Author: ATL Direct Staff
The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience (MOSR) is excited to announce a full month of events and activations to celebrate Earth Month this April. The MOSR office focuses on resilience, sustainability, and climate action and works to lead the charge in combating three primary climate challenges facing Atlanta – extreme heat, drought, and flooding. Throughout April, the MOSR will host a series of educational and community-focused events, with four major initiatives: Race to Resilience Kickoff (April 1) – City of Atlanta announces its official pledge to join the “Race to Resilience”, a UN-backed global campaign aiming to catalyze a shift…
In just a short time, Atlanta has achieved milestones that are reshaping the city’s future—and at the heart of it all is a commitment to equity, growth, and sustainability. Mayor Andre Dickens recently shared updates on major strides Atlanta has made in public safety, housing, infrastructure, and financial health, painting a picture of a city on the move—with opportunity for all. “We have lowered violent crime, created job opportunities for our youth, and offered positive alternatives to keep our communities strong,” Dickens said. A Safer, Stronger Atlanta Public safety remains a top priority for the city, and recent initiatives have…
At just 14 years old, Elma Davis stepped out of a car with two black eyes and a gash on her face. It was the day of a fashion show, and she sat silently in a makeup chair while adults covered her wounds with concealer. No one asked what had happened. No one offered help. That silence became a defining moment. “I remember the excruciating pain of makeup being put into an open cut,” Davis said. “But what hurt more was that no one even cared to ask.” Now, Davis is turning that pain into purpose. From Survivor to Advocate…
Even in a busy city like Atlanta, there are moments when people become invisible—particularly those experiencing homelessness. As 61-year-old Chuck, who has lived unsheltered for three years, explained, We’ve lost people out here. Nobody cares. If we were dogs, they’d find us a place to stay. ChuCK But in Atlanta, the tide is turning. On a recent winter night, more than 220 volunteers and 50 organizations gathered to participate in the Point-in-Time Count, an annual census of the city’s unhoused population. Among them was Mayor Andre Dickens, who has been part of the count for nearly a decade—not for photo…
The Atlanta Police Department has addressed inaccuracies circulating on social media regarding the death of Kenneth Bailey. According to their official statement, no Atlanta police officers discharged their firearms or used force against Mr. Bailey. The department acknowledges the public’s concern but emphasizes the importance of accurate information. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office has released an official report on the case, ensuring transparency in the investigative process.
Atlanta stands out as one of the best cities to live in, offering a unique blend of Southern charm, urban sophistication, and endless opportunity. With a booming job market driven by Fortune 500 companies, a thriving arts and entertainment scene, and world-class dining, Atlanta provides an exceptional quality of life. Its diverse neighborhoods cater to every lifestyle, from bustling city living in Midtown to the tree-lined suburbs of Decatur. The city’s rich cultural heritage, top-tier universities, and vibrant social scene make it a magnet for young professionals, families, and retirees alike. Plus, with its mild climate and abundant green spaces,…
Imagine navigating essential city services without understanding the language—this is a reality for many in Atlanta’s diverse communities. That’s where iSpeakATL steps in. Under the leadership of Senior Manager Valerie Mills, this vital initiative ensures that all residents, regardless of language barriers, feel heard, supported, and empowered. Atlanta is home to a rapidly growing multilingual population, making language access more critical than ever. iSpeakATL was created to provide interpretation and translation services for those who need them, ensuring equitable access to public services and resources. Breaking Language Barriers: iSpeakATL offers real-time interpretation services, making city resources accessible to all. Community…
Atlanta’s role as the “Hollywood of the South” just got a bold new spotlight. This month, Mayor Andre Dickens and the Mayor’s Office of Film, Entertainment and Nightlife (AMOFEN) unveiled the Set South Locations Look Book—a curated visual showcase of the city’s vibrant filming destinations. This first-of-its-kind look book is designed to attract filmmakers, studios, and creatives from around the world by capturing the essence of Atlanta’s neighborhoods, natural backdrops, historic architecture, and modern urban spaces. “Atlanta’s entertainment partners are a crucial part of a collaborative effort that creates jobs, boosts our economy, cultivates local talent, and contributes to our…
Atlanta has made significant strides in crime reduction under Mayor Andre Dickens “The City initiative. With a focus on improving safety and building trust between residents and law enforcement, the city has achieved a 5% reduction in overall crime in 2024, with major drops in violent crime and property offenses. Key Crime Reduction Highlights 5% decrease in total crime compared to last year. 7% decline in shootings, with a 19% reduction since 2022. 8% drop in violent crimes like homicides and assaults. 20% reduction in vehicle thefts and 28% fewer robberies since 2022. These improvements reflect the city’s commitment to…
On March 28, 2025, Mayor Andre Dickens joined community leaders and members of the refugee community at the Carter Center to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980. The event honored Georgia and Atlanta’s longstanding commitment to welcoming refugees and highlighted the legacy of President Jimmy Carter, whose leadership was pivotal in the enactment of the Refugee Act. The event featured keynote remarks from Mayor Dickens, along with a panel discussion that brought together refugees who were resettled in Atlanta throughout the past four decades. The panelists shared personal stories of resilience, adaptation, and success, underscoring the…