City of Atlanta Magazine

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CITIES of SERVICE • TECHNOLOGY • PUBLIC WORKS • PARKS & RECREATION ATLANTA BELTLINE • INVEST ATLANTA • SUSTAINABILITY

City of AtlantaEDITION Magazine I • WINTER 2013

ATLANTA BELTLINE DEVELOPMENTS PG. 7

INVEST ATLANTA HELPS YOU TO START UP PG. 9

WHAT IS CARTLANTA? PG. 16 2 Welcome / Contents

WINTER 2013

• 04 Foundation for the Future • 07 Atlanta BeltLine • 08 Departments in Review • 08 Fire Chief of the Year

• 10 • 07 Pictures of the past two years The Atlanta BeltLine are worth more than a moves forward thousand words

• 16 Blue carts like this are all over Atlanta For detailed information visit www.atlantaga.gov or scan the QR Code on your mobile phone Phoenix Magazine 3 Message from the MAYOR

@kasimreed [email protected] www.atlantaga.gov

elcome to the premiere edition of and undying spirit. We, as a City, goes far beyond the call of duty or WPhoenix, a new quarterly magazine have faced many obstacles over an event that needs a spotlight, let for City of Atlanta residents, business owners the years and thrived. And we us know. and visitors. are rising from recent adversity to show how Atlanta is ready for Thank you for your input for its Next Great Act. That the city future editions of Phoenix, and We have a great story to tell about the City of Atlanta, is more than a former host city thank you for what you do every its residents, its employees, its businesses and its com- of the Centennial Olympics and day to make Atlanta a true world- munity organizations. But we do not always do enough home to the busiest passenger class city to share the great progress and accomplishments we make airport in the world. We are a every day. We do not always do enough to highlight the determined and intentional city, programs and the people who contribute so much to the positioned for future greatness quality of life we enjoy in Atlanta. and accomplishments.

Atlanta has a great story to tell, and Phoenix is here to We have much work to do, but we tell it. have accomplished much. And we need to tell that story. So if you For its name, the magazine borrows the symbol of At- know of a project that transforms lanta, which represents our city’s resilience, determination our community, an employee who

The Mayor’s Office of Communications is responsible for providing vital information to residents, business owners and the media about the City of Atlanta and the goals and initiatives of Mayor Kasim Reed. The Mayor’s Office of Communications works closely with the Public Information Officers in other departments (e.g.: Police, Fire-Rescue, Planning and Community Development, Sweetwater Brewery expands business and opens new plant. Public Works, Watershed Management, etc.) to ensure the accurate and timely dissemination of news and information.

Frequently Requested Phone Numbers: Municipal Courts (404) 658-6940 Business Tax (404) 330-6270 Atlanta Police (404) 614-6544 Watershed (404) 658-6500 Fire Department (404) 546-7000 Human Resources (404) 330-6360

Sonji Jacobs, Director of Communications

Contributors: Aaron Bastian, Department of Sustainability; Valerie Bell-Smith, Department of Public Works; Jamar Brown, Department of Human Resources; Carlos Campos, Atlanta Police Department; Decter Chambers, Atlanta City Council; Ethan The Korean Children’s Choir performs in Davidson, Atlanta Beltline; Alex Davis, Office of Cultural Affairs; Anne Torres, Office of Communications; Tkeban Jahannes, Office Atlanta City Hall. of Communications; Reese McCranie, Office of Communications; Melissa Mullinax, Office of Communications; Jenny Pittam, Atlanta BeltLine; Scheree Rawies, Atlanta Police Department; Philip Taylor, Office of Communications; Lanii Thomas, Anne Torres, Office of Communications; Department of Planning; Sloan Turner, Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs; Janet Ward, Department of Watershed Management. 4 Foundation for the Future

Mayor Reed’s Focus on Restoring Fiscal Stability and Improving Basic Services Prepares Atlanta for Next Great Act

