On Thursday, October 2, Mayor Andre Dickens joined community leaders, elected officials, faith leaders, and labor advocates at the Teamsters Local Union 728 Hall to honor the 20th anniversary of Georgia STAND-UP. The milestone marked two decades of people-powered organizing that has shaped Atlanta’s neighborhoods and influenced policy across the state and nation.
Standing Up for Communities
Founded in 2004, Georgia STAND-UP has become a leading force for economic justice, affordable housing, and transportation equity. Under the fearless leadership of CEO Deborah Scott, the organization has built a reputation for speaking truth to power while bringing residents, policymakers, and partners to the table.
Mayor Dickens reflected on their impact, noting Scott’s pivotal role in brokering the final agreement for Peoplestown residents after years of uncertainty. “Deborah Scott played such an important role in facilitating and mediating that final agreement. Just as they stood with the Peoplestown residents, Georgia STAND-UP continues to advocate for affordable housing, transportation equity, and economic justice,” Dickens said.
A Shared Vision for Atlanta’s Future
The Mayor connected Georgia STAND-UP’s legacy to his administration’s work, including the recently launched Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative—one of the most ambitious community investment strategies in Atlanta’s history.
“This is a group project,” Dickens told the crowd. “We are bringing together public agencies, community residents, and the private sector to strategically change outcomes. Georgia STAND-UP has long championed the idea that residents of underserved neighborhoods should benefit from public and private investments in their communities—and we are making that happen.”
The results are beginning to show:
- Crime is trending downward across Atlanta.
- More than 11,000 affordable housing units have been delivered or funded.
- APS achieved a record graduation rate of 90% for the first time in history.
Looking Ahead
As Mayor Dickens reminded the audience, the work is far from finished. “As proud as we are of the work Georgia STAND-UP has done over the past 20 years, we all recognize that much work remains to be done. Until every family has access to safe neighborhoods, dignified work, and affordable housing, Georgia STAND-UP’s role will remain critical.”
Former U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su, Atlanta City Councilmembers Andrea Boone and Michael Julian Bond, and other leaders joined the celebration—underscoring Georgia STAND-UP’s deep ties to both local and national movements for change.
