Author: ATL Direct Staff

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…

The Atlanta Local Legacy Program is designed to celebrate businesses that have been operating in the city for 30 years or more. By recognizing their contributions to the city's history and growth, this program honors the resilience and impact of local businesses that have shaped Atlanta’s identity. Eligible businesses are invited to apply for grants and participate in the Legacy Celebration Event on April 1, 2025, at Pittsburgh Yards. The event will offer businesses the chance to showcase their work, connect with other longstanding Atlanta businesses, and highlight their contributions to the community. The program also features a new tool…

The Anti-Displacement Tax Relief Fund launched by Invest Atlanta aims to protect senior homeowners from being displaced by rising property taxes. This initiative helps eligible senior citizens in Atlanta stay in their homes by covering increases in property taxes above their base amount for up to 20 years. Eligibility requirements include: Homeowner in Atlanta since 2015 Age 60 or older Household income at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI) Active enrollment in city and county homestead exemption programs Applications for the 2025 period are open from May 1st to May 31st. Seniors who meet the eligibility criteria can…

In an effort to address mental health disparities, Mayor Andre Dickens officially launched the Silence the Shame campaign in partnership with Silence the Shame, Inc., a national leader in mental health advocacy. This campaign aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, particularly in marginalized communities, by providing education, resources, and support. Silence the Shame, Inc., founded by Atlanta native Shanti Das, has long been at the forefront of breaking down barriers to mental health care, particularly within the Black community. The campaign will focus on promoting mental wellness among residents, with an emphasis on increasing access to resources,…

On Thursday, March 27, 2025, Atlanta honored its first female mayor, Shirley Clarke Franklin, by renaming two key landmarks in the city—Central Avenue and Westside Park—to reflect her enduring legacy and contributions to the city’s growth. The day’s first event marked the renaming of Central Avenue to Shirley Clarke Franklin Boulevard at the corner of Trinity Avenue. The ceremony was attended by Mayor Andre Dickens, Ambassador Andrew J. Young, and several other dignitaries, all of whom reflected on Franklin’s transformative leadership in the city. Mayor Dickens stated, “This street may now bear your name, but your legacy is the stronger,…

The “Atlanta Says NO MORE: Together We Can End Domestic Violence” campaign, launched in July 2024, has made a significant impact on reducing domestic violence-related homicides in the city. Through a combination of awareness, education, and collaborative community efforts, key metrics this February show measurable improvements in the fight against domestic violence. Domestic Violence Homicide Statistics Pre & Post Campaign: Before the No More Campaign: 16 domestic violence homicides 64 total homicides YTD 25% of homicides were DV-related After the No More Campaign: 10 domestic violence homicides 62 total homicides YTD 16% of homicides were DV-related This reduction represents a…

Invest Atlanta is addressing food insecurity in Atlanta by allocating $2.5 million in funding to increase access to healthy, affordable food for underserved communities. With 14% of Atlanta’s population facing food insecurity, particularly in low-income and low-access areas, this initiative is crucial to improving the well-being of thousands of residents. As part of this effort, the Commercial Property Improvement Grant for Grocery Operators has provided $750,000 in direct investment to 15 small, local food markets. These funds are supporting the preservation and growth of neighborhood grocery stores, helping to increase fresh food availability in areas where it’s most needed. Additionally,…