Author: ATL Direct Staff

What does it look like when a city shows up for its young people? In Atlanta, it looks like 1,300 residents gathering at The Fox Theatre on a Sunday afternoon—dressed to celebrate and ready to invest in the future. On July 13, the city hosted this year’s edition of THE DREAM, a signature summer benefit that raised $137,000 for college scholarships through the Mayor’s Youth Scholarship Program (MYSP). The event is part of Mayor Andre Dickens’ broader mission to make Atlanta the best place in the country to raise a child. From live performances to local vendors and a packed…

The Ted Turner/ Spring Street Bridge Ribbon Cutting was a celebration of the demolition and reconstruction of the viaduct and roadway from Mitchell Street to MLK Jr. Drive. The project included widening and rebuilding of the MLK Jr. Drive viaduct from the new abutment to Spring Street, improvements to the approach slab, construction of a retaining wall, and the full reconstruction of the lower MLK Jr. Drive. This transformative project enhances safety, eases traffic congestion, and supports long-term mobility for all. This project began 7 years ago, and the world was a different place. After a global pandemic, supply chain…

On August 1, 2025, APD officially begins rolling out a newly redesigned uniform that modernizes the department’s traditional appearance while aligning Atlanta’s public safety presence with global standards ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The updated uniforms maintain APD’s classic dark navy blue base but now feature a striking, light blue checkered pattern prominently displayed across the chest, sleeves, and pocket trim. The new design evokes international law enforcement styles while remaining unmistakably Atlanta. Zone 5 officers—serving Downtown, Midtown, and major landmarks will be the first to debut the new look, including officers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The…

There’s been a leadership shift inside Atlanta City Hall. Courtney English — the City’s Chief Policy Officer and a familiar name in local education and housing circles — is now serving as Interim Chief of Staff for Mayor Andre Dickens. He’s stepping in after Odie Donald, who held the post for the past year and a half, accepted a new opportunity in Richmond, Virginia. Though the title is new, the work—and the mission—are nothing new for English. Over the past few years, he’s helped steer some of the Mayor’s most ambitious efforts: from putting more than 11,000 new affordable housing…

Atlanta is rolling out the welcome mat—and it’s lined with opportunity for small businesses. The newly launched Showcase Atlanta Vendor Directory is designed to help Atlanta’s entrepreneurs connect with the major events coming to our city, from FIFA World Cup 2026™ and Super Bowl LXII to conventions, concerts, and hometown celebrations. But this isn’t just about the big moments. It’s about everyday access. Whether it’s a block party in Bankhead or a wedding in Westview, the directory is built to give caterers, DJs, event planners, AV techs, rental companies, florists, and more a simple way to get discovered. “With this…

Judge Allyson R. Pitts, a well-respected figure in Georgia’s legal circles, has been appointed as the newest full-time judge of the City of Atlanta Municipal Court by Mayor Andre Dickens. But if the name sounds familiar, that’s because Judge Pitts has already been serving Atlanta behind the bench since 2017 as a Pro Hac Judge. Now, she’s stepping into the role full-time. “Judge Pitts is an experienced and well-respected jurist who has already served the City of Atlanta with the highest of standards for years,” said Mayor Dickens. “Now with a permanent place in our Municipal Court, her wisdom and…

If you’ve ever driven down Sawtell Road in southeast Atlanta, you’ve probably passed the old Lakewood Heights Elementary School. The red-brick building has stood quiet for years, tucked between tree-lined streets and family homes. Now, the City of Atlanta is inviting developers to reimagine the space as something new: a mixed-use community that brings together affordable housing and neighborhood-friendly retail. Earlier this month, the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation (AUD) released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the project. The goal? Turn the former school site into a place where families can live, small businesses can thrive, and the community can…

What does trust look like in a city? Sometimes it’s a well-lit sidewalk or a bus that arrives on time. And sometimes, it’s something harder to see—like the willingness of city institutions to be held accountable. This summer, Atlanta took a meaningful step in that direction. Mayor Andre Dickens announced a new agreement between the Atlanta Police Department (APD), the Atlanta Citizens Review Board (ACRB), and the Mayor’s Office that will make civilian oversight of law enforcement stronger, faster, and more transparent. The agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), might sound technical—but the impact could be deeply personal for families…

The brand-new Atlanta Public Safety Training Center is officially up and running, and it’s already making a big difference for the folks who protect and serve our city. Located right here in Atlanta, the center just celebrated its ribbon-cutting after more than two years of construction. Sergeant Tasha Brown and Officer John Prrenmore welcomed everyone to the grand opening in the Leadership Building, where the celebration marked a major milestone for public safety in our city. For years, Atlanta’s officers and firefighters have had to train in outdated and inefficient facilities—but those days are finally over. Now, they have a…

On a vibrant Saturday afternoon at Truist Park on May 31, the power of youth leadership and equity-driven mentorship came to life as Atlanta Public Schools (APS) students gathered for the Moving Her Forward Capstone Celebration. Curated and led by Tahajnah Spence, Community Affairs Manager in the Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (MOEDI), the event marked the culmination of a groundbreaking leadership program designed to cultivate the next generation of women leaders across Atlanta. A Leadership Model Rooted in Equity and Empowerment Launched earlier this year, the Moving Her Forward Capstone is a fully virtual, self-paced program that combines pre-recorded…