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Action Items

• [ ] Provide legal assistance to Andreen Kong regarding her eviction case.
• [ ] Transmit resolution urging USDA to reinstate local food programs to the Governor of Georgia, Georgia State Legislature, President of the United States, Secretary of Agriculture, and members of Congress.
• [ ] Move resolution urging replacement of Alexander Stephens statue in U.S. Capitol with statue of President Jimmy Carter to the Mayor’s Office post-haste.

The Atlanta City Council meeting on March 17, 2025, began with the adoption of the agenda and a moment of silence for deceased community members. The council recognized Hope Atlanta’s 125th anniversary and its role in homelessness initiatives, including Rapid Rehousing. They also honored Morehouse School of Medicine’s 50th anniversary, highlighting its contributions to diversifying healthcare and reducing health disparities. The council proclaimed March 14 as Black Midwives Day, emphasizing the critical role of black midwives in maternal health. Additionally, they honored Reverend Africa McClatty for her community service and advocacy. Public comments addressed issues of homelessness, healthcare, and soil degradation. The City of Atlanta Council Meeting on March 17, 2025, covered several key issues. The Safe Soil Movement, backed by international organizations, aims to improve soil health and declared March 21 as Safe Soil Day. Jalil Anthony discussed Ordinance 25-0-1129, which exempts city projects from tree protection laws, raising concerns about tree loss. Council members debated amendments to extend this exemption until January 1, 2026, or the adoption of a new tree protection ordinance. The council also considered a resolution to fund FY 26 budget priorities and appointed Philip Perry to the Board of Zoning Adjustment. The Atlanta City Council meeting on March 17, 2025, focused on several key legislative actions. Council Member Michael Julian Bond introduced ELMS 37624, urging the USDA to reinstate local food programs, which was unanimously adopted. Other motions included Council Member Byron Amos’s ordinance to authorize a $500,500 contract for the Air Service World Congress 2025, and Council Member Liliana Bacha’s ordinance to amend land subdivision laws. Council Member Michael Julian Bond also proposed several ordinances related to affordable housing, zoning changes, and donations. The meeting concluded with a resolution by Council Member Antonio Lewis to replace the statue of Alexander Hamilton Stevens with one of President Jimmy Carter in the US Capitol.

Outline

Adoption of the Agenda and Invocation

• Speaker 1 introduces the council members present, including Michael Julian Bond, Matt Westmoreland, Isha Collins, Jason Winston, Byron D Amos, Jason Dozer, Liliana Bacteria, Alex One, Howard Shook, Norway, Dustin Hellos, Andrea Ol, Marcy COVID Over Street, and Antonio Lewis.
• Speaker 12 moves to adopt the agenda, noting a correction: the third proclamation is for Black Midwives Day, not Black Mothers Day.
• Councilor 1 makes a motion to adopt the agenda, seconded by Councilman Bachary, which is adopted without objection.
• Speaker 23 offers condolences for the loss of Lisa Young Austin, a civil rights activist and member of First Congregational Church.
• Speaker 34 asks for prayers for the family and friends of Dean Retsla, a caterer active in the nonprofit sector.
• Speaker 39 mentions city employees with sick parents, including Lamar Parks and Donna, and asks for prayers for their families.

Honoring Hope Atlanta’s 125th Anniversary

• Speaker 12 invites Council Member Westmoreland to honor Hope Atlanta’s 125th anniversary.
• Speaker 40 provides a historical overview of Hope Atlanta, its origins, and its evolution into a vital community organization.
• Speaker 40 highlights Hope Atlanta’s role in providing support services, integrating staff, and aiding unsheltered residents.
• Speaker 39 expresses gratitude for Hope Atlanta’s work, particularly during COVID-19, and calls for continued support for homelessness initiatives.
• Speaker 41, Board Chair Rocky Atkins, thanks the city council and Mayor Andre Dickens for their ongoing support and partnership.
• Speaker 42, CEO of Hope Atlanta, echoes gratitude and emphasizes the organization’s commitment to addressing homelessness and improving health outcomes.