When Kasim Reed first stepped into his office at 55 Trinity Avenue as the 59th Mayor of hen Kasim Reed first the City of Atlanta, he brought new energy and renewed focus to City Hall with the goal Wstepped into his office of restoring Atlanta’s identity not just as a “city on a hill” but a world-class city. But before any of the grand visions could be fulfilled, some of the more basic elements at 55 Trinity Avenue as the of municipal government needed to be addressed. Response times for 911 dispatches 59th Mayor of the City of At- were below the national standard; trash pick-up was often times sporadic; the City had a multi-billion-dollar pension liability, deficit budgets and barely $7 million in cash lanta, he brought new energy reserves. These new realities put Mayor Reed’s priorities into a whole new focus. and renewed focus to City The big visions would not go away, but they would have to be secondary to restoring fis- Hall with the goal of restoring cal stability and fundamental core services to the taxpayers of Atlanta. “When people elect you to office, the first thing and most important thing they want you Atlanta’s identity not just as a to do for them is to take care of the basics,” he says. “I decided that on my watch the City “city on a hill” but a of Atlanta was never going to be in that posture again.” world-class city. Thirty-six months into his four-year term, Mayor Reed now calls the City of Atlanta a “house restored” positioned for its Next Great Act. Among his administration’s accomplishments to date are: Passing, with collaboration of the Atlanta City Council, three years of balanced budgets without raising property taxes or requiring layoffs or furloughs. The budget now includes cash reserves of more than $100 million. Resolving a $1.5 billion pension crisis that will save more than $270 million over 10 years. Reopening all 33 of the city’s recreation centers, including seven outdoor pools during the summer, and launching two Centers of Hope pilot programs. Hiring more than 600 sworn officers to the Atlanta Police Department to reach nearly 2,000 officers strong, making it the largest and strongest force in the city’s history and providing them with the latest technology through initiatives such as the Video Integration Center and Smart 911. Reaching full Atlanta Fire and Rescue staffing of four firefighters per engine and zero vacant firefighter positions for the first time in the history of the department. Re-opening the Office of Constituent Services, which handles Phoenix Magazine 5

about 120 calls and 80 walk-in requests from citizens and visitors every single day. Improving city services across the board from water services to trash pick-up to code enforcement.

But Mayor Reed said he and his staff have not just focused on the basics, because “surviving leads to just surviving.” Recent conversations with President Bill Clinton reminded Mayor Reed that his administration – if Atlanta were to be a world-class city – must be able to juggle the necessities of the job with the bigger picture. The former president described it to the Mayor as being in “the future business.”

With a focus to the future, the most innovative and ambitious projects underway in the Reed Administra- tion include: The Atlanta Beltline, which will be a system of light-rail transit, trails and greenspace that will seamlessly connect 45 of Atlanta’s neighborhoods, while also providing first- and last-mile transit connectivity for the entire metro Atlanta region. This is the most comprehensive revi- talization effort ever undertaken in Atlanta and a true model of sustainability, redevelopment and mobility. The Atlanta Streetcar Project, which began construction this February. Two years ago, the City of Atlanta was awarded a prestigious $47.6 million TIGER II grant from the Obama Ad- ministration, the largest allocation of 2010 and the largest single federal allocation awarded Watch Mayor Reed’s 2012 State of to the City of Atlanta for transportation outside of Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and MARTA in the City Address here > decades. The Atlanta Streetcar will be a modern, ADA-compliant, electrically powered transit system which will connect Centennial Olympic Park to the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District. The Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, which opened last May. With the new terminal, Atlanta has a 40-gate international air travel gateway with service to nearly 80 international destinations in more than 50 countries. The terminal is already handling 14,000 international passengers every weekday and 18,000 a day on the weekends. It has generated about 1,700 new jobs for maintenance and operational purposes. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport remains the busiest passenger airport in the world and serves more 92 million passengers Trade mission to China, in which Mayor Reed led several Atlanta-based companies and corporate executives on an economic development tour of that country. Local entrepreneurs reported more than $125 million in potential new business, including 75 export trade leads and prospects. On the foreign direct investment side, the Atlanta delegation completed 15 visits, amounting to seven projects and seven strong leads.

