Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms hosted the City of Atlanta’s Inaugural Pride Reception in the atrium of Atlanta City Hall. Before a sold-out crowd of more than 600 LGBTQ Atlantans and allies in attendance, it was also announced that the City has received the highest Municipal Equality Index (MEI) score in its history, earning a total raw score of 105 points out of a possible 100. Mayor Bottoms also presented a Phoenix Award—the City’s highest honor—to Judge Jane Morrison in memory of her late wife, Fulton County Commissioner Joan Garner.

“It is an honor to host so many of the LGBTQ Atlantans who make Atlanta such an exceptionally special city,” said Mayor Bottoms.

This is the sixth consecutive year Atlanta has received a perfect MEI score. The Human Rights Campaign MEI report rates 506 municipalities around the country on their inclusivity of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents and employees, on the basis of laws, policies and services. During the reception, HRC President Chad Griffin announced the City of Atlanta’s highest-ever MEI score of 105.

“To the activists, stakeholders, City officials and community members who made this possible—thank you,” said Mayor Bottoms. “Words cannot express our gratitude for your continued and unrelenting efforts to push Atlanta toward its promise.”

One of Mayor Bottoms’ first acts in office was to create Atlanta’s first-ever Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion—also known as the One Atlanta office. Mayor Bottoms also hired the City’s first-ever, full-time LGBTQ coordinator and formed the first Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board. Composed of citywide leaders and advocates, this group is helping shape the City’s policies and engagements with Atlanta’s LGBTQ communities and serves as a bridge between City Hall and LGBTQ residents.

The Mayor’s Inaugural Pride Reception kicked off a week of events for the City of Atlanta to celebrate Atlanta Pride week. Tuesday, the City is a sponsor of the LGBTQ Diversity in Business forum at the Atlanta Center for Civil and Human Rights; and Sunday, Mayor Bottoms will march with employees in the Atlanta Pride parade.