Recognition of Morehouse School of Medicine’s 50th Anniversary

• Speaker 12 invites Council Member Michael Julian Bond to honor Morehouse School of Medicine’s 50th anniversary.
• Speaker 44 shares personal connections to the school and its history, including the legislative efforts of former representatives Calvin Smiley and Michael Julian Bond’s father.
• Speaker 44 reads a proclamation detailing the school’s origins, achievements, and impact on the healthcare workforce and underserved communities.
• Speaker 44 introduces a video highlighting the school’s history, achievements, and the impact of its graduates on healthcare.
• Speaker 7, Council Member Dozier, expresses pride in representing Morehouse School of Medicine and its contributions to health outcomes in his district.
• Speaker 23, Council Member Boone, honors Dr. James F. Denzel, the first African American pediatric surgeon, and calls for more hospitals to be named after Morehouse School of Medicine.

Black Midwives Day Proclamation

• Speaker 39 introduces the proclamation for Black Midwives Day, highlighting the critical role of black midwives in improving maternal health outcomes.
• Speaker 9, a long-practicing midwife, emphasizes the importance of home births and midwifery in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
• Speaker 10, Jamara Amani, founder of Black Midwives Day, discusses the need for legal recognition and support for midwives to address the perinatal health crisis.
• Speaker 11, Paris Hatcher, and Speaker 1, Jimmy Combahee, from Black Feminist Future, stress the importance of community support for midwives and the need for resources and funding.
• Speaker 13, Haiti Salas, founder of CO Mothers Group LLC, highlights the challenges faced by midwives and the need for continued advocacy and support.
• Speaker 10, Dr. Pandora Hartman, emphasizes the collaboration between midwives and other healthcare providers to improve maternal and reproductive health outcomes.

Remarks of the Public

• Speaker 16, Henry Jordan, delivers a religious message emphasizing the importance of obeying God’s commandments and the consequences of disobedience.
• Speaker 6, La Pink, raises concerns about the treatment of homeless individuals, including the removal of organs and the criminalization of activities necessary for survival.
• Speaker 18, Brother Muhammad, discusses the historical and cultural significance of African contributions to civilization and the need for self-awareness and unity.
• Speaker 16, Margie McLeod, calls for rent control and the amendment of a state bill to cap rent increases, emphasizing the impact on vulnerable residents.
• Speaker 19, Councilman Norbert, explains the limitations of municipal officials in amending state bills and offers to provide information on available resources for homeowners.
• Speaker 20, Gauramur Amar Puri, highlights the global crisis of soil degradation and the need for holistic strategies to revitalize agricultural soils.

Safe Soil Movement and Community Events

• Speaker 20 discusses the Safe Soil Movement, which aims to address soil degradation by uniting citizens and supporting regenerative agriculture practices.
• The movement is backed by several international organizations and has declared March 21 as Safe Soil Day to raise awareness.
• Various community events have been organized in Atlanta, including walkathons, community walks, and outreach programs at public libraries and schools.
• Speaker 20 invites the community to join future events and encourages them to get involved through the Safe Soil website.

Ordinance 25-0-1129 and Tree Preservation

• Speaker 21, Jalil Anthony, represents the grassroots organization Tree Next Door and discusses Ordinance 25-0-1129.
• The ordinance exempts the city from the Tree Protection Ordinance (TPO) for public infrastructure projects, including the Atlanta BeltLine and Path.
• The ordinance also reduces the recompense for tree removal from $117.50 per inch to $30 per inch, which Anthony argues is insufficient.
• Anthony suggests adding a sunset clause, removing the cap on recompense, and ensuring that no project can be terminated and reapplied to avoid exploiting the recompense system.

