round of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Odie Donald, II, Chief of Staff to Mayor Dickens, joined U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to announce a new round of $4.5B in student debt relief for 60,000 public service workers. This brings the total to more than $175B for more than 4.8M people. Through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, our nation’s teachers, nurses, first responders, and other public servants that are essential will benefit from this program and receive life changing loan forgiveness. During the press conference, Secretary Cardona sent a clear message about pursuing a career in public service by recognizing the profession as a noble calling and a reliable pathway to becoming debt free within a decade. We are thrilled Secretary Cardona chose Atlanta to make this historic announcement.

Announced Showcase Atlanta

Mayor Dickens introduced Showcase Atlanta, a new initiative aimed at ensuring that major events, conventions, conferences, and festivals significantly benefit the city’s residents and local businesses.

Arthur Blank and Carol Tomé will serve as co-chairs of the Showcase Atlanta committee, alongside local business, and civic leaders. The committee will advise the Mayor on City-led plans for these events and ensure that the local community is engaged and directly benefits. Additional committee members will be added over time.

A centerpiece of this initiative is the FIFA World Cup 26, in which Atlanta will host eight matches, including the highly anticipated semi-final. The FIFA World Cup 26 is one of the largest sporting events in history, with over 48 teams and 104 matches taking place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Mayor Dickens stressed that Showcase Atlanta is not just about FIFA World Cup 26. Showcase Atlanta will also leverage other large-scale events that will take place in Atlanta, including the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, and major conferences and local festivals. A few weeks ago, the NFL announced that Super Bowl 2028 will be held in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

New Naval Vessel named USS Atlanta

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced that the future Virginia-class Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine SSN 813 will be named USS Atlanta. Secretary Del Toro made the announcement during a ship naming ceremony at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum with Mayor Dickens, Congresswoman Nikema Williams, and Josh Carter.

From our rebirth after the Civil War to our role as the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement, Atlanta has a powerful history of standing strong in the face of adversity. At the press conference, Mayor Dickens stated that he envisions the future USS Atlanta sailing and submerging as a testament to some of the same values that this City holds, protecting this nation with courage and strength.

The future USS Atlanta honors the city of Atlanta, and the crews of the five previous Navy vessels named Atlanta. Secretary Del Toro also named former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms as the ship sponsor at the ceremony.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dqul3AvYDoI

The Diversion Center

In March 2023, Mayor Dickens celebrated the groundbreaking of Atlanta’s Center for Diversion and Services and this month, he celebrated its grand opening. As part of the Mayor’s One Safe City pillar, the Center for Diversion and Services will provide an alternative to jail for those experiencing poverty, substance use, and mental health challenges. It will target the systemic issues that lead people to engage in criminal activity and will provide 24/7 resources such as showers, legal assistance, behavioral health screenings and other supportive care. This ribbon cutting was a celebration of hope and a critical turning point in addressing public safety in Atlanta. The Center for Diversion and Services would not be possible without our partners, Fulton County Government, Justice Policy Board, Bloomberg Associates, Grady Hospital, Georgia Justice Project, and Policing Alternatives and Diversion Initiative. We thank them for their vision and commitment to another group project on behalf of the
people of Atlanta.


** ATL Social Conversations
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** #IgniteHerFuture
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To recognize the rights and unique challenges girls face around the world, the Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion hosted a celebration for the International Day of the Girl at the Georgia Public Broadcasting. The event, attended by middle and high school girls, focused on self-confidence, career aspirations, overcoming obstacles, and the significance of community support in achieving one’s goals.

#AtlantaPride

Happy Pride Atlanta! Just days after giving the Atlanta Rainbow Crosswalk a quick facelift, more than 100,000 people gathered to celebrate love, unity, and acceptance at the 2024 Atlanta Pride Parade. Every year, Atlanta reaffirms its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion – and this event was no different. Mayor Dickens was honored to participate in this year’s parade alongside several City employees. See you next year!

#FunFallFestival

Fall is here. The leaves are changing colors. The temperatures are dropping. It’s the perfect time to bring our communities together for a Family Fun Fall Festival. Hosted by Mayor Dickens, the festival was a full day of fun, food, and family activities including a kickball tournament and tug a war. Thank you to all the residents that decided to attend. We hope you enjoyed yourself!

#NRPAConference

Atlanta was the host city for the 2024 National Recreation and Parks Association Conference. This conference is a go-to event for parks and recreation professionals, citizen advocates, and industry suppliers who love to network and learn from the best. It is also home to the industry’s largest trade show showcasing the products and services from hundreds of exhibitors.


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

Justin Kirnon, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs

In this role, I am responsible for managing the City of Atlanta’s relationships with all levels of government. I also coordinate with City departments and agencies to produce the City’s legislative package and advocate for the City’s interest at the Georgia General Assembly and the US Congress.

My favorite quote

“The seeds you sow today will grow a tree that provides shade from branches you may never sit beneath.” Unknown

My favorite places in Atlanta— The Beltline (Walking all the trails), Falcons games at Mercedes Benz Stadium (Rise Up!)
Atlanta city skyline with skyscrapers and trees


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