Spotlight On: Andre Dickens, Mayor, City of Atlanta
May 2024 — In an interview with Focus:, Mayor Andre Dickens of the city of Atlanta, discussed his administration’s achievements, including significant reductions in violent crime and the advancement of affordable housing. Highlighting the importance of sustainable growth, Dickens shared his strategies for enhancing Atlanta’s role in the Southeast, preparing for the 2026 World Cup, and fostering international cultural connections.
What have been some of the most significant achievements of your administration since taking office?
In just two years, we’ve achieved a lot. One of my primary goals was to make Atlanta a safer city by reducing violent crime. We have decreased homicides by 21%, along with significant reductions in robberies and burglaries. This was achieved not just through policing but also by engaging in various non-policing strategies. We focused on our youth by keeping them engaged in educational after-school programs and summer jobs that pay well, averaging $17 an hour. This initiative employed about 5,000 youths last summer. We also introduced fun and engaging activities like our Midnight Basketball League.
Another major goal was to address affordable housing. Atlanta’s rapid growth has made it challenging for many to afford new constructions or even rentals. I played a key role in assembling a team of city leaders to create a strike force that quickly took action to finance and build over 4,000 affordable housing units, with another 4,000 under construction. This effort is crucial for allowing residents to stay in the city, offering them affordable living options.
Additionally, revitalizing government operations post-COVID was essential. We focused on getting people back to work, enforcing standards for city services like garbage collection and pothole repairs, and streamlining permit processes. Our internal mechanisms have significantly improved, enhancing the city’s overall functionality. Sustainability and resilience were also key areas where we made significant strides.
What challenges is Atlanta facing, and what strategies do you have in place to address them?
The most significant challenge is ensuring balanced growth. Our rapid expansion necessitates geographical growth to avoid concentrating development in the same areas. The southern and western parts of Atlanta lack amenities like grocery stores, quality housing, and restaurants. My goal is to enrich these areas with new amenities and vibrant activities without displacing the current residents. Preserving the affordability and inclusivity of our booming city for legacy residents is a priority.
Another ambitious goal is to make Atlanta a Top 5 technology ecosystem. We aim to position Atlanta as a prominent tech hub, comparable to Silicon Valley or Boston, by leveraging the immense talent from institutions like Georgia Tech, the AUC, and Georgia State, ensuring these talents have access to good jobs and, for those interested in entrepreneurship, providing funding opportunities from the city to support their startups.
What are your primary goals for Atlanta leading up to the World Cup?
We’re thrilled about Atlanta being chosen as one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup. Our vision for this event is to create a vibrant, inclusive, and unforgettable experience that not only showcases Atlanta as a global soccer hub, thanks to Atlanta United and the United States Soccer Federation’s decision to establish their training grounds here, but also highlights our rich culture. We aim to forge memorable and positive experiences for athletes, visitors, and residents alike by intertwining global celebrations with Atlanta’s unique culture and local businesses.
Our approach ensures that the World Cup doesn’t just happen in Atlanta but happens with Atlanta, infusing every event with our city’s distinctive flavor. This includes making the city safe for all and leveraging cultural opportunities, such as scrimmages, watch parties representing different nations, and food festivals to showcase the diverse cultures participating in the World Cup. It’s important for us that visitors also get a taste of what Atlanta is all about, so our history and culture will be prominently featured.
Moreover, we’re looking at this as a regional event, involving not just the city of Atlanta but also surrounding areas like Gwinnett, Cobb, Clayton, and Fayette counties, each playing a crucial role in the festivities. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, as the world’s busiest and most efficient airport, will serve as the gateway for many visitors, giving them their first impression of the World Cup experience with themed decorations, soccer memorabilia, and showcasing local Atlanta culture.
We’re also focusing on creating opportunities for local businesses to thrive during the World Cup, ensuring they can leave their mark on this global event. Lastly, we’re prioritizing education for our youth, aiming to facilitate cultural exchanges and learning opportunities about the diverse cultures participating, whether through direct interaction or digital platforms.
Atlanta plays a pivotal role in the cultural and economic fabric of the Southeast. How will you strengthen this role while ensuring sustainable growth for all Atlantans?
As the capital of the Southeast, Atlanta holds a critical economic and cultural position. Our city’s influence, propelled by the world’s busiest airport, Georgia’s leadership in TV, film, and entertainment, and our prominence in the music industry, not to mention our educational institutions, sets a foundation for lasting significance. Our growth is not only a testament to our current success but also lays the groundwork for our future.
This growth and development means Atlanta has a significant impact on the surrounding 20-county region and the broader Southeast. I engage regularly with mayors from other Southeastern cities, sharing our initiatives in areas like youth engagement and affordable housing, which many have adopted. Our success in reducing violence and creating job opportunities are models others want to emulate.
Understanding Atlanta’s influence, we’re committed to promoting safety, affordable housing, and economic opportunities, recognizing the ripple effect these efforts have on the Southeast. Our strength lies in our people and our potential for further growth.
What is your outlook for Atlanta, and what are your top priorities for the near term?
My vision for Atlanta is one of continued prosperity, safety, and health. A key focus is supporting our less fortunate citizens, including those experiencing homelessness, and enhancing connectivity through improved transportation options and road paving. We aim to position Atlanta at the forefront of innovation, trying new solutions that benefit our community and involve everyone in the process.
The concept of Atlanta as a group project emphasizes our collaborative success, setting us as a model for others to follow. My goal is to maintain this momentum, fostering a city that not only benefits its residents but also serves as an example internationally.
Moreover, beyond the World Cup, I’m dedicated to establishing international cultural and commercial connections. My engagements with ambassadors and consul generals, along with hosting international delegates, showcase Atlanta’s global relevance. These efforts are not just about showcasing our city’s achievements but also about fostering international partnerships that bring mutual benefits.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.atlantaga.gov/