Personal Stories and Community Issues

• Speaker 22 shares a personal story about his father’s military service and his own experiences with name changes and community engagement.
• Speaker 24, Alan Lee, discusses HR issues and the importance of holding public officials accountable, emphasizing that not all black politicians are corrupt.
• Lee highlights serious issues in the community, including lack of resources, privatization of schools, gentrification, and the need for political engagement.
• Speaker 25, Devin Franklin, from the Southern Center for Human Rights, questions the commitment of elected officials to their promises, particularly regarding the repurposing of the Atlanta City Detention Center.

Eviction and Housing Issues

• Speaker 26, Andreen Kong, shares her personal struggle with eviction and the challenges she faced with her property manager, Gray Star.
• Kong describes the increase in her rent from $1,554 to over $2,800 and the difficulties she faced in paying her rent after a fire in her home.
• Despite efforts to negotiate and pay her rent, Kong was denied and faced eviction.
• Council members and other speakers express their support and offer assistance, including connecting Kong with legal aid and advocating for her case.

Community Engagement and Public Speaking

• Speaker 27, Minister Ann Breedlove, delivers a message about the importance of community unity and accountability.
• Breedlove shares her personal experiences and the struggles of the English Avenue community, emphasizing the need for collective action.
• Speaker 28, Alalu Gay, discusses issues with police misconduct, rental property problems, and the judicial system, urging the community to stay mindful and peaceful.
• Speaker 29, Greg Levine from Trees Atlanta, criticizes the proposed changes to the tree ordinance, arguing that they would weaken tree protection and benefit developers at the expense of the city’s canopy.

Legislation and Public Infrastructure Projects

• Speaker 30, Jill Johnson from Atlanta BeltLine Inc, discusses the challenges of balancing tree protection with the construction of the BeltLine.
• Johnson highlights the need for permits to move forward with the Northeast and Northwest trails and the importance of protecting the tree canopy.
• Council member Amos provides clarity on the amendments to Ordinance 25-0-1129, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to public infrastructure projects and tree protection.
• The council votes on the amendments, with some members expressing concerns about the sunset date and the need for a new tree protection ordinance.

Budget Priorities and Donations

• Speaker 36, Council member Shook, discusses a resolution requesting the mayor to consider certain budget priorities for FY 26.
• The resolution includes recommendations for funding various initiatives, including affordable housing, public safety, and infrastructure projects.
• Speaker 34, Council member Collins, moves to table a resolution authorizing a donation to the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation for eviction defense services.
• The council votes to table the resolution, with some members expressing a need for more information and support for the initiative.

Appointments and Committee Reports

• Speaker 31, Council member Collins, reports on the appointment of Philip Perry to the Board of Zoning Adjustment.
• The council votes to adopt the appointment, with no objections.
• Speaker 8, Council member Lewis, reports on the acceptance and filing of the PErforM performance audit report on controls over fuel consumption.
• The council votes to accept and file the report, with no objections.

Final Remarks and Adjournment

• Speaker 12, Council President, thanks everyone for their participation and contributions to the meeting.
• The council adjourns the meeting, with no further business to discuss.

Legislation on Local Food Programs

• Speaker 44 introduces ELMS number 37624, a resolution by Council Member Michael Julian Bond urging the USDA to reinstate local food programs.
• The resolution highlights the importance of nutritious, affordable, and locally sourced food for the health and well-being of residents in Georgia and Atlanta.
• It emphasizes the historical role of USDA-funded local food programs in addressing food insecurity and supporting local farmers.
• The resolution calls for the reinstatement of these programs to align with Atlanta’s goals of promoting equity, public health, and economic opportunity.

Adoption of the Resolution

• Speaker 12 calls for a motion to adopt ELMS number 37624, with Councilman Lewis seconding the motion.
• Council members from various districts express their support by adding their names to the resolution.
• A motion to amend the resolution with all signatures is made and seconded, with unanimous consent from the council.
• The resolution is adopted with a unanimous vote, and the municipal clerk is instructed to transmit copies to various officials and legislative bodies.

