The 40-member Transition Committee convened by Mayor Andre Dickens to study four key issues that impact the quality of life in Atlanta submitted a set of comprehensive recommendations to the Mayor, capping a 100-day study designed to help inform Dickens’ priorities for the next four years. The Committee’s report is available here.

The team, co-chaired by Howard Franklin, CEO of Ohio River South, and Sharon Gay, former Managing Partner of Dentons, formed sub-committees to focus on:

• Education and youth;

• Ethics and Procurement Integrity;

• Neighborhood empowerment; and

• S.A.F.E. (Surge, Arrest, Force, Empower) streets.

“When I took office as Atlanta’s 61^st Mayor, I asked a group of our esteemed citizens to sit on a Transition Committee and help me as I developed our agenda,” said Mayor Dickens. “I am humbled to have such a talented team of people band together to provide unique insights and key recommendations on how we can continue to make the City of Atlanta the best it can be.”

In developing the recommendations, the four sub-committees received input from a diverse group of residents who represent all of Atlanta’s communities—including academics, faith leaders, business and corporate professionals, government leaders, neighborhood activists, nonprofits, philanthropists, law enforcement officials, members of the legal community, and City of Atlanta leaders.

The team interviewed and held listening sessions with 238 community leaders; clocked 3,927 volunteer hours holding meetings, reading reports, conducting research and identifying best practices from peer municipalities; spent 1,260 hours working with and reviewing data from City employees; and spent 5,740 consulting hours working with experts and utilizing their own professional expertise.

"We were very intentional about involving a diverse collection of people, processes, and perspectives to draft this report,” said Franklin. "Ultimately, the group was driven by the one thing we all have in common, and that's a sincere desire to move Atlanta forward."

All told, the recommendations represent 10,927 hours of thoughtful, data-driven suggestions which the Mayor will review and consider how they align with his vision for Atlanta. Mayor Dickens has already taken action on some of the Transition Committee’s recommendations in his first 100 days, such as his plan to hire 250 additional police officers, provide funding for early childhood education, and strengthen transparency and integrity in government contracting.

“I draw circles. I don’t draw lines,” Mayor Dickens added. “My vision includes and involves everyone. To my transition team: Thank you for helping draw those circles and for all you have done and continue to do to forge one Atlanta where everyone thrives.”

No report could cover all of the critical issues the city faces, so even as the Mayor reviews the four areas covered in this report, his Administration continues to be hard at work in other vital areas, such as combatting homelessness, building and preserving affordable housing for people at all socioeconomic levels, investing in vital, connected infrastructure, and infusing arts and culture throughout the city.

“There will be more opportunities for residents to contribute to realizing the Mayor’s vision of a more equitable and efficient city to uplift Atlanta,” said Gay. “These recommendations are only the beginning.”

Access the full report of the Transition Committee here.