Although metro Atlanta voters rejected a regional transportation referendum last summer, he says the city will soon be in a position to handle many of the city’s top infrastructure issues.

“Fortunately, because of our city’s improving fiscal health and the growth of its reserves from $7.4 million to 6 Foundation for the Future

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more than $100 million over the past two and a half years, we have the capability to go to the capital markets for funding to meet many of our key infrastructure needs,” he says. “So that is an option we are considering in Atlanta. > 01 Mayor Kasim Reed often gives “We are fortunate, too, because we did not bet all of our infrastructure plans on a single referendum. In fact, incentives to Atlanta School Children. One of the ways he we have secured funding for our most transformative projects such as the Atlanta BeltLine through funding encourages them is allow them to from tax allocation districts, private contributions, public/private partnerships and federal resources.” be Mayor for a day. But strong fiscal planning and careful budgeting allows the city to continue working toward the big dreams. The fiscal year 2013 budget, for example, maintains the progress the city has made toward fiscal stability as well as putting down payments on innovative projects. As examples, the FY 2013 budget includes: > 02 Mayor Kasim Reed hosted the Pay raises for employees who were below 80 percent of competitive market rate, an effort to strengthen and reward the talent within the city’s workforce; world as the city of Atlanta opened the Maynard H. Jackson Additional investments to Invest Atlanta for job growth and economic development; Jr. International Terminal at the Creation of an International Affairs Office, which will assist with supporting and coordinating international activities Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta to advance the city’s global priorities; International Airport. Increases in arts funding in the city; Further investment in the Office of Sustainability; Programs to provide permanent shelter for homeless residents, with a goal to house all chronically homeless veterans by the end of 2013; and Investment in customer service initiatives across the city.

Mayor Reed said that by working in partnership with the Atlanta City Council, the city has a financial plan that is – at the same time – smart and responsible as well as forward-thinking and challenging. The fiscal prudence shown in managing the city’s revenues allows the City of Atlanta to ensure a creative, innovative, and sustainable future, he said. The work being done now is laying a strong foundation for future city leaders.

“When a future mayor gets budgets that are back to 2008 levels, that mayor will have 100 to 110 million dollars in unencumbered cash reserves. And I think they will be in a posture to really do things that few mayors have ever had the opportunity to do,” Mayor Reed says. “So I really believe that another mayor, probably not me, is going to inherit a city that is not only fiscally sound but fully prepared to do the truly big things” Phoenix Magazine 7 ATLANTA BELTLINE FORGES AHEAD

Atlanta BeltLine’s Key Milestones in 2012

he Atlanta BeltLine, one of the most ambitious initiatives in TAtlanta’s history, continues to progress and transform the city. In 2012, the project achieved key milestones in planning, funding, design and construction. Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., (ABI), in partnership with MARTA on behalf of the Federal Transit Administration, completed the Tier 1 Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), a critical step forward that will keep the project competitive for federal funding. The EIS determined the alignment of transit and trails in the 22-mile Atlanta BeltLine corridor and selected modern streetcar as the preferred transit technology.

In addition to completing the EIS, the Department of Planning and Commu- nity Development, in partnership with ABI, completed master planning for all beltline.org 10 subareas in the Atlanta BeltLine planning area (1/2 mile on either side of the online visitors can learn more about rail corridor). With the City Council’s adoption of the final of 10 master plans, the Atlanta BeltLine as well as keep up on the latest developments, openings recommendations are now in place for land use, transportation improvements and events. and greenspace. Neighborhood residents have informed and shaped the plans by providing detailed feedback at 184 public meetings and in writing over the course of five years.

On October 15, 2012, Mayor Kasim Reed led the official dedication of the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail. It has quickly become one of the most popular public spaces in Atlanta, demonstrating the pent-up demand for the first trail on the Atlanta BeltLine corridor. The 2.25-mile long section of the Atlanta BeltLine, running from Irwin St. to 10th St. and Monroe Dr., connects the neighborhoods of Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, Poncey-Highlands and Virginia Highland. It contains a 14-foot wide concrete trail and 30 acres of landscaped greenspace. Already, hundreds of people utilize it daily.

