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A PROUD LEGISLATIVE RECORD

My legislative record for the city of Atlanta is one characterized by advocacy for balanced, smart-growth; a strong and inclusive economy; affordable housing for working and middle class residents; effective and culturally-sensitive public safety service and diverse transportation options that are equitable and sustainable. My commitment, leadership abilities and government expertise are proven and a matter of public record. Below are highlights of my legislative leadership rendered to provide solutions for Atlanta’s communities.

Community & Economic Development

I have a solid history of working toward this vision: I doubled the Community Development Block Grants investment totaling $25 million for affordable housing initiatives in underserved areas. To fulfill the City’s 30-year promise to rebuild the historic Washington Park Natatorium—the first public swimming pool open to minority residents—I developed the successful strategy to fund park construction at no additional costs to Atlanta taxpayers. (I have never voted for a property tax increase.)  I also sponsored legislation to bring $130 million for the creation of the Westside Village on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive—the largest single investment in an Atlanta community at that time—and created the tax allocation district that made Atlantic Station possible.

I have also spearheaded efforts for affordable housing and community development initiatives including the Summerhill Community Trust Fund (capitalized at $5 million), Affordable Housing Impact Statement, $150 million Homeless Opportunity Bonds, Westside Tax Abatement for legacy residents—a 20 year property tax abatement program—and passage of legislation that caps the annually adjusted value of homesteaded residential properties at 3% over the lowest base year value.To incentivize the development of affordable housing, I passed legislation authorizing the sale of surplus real estate for $1 to pre-qualified developers (targeting non-profits) to create affordable housing, eliminating a key barrier for such development—land costs.  I am also the author of the Westside Tax Allocation District and created the Atlanta Development Authority which is now known as Invest Atlanta.

Economic Inclusion for Small & Minority Business Enterprises

I am proud to be an ardent supporter of Atlanta’s inclusive tradition and nationally-acclaimed status as a hub of thriving small and minority business sector. To ensure the City of Atlanta has fair business practices that spur innovation, opportunity and prosperity for small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds and ages, I passed the following bills:

  • Atlanta’s Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) Program Update
  • Minority-Female-Business Enterprise Local Preference
  • Small Business Utilization Extension

Sustainable Infrastructure–Greenspaces

To maintain Atlanta’s environmental-friendly title as the “City Among the Trees,” I have worked to preserve and plant trees and to create more greenspaces. I am the sponsor of the citizens’ version of the proposed new Tree Ordinance for the city. Two of my largest greenspace efforts are:

Westside Park and Water Reserve at the Bellwood Quarry (Opened Summer 2021)

I was able to significantly expand Atlanta’s greenspace by passing a resolution that set the stage for Bellwood Quarry to be transformed into a 280-acre park and recreational amenity for residents and a 30-day water reserve. To relieve some of the burden on Piedmont Park, I also passed legislation to explore the feasibility of building an amphitheater for community events on the sprawling land that is three times the size of Piedmont Park.

Rodney Mims Cook, Sr. Peace Park (Opened Summer 2021)

Atlanta is known for its advocacy of civil and human rights, diversity and inclusion. As a lifelong Atlantan, I am a proud and ardent supporter of initiatives to ensure that Atlanta is a welcoming city for all people.  To that end, I was delighted to co-sponsor legislation to create a living legacy of peace that is planned to be the future North American home of the Nobel Peace Prize. Thanks to the National Monuments Foundation, the 16-acre park is already home to a magnificent statue of our beloved, late Congressman John Lewis—enabled by legislation that I authored.

Transportation I have consistently advocated for the development of smart transportation options and rebuilding our infrastructure.  I led a massive restoration of streets, sidewalks, and infrastructure—the first in 40 years in many areas.  Integrated transportation/transit systems improve the livability in communities. I advocated for geographically-equitable TSPLOST projects and sponsored the $1 million Downtown Traffic Operations Program. To aid balanced development of the Atlanta Beltline, I am reintroducing legislation to create housing and commercial enterprise zones to help property owners from being priced out of their communities.   Since MARTA has assumed governance and operations, I look forward to the Streetcar connecting to the Atlanta Beltline.Recently, I secured $6 million from the Georgia Department of Transportation to make safety improvements to Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway—where more than 20 pedestrians have been killed in the past decade.On a personal note, I was heartened to co-sponsor the City’s taskforce that called for the naming of “John Lewis Freedom Parkway.”

Public Safety

As a former public safety officer, I have fought for a safe city and been a stalwart supporter of pay equity and competitive salaries for our well-trained police, fire and corrections officers. I created a permanent Public Safety Compensation Commission that recommends equitable salaries for officers through biennial market-based analyses.I was pleased to provide legislation for the City to accept federal funding for public safety and justice reform initiatives including:

 

  • $1 million for a Second Chance Act – Adult Reentry Demonstration Planning and Implementation Grant to reduce jail recidivism among the homeless population
  • $425,000.00 for a Smart Prosecution Initiative to be developed and implemented by the City Solicitor’s Office to divert persons committing certain types of offenses to appropriate social service providers
  • $600,000.00 to develop and implement a Second Chance Reentry Program for adults with co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders incorporating wraparound services by community-based treatment partners
  • To deter illegal street-racing, I passed legislation requiring persons arrested for street-racing to be arraigned—thereby necessitating a judicial review of their charges before they can be released.