Latest news with #AndreDickens
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Atlanta City Council approves $3B budget for 2026
The Brief The Atlanta City Council approved a $3 billion budget for fiscal year 2026, focusing on public safety, housing, infrastructure, and youth programs. Key spending priorities include strengthening police and fire services, affordable housing, infrastructure upgrades, economic development, and expanded youth programs. Additional measures include infrastructure improvements, small business support, and environmental considerations for new data centers. ATLANTA - The Atlanta City Council unanimously approved a $3 billion operating budget for the 2026 fiscal year on Monday, including a $975.4 million general fund, marking the fourth consecutive year the Dickens administration has passed its budget without opposition. What we know The budget, which takes effect July 1, allocates funding across multiple city departments and major funds, with investments in public safety, housing, infrastructure, and youth programs. What they're saying "This budget represents our shared commitment to building a city that invests in its people, strengthens our infrastructure and looks to the future," Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement. "I am grateful to the City Council for their collaboration in advancing a budget that puts public safety, economic growth and sustainability at the forefront." Chief Financial Officer Mohamed Balla called the package a "balanced budget" that reflects "smart, responsible planning—prioritizing impact, equity and long-term value for Atlanta residents." By the numbers Among the spending priorities: Public safety and community programs: Funding to strengthen police and fire services and expand youth engagement and violence prevention programs. Affordable housing and homelessness support: Continued investments in housing developments and services for residents experiencing homelessness. Infrastructure and transit: Upgrades to roads, sidewalks, and public transit systems. Economic development: Programs to attract new businesses and support small business growth. Youth and education: Expanded after-school programs and youth employment initiatives. Big picture view In other action, the council approved a series of measures ranging from infrastructure improvements to small business support: An ordinance requiring reflective roofing materials in new construction to reduce urban heat (25-O-1310). A resolution accepting $80,000 in upgrades from the Atlanta Hawks Foundation for the Pittman Park Recreation Center (25-R-3507). Renewals of contracts with 10 vendors to continue afterschool programs through the Centers of Hope initiative (25-R-3515, 3516, 3518). A resolution to study challenges small businesses face in securing affordable retail space and explore possible solutions such as tax incentives and lease subsidies (25-R-3503). An ordinance mandating special-use permits for new data centers, with environmental considerations for water and energy use (25-O-1063). A $3 million agreement with the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District for pedestrian wayfinding improvements (25-R-3449). Additional funding of up to $250,000 for the Silver Comet Connector trail project (25-R-3508). Authorization for the city's public defender office to accept a $156,000 grant to provide immigration deportation defense services (25-O-1305). Several new proposals were also introduced Monday, including a $61.3 million sewer replacement project in southwest Atlanta, a reallocation of federal funds for affordable housing, and an agreement with Cobb County to provide wastewater treatment services in some parts of the city. The council also issued proclamations recognizing National Safety Month, Paralegal Week and the National Puerto Rican Day Parade. The Source The details in this article were provided by the city of Atlanta.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Atlanta, Athens, more are defying federal immigration law, DHS says
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has identified hundreds of cities and counties nationwide that it says aren't following guidelines. A spokesperson says sanctuary jurisdictions are "deliberately and shamefully obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws endangering American communities." The only Georgia cities that made the list were Atlanta and Athens. But Athens-Clarke County, DeKalb County, Douglas County and Fulton County were also named by DHS officials. Officials say each of these cities and counties will be formally notified of their non-compliance. 'DHS demands that these jurisdictions immediately review and revise their policies to align with Federal immigration laws and renew their obligation to protect American citizens, not dangerous illegal aliens," officials wrote. It's unclear if those jurisdictions could face punishments. TRENDING STORIES: Class president banned from MIT graduation over pro-Palestine speech Burned body found at Stone Mountain Park, GBI on scene 'The Wire' actor says his son is improving after being thrown 300 feet when tornado hit Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens released a statement saying his administration has upheld all local, state and federal laws. Fulton County officials also shared a statement saying they are unsure why they were designated a 'sanctuary jurisdiction' because they uphold all state and federal laws. Fulton County complies with state and federal laws, including Georgia law that bans sanctuary jurisdictions. Our law enforcement agencies cooperate fully with state and federal agencies in enforcement of applicable laws. Fulton County also uses the E-verify platform in our hiring and procurement practices. We are not aware why this designation was made and will be exploring avenues to reverse this designation. Fulton County spokesperson [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Bloomberg
5 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Atlanta's $157 Million Highway Revamp at Risk From Trump Cuts
A $157 million plan to turn an Atlanta highway overpass into a park and provide 3,000 housing units is in jeopardy from President Donald Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress, Mayor Andre Dickens said. The money for the project is part of the Neighborhood Access and Equity Grants Program under the Biden administration, which provided $3 billion to improve US communities affected by divisive infrastructure. But it's now facing repeal as the Senate considers a Trump-backed budget bill that eliminates funding for the program.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Hartsfield-Jackson moving forward with cell service infrastructure deal after city council approval