In November, The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership received a generous gift from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation to support the Atlanta BeltLine’s project expan- sion, specifically the development of the gateway connecting the Eastside Trail to The next construction projects for the Atlanta BeltLine include Historic Fourth Ward Park. The $3 million grant will also support the develop- the gateway connection between Historic Fourth Ward Park and ment of the portion of the Eastside Trail through Reynoldstown; design for this the Eastside Trail; the extension of the Eastside Trail multi-use trail segment begins in 2013. path into Reynoldstown; and the replacement of the Edgewood Avenue bridge over the Eastside Trail to be completed in 2014. The Southwest Connector Trail, a spur trail through the Westwood and Looking Ahead to the Atlanta BeltLine Beecher Hills neighborhoods, will open in 2013. in 2013 Find out more about the Atlanta BeltLine and explore the interac- he Atlanta BeltLine Implementation Plan is currently underway. tive google map on www.beltline.org TThis will be the compass that guides this project for the years to come. The Implementation Plan is a 20-year plan in 5-year in- crements that will serve as a long-range strategic plan.

Concurrent with the Implementation Plan is the corridor design for the southwest segment of the Atlanta BeltLine. The public can expect to see renderings of transit and trails in the southwest later this year. 8 Departments DEPARTMENTS IN REVIEW

This is a crime where every person Atlanta Police possesses a great deal of power to Chief Cochran avoid becoming a victim simply by Department leaving items of value at home or out of sight.

Crime Stoppers Tip Line Crime Stoppers Atlanta is a great resource for helping the Atlanta Police Department fight crime. Not only is the Crime Stoppers tip line an easy way to report crime, but Crime Stoppers offers a $2,000 reward for the arrest and indictment of individuals for certain crimes. Anyone with information about criminal activity should call the See Something/Say Something Crime Stoppers tip line at 404- 577-TIPS (8477). All callers remain The Atlanta Police Department anonymous. is encouraging residents and business owners to be the “nosy neighbor” with its “See Something/ Hartsfield- Fire Chief of the Year Say Something” campaign. The Chief Kelvin J. Cochran of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department department depends upon Jackson Atlanta since August 1, 2012, was named 2012 Fire Chief of the Year assistance from the community by Fire Chief magazine during the International Association of to increase its eyes and ears on International Fire Chief’s Fire-Rescue Internation Conference in Denver. the street. That’s why, police Airport officials encourages anyone who With 31 years of fire-service experience, Chief Cochran served sees something suspicious or as Atlanta Fire Chief from January 2008 through July 2009 something that just does not before accepting an appointment from President Barack look right to report it. Suspicious Obama to serve as U.S. fire administrator, where he was activity includes: someone loitering, charged with overseeing, coordinating, and directing national which could be a sign of someone efforts to prevent fires and improve fire response. Chief watching a neighbor’s movements Cochran returned to Atlanta in May 2010 to join the leadership to determine when they are not at team of Mayor Kasim Reed’s administration. As fire chief, he home, or someone peering into the directs the operations of a $74 million department with 35 fire windows of a home or car. Call 911 stations and nearly 1,000 fire fighters providing fire, rescue and officers will respond and check and emergency services. to be certain that everything is OK. Airport welcomes Silver Airways Under Chief Cochran’s leadership, the department has seen Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Clean Car Campaign International Airport recently dramatic improvements in response times and staffing. In July, Atlantans can prevent one of the the department reached full staffing of four firefighters per welcomed Silver Airways to its city’s most common crimes: theft of extensive stable of domestic and engine and zero vacant firefighter positions for the first time in property from a motor vehicle. The the history of the department. The department also reached a international carriers. Since Aug. Clean Car Campaign encourages 1, Silver Airways has provided new level of responsiveness on fire emergencies, meeting the everyone to leave a “clean” car, National Fire Protection Association Codes and Standards for passenger service from Atlanta meaning making sure all valuables to Gainesville, Fla., from Sundays response coverage 81 percent of the time, up from 65 percent are removed when the vehicle in 2010. through Fridays and to Greenbrier, is unattended. Police often see W.Va. on a daily basis. vehicles broken into and valuables “Chief Cochran’s pioneering efforts to improve performance taken such as GPS units, laptop and service within the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department “We are happy to give our and tablet computers, cell phones, customers the additional choices have won him much-deserved national recognition,” said purses, wallets and cash. Motorists Mayor Reed. “I applaud Chief Cochran and all of Atlanta’s that Silver Airways offer,” Aviation should either leave those valuables General Manager Louis Miller said. brave firefighters for the commitment to excellence shown at home, or take them with them throughout the department.” Florida-based Silver Airways if possible. As a last resort, they operates passenger service in should lock valuables in the trunk. If Florida, Georgia, the Bahamas, thieves cannot see these valuables, Pennsylvania, New York, Montana, they are less likely to break into cars. Ohio and West Virginia. Phoenix Magazine 9

