When Mayor Andre Dickens launched Atlanta’s Greenspace Advisory Council, the goal was simple but ambitious: bring environmental leaders, advocates, and experts together to help the City improve and accelerate how it acquires, protects, and activates greenspace — while holding itself accountable to residents.
Four years later, the results are clear.
Often referred to as the Mayor’s “Green Cabinet,” the Greenspace Advisory Council meets quarterly and includes representatives from more than a dozen environmental and park-focused organizations. Together, the group advises the City of Atlanta on long-term parks planning, major greenspace investments, ecosystem protection, and expanding equitable access to outdoor spaces citywide.
“Atlanta is a group project, and our parks and greenspaces are no different. This council helped us move faster and work together, and the progress over the last four years shows what’s possible when everyone is pulling in the same direction,” said Mayor Andre Dickens.
Four Years of Impact: What the Council Helped Deliver
Through collaboration between City departments and nonprofit partners, the Greenspace Advisory Council has helped drive some of Atlanta’s most significant greenspace achievements in decades. Highlights from the first four years include:
- Hundreds of acres of land acquired and protected on behalf of the City, helping preserve critical greenspace and environmental assets for future generations
- Major investments in parks and recreation, directing millions of dollars toward park improvements, safety upgrades, and long-overdue maintenance
- Expanded trail and park access, connecting neighborhoods to new and improved parks, trails, and outdoor recreation opportunities
- Tens of thousands of trees planted, strengthening Atlanta’s urban tree canopy and supporting climate resilience
- Improved water quality and watershed protection, particularly in priority areas such as the South River watershed
- Increased funding for community-led park projects, with a strong focus on historically underserved and low-income neighborhoods
These outcomes reflect a dual commitment championed by the Mayor and council members alike: growing Atlanta’s greenspace footprint while also taking care of the parks residents already rely on every day.
Commissioner of Parks and Recreation Justin Cutler said the work is about long-term community impact.
“Our commitment to expanding and enhancing green spaces is about more than parks; it’s about creating vibrant, healthy communities for everyone,” Cutler said. “We are focused on listening to residents, prioritizing equity, and delivering sustainable improvements that will benefit generations to come.”
Collaboration that moves the city forward
Beyond individual projects, the council has served as a coordination hub, aligning partners around long-term initiatives such as the Atlanta BeltLine, conservation efforts within the South River watershed, and programs that connect more Atlantans, especially young people, to nature and outdoor recreation.
Building momentum for the next four years
With a strong foundation in place, Greenspace Advisory Council members say the next phase of work will build on that momentum.
“The Greenspace Advisory Council is excited to work with Mayor Dickens to build upon our efforts to advance parks, greenspace, trees, watersheds, and communities,” said Michael Halicki, President and CEO of Park Pride. “As we head into these next four years, we will continue our deep collaboration — helping each other achieve more and have a greater impact.”
Looking ahead, the Greenspace Advisory Council will continue its work to:
- Acquire additional greenspace and protect key environmental assets
- Strengthen ecosystems and Atlanta’s tree canopy
- Improve park quality, safety, and maintenance citywide
- Expand access so more Atlantans can enjoy safe, welcoming parks and trails