Zoning Report and Personal Papers

• Speaker 12 transitions to the zoning report, with Chair Westmoreland reporting no issues.
• The meeting proceeds to the consideration of personal papers for referral, starting with Councilor Amos.
• Councilor Amos introduces several ordinances and resolutions, including one authorizing a contract with Global Travel Investment Limited for the Air Service World Congress 2025.
• Other ordinances and resolutions introduced by Councilor Amos include authorizing reimbursement agreements and amending land subdivision ordinances.

Councilor Bond’s Introductions

• Councilor Bond introduces several ordinances, including one to amend the city code to allow restaurants to secure separate licenses for off-premises alcohol sales.
• Another ordinance authorizes the mayor to execute a ground lease agreement for quick delivery housing on public land.
• Councilor Bond also introduces an ordinance to create a Trust Fund for affordable workforce housing in lieu fees.
• Additional ordinances include amendments to the zoning ordinance and authorizing the mayor to execute a lease agreement with Partners for Home.

Councilor Boone’s Introductions

• Councilor Boone introduces an ordinance to authorize donations for the Atlanta Commission on Women and amend a procurement agreement for short-term rental software.
• Another ordinance authorizes a collective bargaining agreement with the local 134 International Association of Firefighters.
• Councilor Boone also introduces an ordinance to authorize the mayor to execute a special procurement agreement for occupational tax recovery services.
• The final ordinance introduced by Councilor Boone authorizes the mayor to execute a sole source agreement with Schneider Electric Systems USA.

Councilor Collins’ Introductions

• Councilor Collins introduces an ordinance to ratify services rendered in connection with a co-op agreement with T-Mobile USA Inc.
• Another ordinance authorizes the mayor to execute the Fifth Amendment to the agreement to extend the term on a month-to-month basis.
• Councilor Collins also introduces an ordinance to ratify services rendered in connection with a co-op agreement with Verizon Wireless Services LLC.
• The final ordinance authorizes the mayor to execute a special procurement agreement for occupational tax recovery services with a blank entity.

Councilor Westmoreland’s Introductions

• Councilor Westmoreland introduces several resolutions and ordinances, including one authorizing a donation to the Atlanta College Foundation.
• Another resolution authorizes a donation to the Midtown Neighborhoods Association.
• Councilor Westmoreland also introduces an ordinance to rezone property located at 335 Sawtail Avenue.
• The final ordinance authorizes the mayor to execute the Second Amendment of a maintenance agreement for permeable pavers.

Councilor Winston’s Introductions

• Councilor Winston introduces an ordinance to authorize a donation from the District Six carry forward account to the South River Watershed Alliance.
• Another ordinance rezones property located at 335 Sawtail Avenue from single-family residential to mix residential-commercial.
• Councilor Winston also introduces a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute the Second Amendment of a maintenance agreement for permeable pavers.
• The final ordinance authorizes the mayor to execute a special procurement agreement for occupational tax recovery services with a blank entity.

Councilor Bond’s Final Resolution

• Councilor Bond introduces a resolution urging the US Congress to replace the statue of Alexander Hamilton Stevens with a statue of President Jimmy Carter in the National Statuary Hall.
• The resolution highlights the historical significance of Alexander Hamilton Stevens and the importance of representing values of equality, justice, and progress.
• It praises President Carter’s contributions to public service, humanitarian work, and global peace efforts.
• The resolution calls for other cities and counties in Georgia to support the initiative by passing similar resolutions and promoting awareness of President Carter’s achievements.

Final Adjournment

• The resolution is adopted with unanimous consent, and a motion is made to move it to the mayor’s office post haste.
• The motion is seconded and approved without objection.
• The meeting concludes with a moment of silence for Councilor Lamar Parks, who experienced a personal loss.
• The final roll call is conducted, and the meeting is adjourned without further objections.