provides an opportunity for ages of 13-18). Atlanta Teen Leaders entrepreneurs to assess their start- covers educational and economic Startup Atlanta up ideas. Local tech and start-up development, health and wellness, leaders, as well as Atlanta’s Fortune and community awareness. Lastly, 500 companies, can participate adults and seniors can take part in a by providing feedback in the areas number of activities, including swim of business and market strategy, lessons at four natatorium locations fundraising, team development and and have fun and get fit doing more. ChaChersize!

Start Up Atlanta will also leverage Programs sponsored by the Office resources to expand financing of Recreation can be found at options for start-ups by connecting http://www.atlantaga.gov/index. entrepreneurs with business aspx?page=251. advisors, investors and customers in the market. The Office of Cultural Affairs aims to create innovative programs and “Start Up Atlanta will help events that create enthusiasm about interconnect Atlanta’s Atlanta arts and culture. One such entrepreneurial ecosystem and program is The Cultural Experience provide an opportunity to build Project, which affords every Atlanta partnerships and access local Public School (APS) student from Invest Atlanta Targets Start-Up Community as Potential resources, as well as help raise pre-kindergarten through 12th for Economic Growth Atlanta’s profile as a place where grade the opportunity to experience entrepreneurs from around the the city’s premier art and cultural When thinking about such mainstay Atlanta brands as Coca- world can succeed,” said McGowan venues at no cost. Through Cola, Delta Airlines, Home Depot and CNN, it can be difficult of Invest Atlanta. partnerships and collaborative to imagine any of them as a start-up venture. But the roots Invest Atlanta has partnered efforts, organizations like Atlanta of each internationally recognized company stretch back to with organizations that have Ballet, Alliance Theatre, the High entrepreneurs. demonstrated a commitment Museum and the Atlanta Opera have to supporting the creation engaged and served thousands And when some of Atlanta’s newer brands – Tyler Perry of jobs in their communities. of Atlanta youth. Each experience Studios and Spanx, in particularly – are brought into Partner organizations include incorporates Georgia Performance consideration, it becomes clear that entrepreneurism and economic development agencies, Standards and is tied to each grade- innovation are prevalent in Atlanta DNA. entrepreneurial organizations, and level’s curriculum. state and local government entities. But launching a business - even one based on ideas that have For more information, visit www. borne Fortune 100 companies – can be difficult at best. Invest Department of ocaatlanta.com. Atlanta, the city’s economic development agency, create the new program “Start Up Atlanta” to help the local start-up Parks, Recre- The Department of Parks, community engage, interact and create new businesses and Recreation and Cultural Affairs jobs. ation and is also excited to announce that customers will be able to register Start Up Atlanta is one of Invest Atlanta’s initiatives to Cultural Affairs online beginning, February 4, 2013. make the city nationally and internationally recognized for Please visit our website for the entrepreneurship. portal to register soon!

