Author: ATL Direct Staff
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,…
The City of Atlanta is going all-in on Earth Month this April, with a full lineup of events aimed at tackling local climate challenges and celebrating community-driven sustainability efforts. Led by the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience (MOSR), the month-long celebration will highlight key areas of concern for Atlanta—extreme heat, drought, and flooding—through a mix of educational events, hands-on activities, and major policy initiatives. “This Earth Month is about more than raising awareness—it’s about taking action,” said Chandra Farley, Atlanta’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “From global partnerships to youth leadership, Atlanta is stepping up to build a resilient future.” Earth…
Atlanta Police officers from Zone 6 heroically rescued multiple residents from a house fire on Hill St. SE, risking their lives to ensure everyone made it out safely. Their swift, courageous response prevented tragedy and demonstrated true commitment to public safety.
The 48th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival returns to Piedmont Park Memorial Day Weekend, May 24–26, 2025, featuring three days of world-class jazz, food, culture, and community—free and open to the public.
If there’s going to be a “Black mecca” for this rapidly growing sport, there’s a good chance it will be Atlanta. But cities everywhere can benefit from this one small way to bring us together. Several years ago, I wrote about the promise and politics of pickleball, urging local governments to get ready for an explosion that was about to occur and to embrace the sport’s potential to bring diverse populations together around a common goal of health and fitness. It’s been encouraging to see this play out across the country, but public officials can do more to encourage wider…
The City of Atlanta has officially broken ground on the long-awaited Bowen Homes redevelopment, launching a $63 million first phase to bring affordable, mixed-income housing and community revitalization to Northwest Atlanta. The project will deliver over 2,000 new homes and vital infrastructure—marking a bold step toward equity and opportunity.