As Atlanta prepares to host matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Chief Operating Officer LaChandra Butler Burks shared a comprehensive update with the Atlanta City Council outlining how city departments are coordinating public safety, infrastructure, and operational readiness ahead of the global event.
The briefing highlighted how preparations underway across multiple agencies are designed to support both residents and visitors while strengthening systems that serve the city every day.
“Atlanta is ready to welcome the world,” said Andre Dickens. “We are aligning public safety, infrastructure, workforce, and technology to ensure we deliver a safe, efficient, and welcoming experience while strengthening the systems that serve our residents every day.”
Coordinated public safety planning across agencies
During the presentation, Chief Operating Officer LaChandra Butler Burks outlined how Atlanta’s public safety strategy emphasizes coordinated response and service connection alongside traditional emergency operations.
The Atlanta Police Department continues expanding its operational capacity through a comprehensive approach that integrates diversion pathways and service-based response options designed to reduce strain on emergency services and improve outcomes for residents.
As part of this effort, APD’s Special Events Division is leading planning and coordination for World Cup operations. More than 700 officers and over 200 supporting outside agencies are expected to support deployment planning alongside specialized units including mounted patrol, bicycle response teams, motors, and safety posts positioned throughout key activity areas.
These efforts are supported through the City’s Joint Operations Center, which enables real-time coordination across local, regional, state, and federal partners.
Atlanta’s Integrated Response Model also ensures that eligible non-emergency calls received through 911 can be transferred to ATL311 or partner agencies within the Policing Alternatives & Diversion (PAD) network. Officers encountering individuals eligible for diversion in the field continue facilitating connections to appropriate care services when needed.
Federal funding strengthening readiness efforts
Burks also highlighted federal investments supporting Atlanta’s preparations.
The City is leveraging approximately $52.2 million awarded through FEMA’s FIFA World Cup Grant Program to support staffing, communications systems, training, inspections, emergency equipment, and mutual-aid coordination. An additional $7.6 million has been awarded to APD through FEMA’s Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program to strengthen drone detection and monitoring capabilities.
Transportation improvements advancing ahead of tournament operations
Atlanta is making targeted infrastructure investments to improve mobility and accessibility ahead of the tournament through a $120 million transportation infrastructure bond program.
These upgrades include roadway resurfacing, expanded sidewalks, ADA improvements, signal modernization, and new street lighting designed to support pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers across the city.
Planning is also coordinated with MARTA, the Georgia Department of Transportation, and Georgia World Congress Center Police to support regional mobility, traffic operations, and incident response during match activity.
Smart wayfinding tools supporting residents and visitors
The City continues expanding its IKE Smart City network to improve navigation and access to real-time information.
With 220 kiosks planned citywide and 141 already active, the system provides digital wayfinding, public messaging, and updates that help residents and visitors move efficiently across key corridors and gathering areas.
Public works readiness supporting citywide operations
The Department of Public Works has reached a high level of operational readiness, with coordinated deployment of crews and equipment supporting daily right-of-way cleanliness and maintenance across priority corridors.
Volunteer partnerships and external stakeholders are also contributing to beautification efforts designed to ensure Atlanta presents itself at its best on the global stage.
Expanding opportunities for residents through Showcase Atlanta
In addition to operational readiness, the City is advancing initiatives like Showcase Atlanta to help residents, small businesses, and neighborhoods benefit from opportunities created by the World Cup.
These programs support workforce development, vendor readiness, cultural activations, and community engagement designed to extend the tournament’s impact beyond match venues and into neighborhoods across the city.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed through ATL311 and the City’s FIFA information hub at atl.direct/theroadtofifa/ as Atlanta continues preparing to welcome the world.