“Atlanta’s entrepreneurial spirit has always been strong, and with the launch of Start Up Atlanta, companies will have a direct link to critically important resources needed when starting a business,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “This initiative not only will pair entrepreneurs with a vast array of talent and potential funding but also will help create jobs and grow Atlanta’s economy.”

During a press conference to announce the new venture, With a goal to enrich the lives U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director David J. Kappos, of residents and visitors through Invest Atlanta President and CEO Brian McGowan and Georgia beautiful greenspaces, recreational Institute of Technology President Bud Peterson joined Mayor programs and cultural events, the Reed. Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs has planned a “This is a really exciting initiative,” Kappos said. “If our country number of ventures and events this is going to maintain its competitive edge in the global spring with many more to come. economy, we’re going to need more efforts like Start Up Atlanta to help unleash the full innovative and entrepreneurial The Office of Recreation offers a potential of our nation’s great cities.” number of programs this spring for Start Up Atlanta’s goal is to introduce, connect, support and residents of all ages. Children can expand the entrepreneurial, investment and talent ecosystem take part in the kindergarten–5th within all industries of Atlanta and the surrounding region. The grade programming, which covers program includes a web-based platform that visually maps academics, health and wellness, out valuable resources such as incubators, accelerators and cultural awareness and a variety service providers, and connections to create and support a of athletic activities. Teenaged network for entrepreneurs to succeed in launching a start-up residents are encouraged to join or building a business in Atlanta. the Atlanta Teen Leaders Program. This program is for preteens and By supporting collaboration and innovation, Start Up Atlanta teens in grades 6-12 (between the 10 in Pictures

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1. Mayor Reed visits one of Atlanta’s Veterans in his new apartment; 2. Mayor Reed with NBA Pro/Author Dwyane Wade; 3. Dedication of Fire 2 Station #11 at Atlantic Station; 4. City Hall Atrium during Older Atlanta’s Month; 5. City of Atlanta Career Fair; 6. Mayor Reed visits the Atlanta Speech School; 7. Earth Saver Girl helped Mayor Reed on Earth Day 2012; 8. Race Against Breast Cancer; 9. 6 NCAA Final Four coming to Atlanta Announcement.

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10. Mayor Reed launches Centers of Hope initiative; 11. Dr. Yunus receives Phoenix Award for his pioneering work in microcredit and microfinance; 12. Mayor Reed encourages young author; 13. Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Interna- tional Airport displays signs welcoming travelers to Atlanta; 14. Mayor Reed meets with business leaders in China; 15. Mural honoring Congressman John Lewis in Sweet Auburn District; 16. Grand opening of Maynard H. Jackson 10 11 International Terminal. 12 13

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17. ATL playground unveiled in Woodruff Park; 18. Mayor Reed, councilmembers and business leaders leave for China 19. Mayor Reed partici- pates in planting trees at Thomasville Recre- ation Center.

