Atlanta City Council approves $2M donation for eviction diversion program

ATLANTA —The Atlanta City Council approved a resolution authorizing a $2 million donation to the nonprofit Star-C Corporation to support the continued administration of an eviction diversion program for low-income city residents.

Since its launch in December 2023, Star-C has prevented the displacement of more than 220 families (24-R-3708).

Other items that the Council adopted on July 1 include:

• An ordinance amending 23-O-1656 relating to “excess vacation” hours and “vacation extra carryover” hours occurring during and since the COVID-19 pandemic (24-O-1342). This item was sent to the Mayor post-haste.

• An ordinance ratifying the City’s application for $15 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All Implementation Grant for the Vision Zero Action Plan (24-O-1336).

• An ordinance to accept a $5 million reimbursement grant from the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry program “City in a Forest: Protecting Atlanta’s Legacy.” The grant supports creating the City’s first comprehensive urban forest master plan (24-O-1345).

• A resolution authorizing the design and construction of Fire Station 26 (24-R-3754).

• A resolution authorizing the demolition, design, and construction of Fire Station 30 (24-R-3755).

• A resolution authorizing a $250,000 donation to the Atlanta Police Foundation to support the Community Safety Housing program, which provides up to $850 monthly subsidy payments for in-city residency for Atlanta’s first responders (24-R-3707).

• An ordinance authorizing the creation of an Assistance for Persons With AIDS Trust Fund to supplement the federal  Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS program and transferring $250,000 into the fund (24-O-1344).

• An ordinance retroactively authorizing the submission of a $50,000 grant application for the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund to encourage youth to design, produce, and implement climate action solutions in Atlanta (24-O-1340).
• An ordinance temporarily extending the operating hours of the City’s four indoor pools to include Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., from July 1 to Oct. 1. This item was an immediate consideration and sent to the Mayor post-haste.

The City Council presented proclamations and recognitions in honor of National Parks and Recreation Month and Atlanta native and former NBA player Arelious Cooper, founder of Art in the Paint. His nonprofit collaborates with local artists and service vendors to revitalize and renovate underutilized basketball courts with scenic murals and offer community outreach initiatives.

Items introduced for consideration include:

• An ordinance authorizing the transfer of $1.8 million to Invest Atlanta to fund the Atlanta Legacy Business Program, which supports businesses operating for 30 years or more and contributing to the city’s history, culture, and identity.

• An ordinance to impose a tax increase on owners of neglected properties. The Community Redevelopment Tax Incentive Program allows municipalities to temporarily increase property taxes on blighted properties until remediated or redeveloped. The ordinance would impose a “blight tax” of 25 times the current City general operating levy millage.

• An ordinance amending Chapter 10 (Alcoholic Beverages) of the City of Atlanta Code of Ordinances to clarify revisions regarding issuing licenses for the sale and service of alcohol and enforcing non-compliance.

• An ordinance authorizing the acquisition of approximately 5.34 acres from the Conservation Fund for $2.7 million to develop an urban farm and park preserve known as Red’s Farm Preserve in the Ormewood neighborhood.
• A resolution authorizing a $30,000 donation to Mothers Against Gang Violence (MAGV), an organization dedicated to preventing gang violence and providing support to the families and victims affected by gang activities.
• A resolution authorizing a $40,000 donation to 21^st Century Leaders, Inc. to provide micro-grants to young people ages 14 to 24 to design, produce, and implement climate solutions in the city.