Our Commitment to Listening, Engaging, and Earning Trust
At the City of Atlanta, transparency and public engagement are not just values—they are daily practices. Through ATL Direct and other platforms, we strive to make city government more open, responsive, and connected to the people we serve.
How We Collect Feedback
The City of Atlanta uses multiple channels to listen to residents and ensure their voices are heard in shaping public services and decision-making.
1. Community Events and Town Halls
Departments regularly host in-person and virtual meetings to hear directly from residents on major initiatives, city planning efforts, and policy changes.
2. Surveys and Polls
ATL Direct and other city-run platforms may feature short surveys or polls to gather feedback on specific topics, programs, or neighborhood priorities.
3. Constituent Services Requests
Through ATL311 and other tools, residents can report issues, request services, or share concerns. Every submission is tracked and routed to the appropriate department for follow-up.
4. Comment Forms and Story Submissions
Residents can submit feedback, ideas, or even suggest stories directly through ATL.Direct. We review every message and use this input to guide future content and city outreach.
How We Engage the Public
1. ATL Direct Newsroom
This platform is a digital extension of our civic communications strategy. We use ATL Direct to share real stories, project updates, milestones, and behind-the-scenes efforts to keep residents informed and involved.
2. Advisory Boards and Working Groups
City agencies often convene resident-led boards, such as the LGBTQ Advisory Board or Homelessness Task Force, to shape policy recommendations and reflect community needs.
3. Participatory Budgeting and Community Planning
Through initiatives such as Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs), Invest Atlanta programs, and participatory budgeting pilots, residents have a direct say in how public resources are prioritized.
4. Social Media and Digital Tools
The City maintains active and verified social media accounts to share news, receive comments, and engage in real-time dialogue with the public. You can find official handles at @CityofAtlanta.
Our Approach to Transparency
1. Open Access to Information
We are committed to making public data, reports, and decisions accessible to all. Major plans, budgets, policy documents, and performance dashboards are available through city websites and ATL Direct microsites.
2. Plain Language Communication
We use clear, plain language to explain city actions and policies—eliminating jargon to ensure everyone can understand what is happening and why it matters.
3. Timely Updates
Whether it’s a service disruption or a major policy announcement, our goal is to communicate quickly and clearly. ATL Direct is part of this promise—keeping you updated in real time.
4. Accountability Through Reporting
From infrastructure metrics to homelessness response dashboards, we track and publish progress toward city goals. This ensures that we stay accountable to our residents and continuously improve.
Stay Connected
Have an idea? A concern? A story to share?
Visit the Contact Us page or email us directly at atlcommunications@atlantaga.gov.
Together, we’re building a more open, inclusive, and responsive city—one conversation at a time.
