Atlanta City Council approves $7.5M fund to assist businesses impacted by city’s water main breaks

ATLANTA—Thousands of businesses and their employees who suffered financial losses after recent water main breaks will get assistance, thanks to the Atlanta City Council’s unanimous approval of the City’s Recovery Fund  on Monday, June 17.

The fund increased from a proposed $5M to $7.5M to assist Atlanta businesses and now includes employee compensation compensation (24-O-1301). City officials said the increase was approved to ensure businesses that need help would be assisted and would cover losses not covered by insurance.

The application process for the Recovery Fund will open June 24.

The city has been grappling with aging infrastructure breaks since May 31 when a massive water main break in downtown Atlanta disrupted businesses, tourists’ attractions, hospitals, hotels and residential areas. 

Mayor Andre Dickens , who touted the program, partnered to expand and quickly provide the help with collaboration from Councilmember Matt Westmoreland, who sponsored the initial legislation on behalf of the Administration; Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta;and senior city leadership. 

“Our Administration knows there is a need for this assistance and together, we have made sure that getting money in the hands of the impacted small businesses and their employees remains a priority,” said Mayor Dickens. “Thank you to Councilmember Westmoreland and the entire City Council, Invest Atlanta, Chief Policy Officer and Senior Advisor Courtney English, members of my Cabinet and everyone who helped set up the Atlanta Recovery Fund.”

Invest Atlanta will serve as the fiscal agent for the Atlanta Recovery Fund, and information on applying and the process can be found online here. Funds not expended by June 30, 2025, will revert to the Water & Wastewater Revenue Fund.

The city is working to provide direct support to impacted residents and will provide further information once available, officials stated.