Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens delivered his State of the City Address with a clear message: the city is strong because Atlanta has committed to the “Group Project.” Reflecting on the past four years, he emphasized that the city has invested in its people and neighborhoods and delivered real results, showing what is possible when partners across government, business, and the community work together.
Mayor Dickens highlighted that Atlanta has built more than 13,000 affordable housing units, opened over 500 rapid housing opportunities for residents experiencing homelessness, and connected more than 20,000 young people to jobs. The city has reached the highest graduation rates in its history while significantly reducing crime, with homicides down 40% and shootings down 30%. Additionally, Atlanta has invested $150 million in parks and green spaces, strengthened city services, improved infrastructure, and earned a triple-A bond rating.
Looking ahead, Mayor Dickens outlined the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative as the city’s north star, a whole-of-government strategy focused on affordable housing, neighborhood investment, youth opportunity, safety, and effective governance. He called for expanding Tax Allocation Districts to unlock billions in investment and urged residents, businesses, and partners to continue showing up for the “Group Project.” Framing the moment as a choice between “chaos or community,” he closed with a clear charge: all of Atlanta deserves the best of Atlanta, and now is the time to do the work.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
At a time when our rights, freedoms, and futures are under threat, Democratic Mayors are showing the nation what real leadership looks like.
