Atlanta City Council Approves Community Referrals and Diversion Services with PAD

ATLANTA — The Atlanta City Council approved an ordinance executing a procurement agreement for mobile community referrals and diversion services with Policing Alternatives and Diversion (PAD) Services effective Jan. 1, 2025, for $5 million for a two-year term, with two two-year options to renew (24-O-1474).

Other items that the Council adopted include:

• An ordinance authorizing acceptance of a $158 million U.S. Department of Transportation Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant, which will be added to funding for implementation of “The Stitch” I-75/85 capping project (24-O-1603).
• An ordinance transferring $20.5 million in impact fee funds to transportation infrastructure projects to modernize traffic signals, communication corridors, complete streets, and intersection improvements to increase roadway capacity (24-O-1621).
• A resolution approving the execution of an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the City of Atlanta and Fulton County Recreation Authority, enabling the Authority to conduct a $150,000 feasibility study on developing an LGBTQ community cultural, educational, and recreation center in the city (24-R-4450).
• An ordinance authorizing acceptance of a $528,000 U.S. Department of Energy’s Efficiency Conservation Block Grant. The funds will be used to implement energy efficiency and conservation programs in historically underserved communities in the city (24-O-1612).
• An ordinance approving the execution of contracts relating to the 2025 Atlanta Jazz Festival, allowing for admission fees for select events, authorizing acceptance of up to $500,000 in supporting donations, and transferring $550,000 to support the festival (24-O-1626).
• An ordinance accepting a $273,000 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant for purchasing personal rescue bailout systems in support of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (24-O-1599).

Items introduced for consideration include:

• A resolution supporting a $430,000 donation to the United Way to fund an emergency rental assistance program.
• An ordinance eliminating the high school diploma or GED requirement for certain entry-level positions below a grade level to be determined.
• An ordinance ratifying acceptance of a donation of pro-bono services performed by Boston Consulting Group for nine weeks to conduct a feasibility study of an LBGTQ+ community center.
• A resolution authorizing a $1 million donation to the non-profit Communities in Schools of Atlanta, an award-winning dropout prevention program, to provide integrated support for K-12 students in Atlanta.
• A resolution authorizing a $1 million donation to the Urban League of Greater Atlanta to support the Youth Development Grant program.
• An ordinance renaming Dixie Street S.E. from Wayman Street S.E. to Clay Street S.E. to Ullman Court S.E. in honor of Evelyn G. Ullman, known for her work in psychology, social work, community advocacy, and co-founder of what is now Status: Home, which provides more than 70 percent of Atlanta’s permanent supportive housing for homeless or low-income individuals and families impacted by HIV/AIDS.
• A resolution donating $500,000 to the non-profit Raising Expectations to support its “No Place Like Home” campaign, to be paid in two $250,000 installments.
• A resolution establishing the Artificial Intelligence Commission bringing together thought leaders and subject-matter experts to explore the benefits, opportunities, and challenges of using artificial intelligence to enhance and improve local government.
• A pair of ordinances authorizing the execution of contracts with sponsors, performers, artists, venues, and vendors for the 2025 Senior Ball and the 2025 Interfaith Community Luncheon.

The City Council presented proclamations and recognitions to Miss Georgia’s Teen 2024 Carrington Manous and retiring Department of Public Works employee Verna Singleton.