Mayor Andre Dickens’ Institute of Professional Development—spearheaded by the Department of Human Resources (DHR)—continues to deliver results in improving City services while also serving as a career ladder for employees. Employees volunteer to participate in the professional development and work on Saturdays or after hours to learn new skills and receive a certification when the session is complete.

The Institute of Professional Development recently held its second “graduation” ceremony for the special Finance Academy edition. Focusing on the Department of Finance (DOF), 29 graduates were cross-trained and upskilled in accounts payable, payroll and customer services processes. Within five weeks—with an eight week deadline—DOF graduates processed more than 15,000 invoices with a financial impact of roughly $479 million. DOF has also reduced accounts payable processing cycle times and will be implementing an improved process for FY 2024 to ensure all invoices are paid within net 30.

“This Administration is committed to solving problems via hard work and innovation. Atlantans deserve that,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “Thank you to DHR Commissioner Smith and leadership for continuing to improve how we conduct business—and for creating a thoughtful process that continues to invest in our employees.”

The Institute’s inaugural class focused on the Department of City Planning, operating an eight-week permitting model to train Building and Development Coordinators in a new role offering a single point of contact for customers and all agencies. Graduates manage application intake, route applications to reviewers and measure project application status against agreed timelines for each step in the process for a seamless customer experience.

Trainees worked over a period of eight Saturdays and cleared a backlog of 3,000 permit applications—mostly due to missing applicant info. As a result, the City added $1.3 billion in construction value and over $9 million in revenue.

“The City’s investment in the newly upskilled graduates advances the level of service delivery to our residents and business community while creating opportunities for our employees’ upward mobility. Closing skills gaps leads to a better relationship with our community and strengthens public trust in government,” said Chief Operating Officer Lisa Y. Gordon.

“The Institute was created in part to bridge gaps in employment skills and ultimately deliver tangible financial and educational outcomes for our workforce. In addition to creating advancement opportunities, one of the greatest byproducts of this upskill training is organizational and operational efficiency,” said DHR Commissioner Tarlesha Williams Smith, Esq.

You can find a video of the second graduation ceremony online here.