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport announced Thursday that they were going to start upgrades for enhancing wireless service on the grounds. According to officials, the Atlanta City Council approved carrier agreements for a distributed antenna system at the airport last Monday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Now that it's been approved by Mayor Andre Dickens, the airport will begin the process of upgrading its wireless services and improving cellular coverage throughout the passenger facilities. The carriers that will work with the airport to complete the work and provide services were T-Mobile and AT&T, officials said. TRENDING STORIES: Did you get a text like this? GA Dept. Of Drivers Services warns it's a scam 'Life doesn't feel real:' Family mourns GA 9-year-old found shot in car Marietta hotel fined women hundreds for smoking, but they say other activities tripped sensors 'Investing in innovative infrastructure like the new DAS is how we maintain ATL's reputation as a global force to be reckoned with,' said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. 'As the gateway to our city and the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport must meet and exceed the digital demands of today's travelers and tomorrow's innovations. This upgrade ensures our airport remains a global leader in connectivity, safety, and the overall passenger experience.' According to the announcement, the upgrade will transition the airport from 4G infrastructure to 5G, with mechanisms in place to allow any future carrier's signal, including expansion of service with other partners. Airport officials said the upgrades will also improve passenger experiences, upgrade radio signal distribution for public safety personnel and further reinforce the facility's commitment to safety and operational excellence. Right now, the airport said it was using 'outdated equipment that has reached end-of-life,' with limited parts available for repairs and a design that makes it difficult to modernize. 'As the world's busiest and most efficient airport, we are committed to delivering a world-class travel experience in every dimension — including connectivity,' said ATL General Manager Ricky Smith. 'This DAS upgrade is a critical step in future-proofing our facility and meeting the digital expectations of our guests.' [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Atlanta's Police Budget Could Increase by $54.6 Million
The Atlanta Police Department plans to spend $54.6 million more than they did last year, a 15% jump. The increase is part of the $3 billion total operating budget that Mayor Andre Dickens is asking the City Council to approve, a move that would raise the city's general fund budget by 14% to $975.4 million. The City Council will vote on the budget in early June for it to take effect on July 1. In total, the proposed police operating budget of $361 million would make it the second-most expensive city department behind the Department of Aviation, which operates Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Critics have accused the city of continually inflating APD's budget even as crime rates have continued to drop. The city is currently facing a $20 million deficit for the current fiscal year. 'Despite spending more money on policing than the majority of other cities in this country, Atlantans continue to suffer under the weight of racialized poverty and state violence,' said Tiffany Williams Roberts, public policy director for the Southern Center for Human Rights. 'Atlanta needs decarceration, housing, food security, and education, but spending for those items pales in comparison to spending on a police force that has recently forced the city to enter into a record settlement for abuse.' During the APD budget hearing, Chief Darin Schierbaum told the City Council that the budget increases were needed to facilitate the department's growth and pay for a temporary increase in overtime. 'We're going to have to be a world-safe city,' said Schierbaum, referring to his department's preparations for the 2026 World Cup. 'We don't know who's coming here to cheer on their team but we're literally going to have the globe back in Atlanta, so this budget will allow us to be one safe city for the world.' The bulk of the APD's budget increase would pay for the three areas where costs, APD projects, will increase the most – personnel, purchased and contracted services, and supplies. The council is expected to vote on the budget ordinance at its June 2 meeting. The mayor is scheduled to approve or veto the ordinance by June 11. No public comment is allowed during budget sessions, but the City Council will hold public budget hearings on May 21. From 6 to 6:15 p.m. there will be time for the public to speak on the tax millage rate, and from 6:15 to 7 p.m. there will be an interactive community budget session. Members of the public can also submit questions in advance up until May 20. Written questions and 15-second video submissions can be sent to budgettalk@ Other comments and questions can be left as a voicemail message at (404) 330-6043. Personnel costs – including salaries for sworn and civilian employees, overtime, pension, health benefits and workers' compensation – will increase the most. In the proposed 2026 budget, APD's personnel costs will go up $44 million. The additional money for personnel would primarily fund the hiring of more sworn officers. The department is expected to add a net of 17 full-time employees, growing to 2,826 full-time staff members. The second-largest increase in the budget is for purchased and contracted services, which would increase by $12.5 million to $35.2 million. These services include body cameras, cloud storage, and other services purchased from Axon, a weapons and technology company for law enforcement and military. This also includes the radio system for officers to communicate and the more than 20,000 public and private cameras that the department co-manages with the Atlanta Police Foundation. Supplies will receive the third-largest budget increase, nearly doubling last year's price tag to land at $8.8 million. This money will be used to purchase uniforms, tactical gear and ammunition for the officers and the Public Safety Training Center. Another big ticket item in APD's budget is fueling and preventative maintenance on police vehicles like squad cars, armored vehicles and helicopters. In 2026, the expense will increase $1.8 million, but it will be the third-largest item in the entire APD budget, costing almost $12 million. The post Atlanta's Police Budget Could Increase by $54.6 Million appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta.
