Mayor Bottoms’ Initiatives to Reduce Homelessness, Improve Public Safety and Address Department of Public Works Staffing Shortage Pass City Council

Mayor's Office of Communications
55 Trinity Avenue, Suite 2500 • Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Mayor Bottoms' Initiatives to Reduce Homelessness, Improve Public Safety and Address Department of Public Works Staffing Shortage Pass City Council

ATLANTA- Several items on Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms' legislative agenda were approved by the Atlanta City Council. Items address homelessness, public safety, solid waste sanitation and COVID-19 vaccination incentive program.

HomeFirst + LIFT Funding: The Bottoms' Administration remains committed to establishing safe, individual shelter options for people experiencing homelessness. To meet needs with action, legislation was approved to provide approximately $3.5 million in additional funding to Partners for Home for critical services through HomeFirst and LIFT initiatives.

"Protecting and housing people experiencing homelessness is a top priority for our Administration," said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. "We will continue to lead with compassion so that every Atlantan has a safe place to lay their head at night."

This additional funding will provide non-congregate shelter hotel operations, retain 100 low barrier shelter bed operations for Evolution Center, maintain dedicated street outreach and provide rapid rehousing for 100 homeless households. This additional funding will also be matched by philanthropic funds.

Agreement with Georgia Power Company: To continue Mayor Bottoms' "One Atlanta Light Up the Night" initiative, the Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) will partner with Georgia Power Company to service, upgrade and expand the City's streetlight footprint.

"By increasing the number of streetlights, in areas with high rates of traffic accidents and violent crimes, we are making our streets safer for everyone," said Mayor Keisha Lane Bottoms.

The partnership will be separated into two phases. The first phase will upgrade approximately 9,300 of the City's existing streetlights and the second phase will install new L.E.D. streetlights at multiple locations within the city. The agreement with Georgia Power is for a term of one year with five one-year renewal options not to exceed $2 million.

Georgia Works, Inc. Contract Extension: To alleviate staffing shortages in the Department of Public Works - Office of Solid Waste Services (DPR-OSWS), Mayor Bottoms' legislation to extend an agreement with Georgia Works, Inc. was approved.

"Due to staffing shortages brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, some Atlantans have been experiencing delays in the collection of recycling and yard trimmings. This legislation will help resolve those issues," said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. "Atlantans depend on these services and our Administration appreciates this partnership with Georgia Works, Inc. to ensure they get them."

Since March 2020, the Solid Waste Services Division has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, causing staffing shortages and service disruptions in the collection of illegal dumping, recycling and yard trimmings. This contract extension will provide temporary personnel support for the Solid Waste Services Division. The agreement will remain in effect through June 30, 2022.

COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Pilot Program: In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Bottoms has issued an Executive Order to extend and expand the vaccination incentive pilot program.

"We will continue to stress the importance of being fully vaccinated with all of our employees," said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. "We cannot say it enough. It is the most effective way to protect and safeguard our families and those we love from this infectious disease."

Through the program, City of Atlanta employees who receive their initial vaccinations between September 15, 2021 and December 31, 2021 will be eligible to receive a one-time $100 incentive payment.

The program also permits employees receiving a booster shot through December 31, 2021 to receive a one-time $100 incentive payment.

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For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta.

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