Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued an Administrative Order directing the City’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) to convene an advisory council to advise the Mayor on the measures needed and steps to be taken in order to end the Mayor’s Stay at Home Order, when that time is appropriate. The Advisory Council will be comprised of representatives from Atlanta organizations and businesses and will create a framework to reopen the city of Atlanta for business, tourism, entertainment, congregational worship, large gatherings and athletic events.

“Reopening the city must be executed in a cautious manner that is best suited for Atlanta,” said Mayor Bottoms. “The Advisory Council will provide the necessary input and buy-in from Atlanta stakeholders to outline a safe and thoughtful framework to get our economy back on track without endangering public health.”

The Advisory Council will be co-chaired by City of Atlanta COO Joshua Williams; Bondurant, Mixson and Elmore, LLP Partner Robbie Ashe; and immediate past National Council of Negro Women National Chairperson Ingrid Saunders Jones. Ashe coordinated the City’s response to the displacement of individuals and families caused by Hurricane Katrina. Saunders-Jones is a staunch advocate for women and children and formerly served as Senior Vice President, Global Community Relations, and Chair of The Coca-Cola Foundation.

Designated Advisory Council representatives from the following organizations and industries, among others as authorized by the Mayor, shall include:

MARTA

Atlanta Public Schools

Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport

The City of Atlanta's Chief Health Officer

Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning

Grady Hospital

Emory University

Morehouse School of Medicine

Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce

Atlanta Business League

Atlanta Committee for Progress

Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Falcons/Atlanta United

Atlanta Dream

Atlanta University Center

Board of Regents

Representatives from the Restaurant Industry

Representatives from Arts & Culture

Representatives from the Faith Community

Representatives of Small Businesses

Representatives from Music, Film, and Entertainment

Representatives from the Retail Industry

Representatives from Communications and Cable Industries

The Advisory Council will also work toward an equitable reopening structure, keeping in mind the needs of women, members of the LGBTQ community, young people, seniors and homeless or displaced individuals.

A plan of action to reopen Atlanta’s economy must be presented to Mayor Bottoms no later than May 15, 2020.