18 12 Smart911

major electrical fire broke out in a crisis. When a Smart911 registrant Ayour home while you and your calls Atlanta E911, their profile will automatically show up on the screen, spouse were at work and the kids were giving the operator vital information at school. Neighbors call to tell you, and he or she can pass along to police of- effectively. If a citizen lives in Al- ficers, fire fighters or EMS personnel. pharetta and works in Atlanta, their your thoughts immediately turn to those profile travels with them and is avail- beloved family members you know were “The more information we have able to 911 and our response teams home: Your pets. before we respond to a crisis, the regardless of which agency receives better prepared we are to handle the the call,” said Fire Chief Kelvin Co- situation,” said Atlanta Police Chief chran. “As long as the 911 center has George N. Turner. “Actual emer- Did firefighters know the dog and cat were there? Were they Smart911 implemented, that citizen’s gencies are often accompanied by able to rescue them from the smoke and flames? Did they sur- profile will be available.” chaos. The more information a caller vive? Those questions haunt you, and depending on the outcome provides in advance can save precious – may haunt you forever. The service has been endorsed by minutes and their life or the life of several advocacy groups for use in someone they love.” A new service offered by the City of Atlanta E911 Center, how- missing children’s cases, confused or ever, may help put your mind at ease. disabled callers, children with autism Users are also encouraged to register and deaf or hard-of-hearing callers their cell phones, given that more Smart911 is a free service that provides first responders – fire, than 70 percent of incoming calls to police, EMS – with information about you, your home and your 911 centers are from mobile devices. family that could be critical in a crisis situation. Registrants to Smart911 can provide an address to go along with the Users simply go to www.smart911.com and create their own mobile number, making it easier for profile. They can put as little, or as much, information as they emergency personnel to find their would like and can upload everything from photos to physical home. descriptions. Each registrant can describe the layout of the family’s house, provide medical information, the makes of cars and The information provided by the composition of their families, even pets. registrants is stored in a secure and private data repository and can only In the above scenario, Smart911 registrants could include be accessed in the event of a 9-1-1 descriptions of their family pets, including photographs, and call. The information is never sold, a note about where they might be located in the household. rented or shared with third parties for For example, a notation could be made that a family has two promotional use. Scottish Terriers named “Frick” and “Frack” who are kept in the laundry room on the main level. THE FIRST PHASE WILL OPEN Once created, a Smart911 profile also WITH A PUBLIC PARK CONSIS- “travels” with the registrant in other Such information would be vital for firefighters responding to cities using the service from a mobile TENT IN DESIGN WITH a home engulfed in flames, possibly meaning the difference device. In metro Atlanta, the cities of between life and death for your beloved “family members.” THE 19TH CENTURY OLM- Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Dunwoody, But caring for your pets is just one important value of Smart STEAD DESIGN, INCLUDING Sandy Springs, Chamblee and Deca- 911. The life-saving possibilities of the service are endless. PASSIVE GREEN SPACE, tur also use the service. GARDENS, A COMMUNITY A list of medications, family members with illnesses, photo- “Having additional communities graphs of family members or a home’s layout on a user’s profile PAVILION AND TWO LARGE install this service adds to our ability can provide first responders with much-needed information in FOUNTAINS. to respond to citizens faster and more Phoenix Magazine 13

CITY & TREES ATLANTA Partner for “10,000 TREES” INITIATIVE

he Department of Parks, TRecreation and Cultural Affairs Nov, 1 and April 1, 2013, and will be and The City of Atlanta’s Tree maintained for at least two years. Conservation Commission are Residents are encouraged to recom- excited to partner with Trees mend planting locations by emailing Parks Customer Service at parkscus- Atlanta to launch the 10,000 [email protected]. Trees Initiative. Trees Atlanta Inc. is a non-profit organization, which for 23 years 10K “We are excited to partner with Trees Atlanta and the has been committed to the care and Tree Conservation Commission to support Mayor replenishment of urban forestry, Reed’s sustainability efforts,” said George Dusenbury, planting trees and using neighbor- Commissioner of Department of Parks, Recreation hood volunteers to plant trees, and Cultural Affairs. “Trees clean the air, reduce thereby dramatically reducing the flooding, lower temperatures and even reduce stress. cost of its services while improving Investments like the 10,000 Trees Initiative will help neighborhood involvement and sense ensure that Atlanta remains a city in the forest.” of ownership in city projects.

For the first phase of 10,000 Trees, the City plans to The Tree Conservation Commis- provide nearly $300,000 from the Tree Trust Fund sion maintains the Tree Trust Fund, allowing Trees Atlanta to plant up to 1,000 small trees which is provided for in the City of and 200 large trees through community volunteer Atlanta’s Tree Protection ordinance. efforts. The ordinance is for the protection, planting, maintenance and regen- For every tree planted through this program, Trees eration of city trees and other forest Atlanta will match the planting effort one-for-one. resources. Funds are deposited into It is anticipated that more than 2,400 trees will be the Tree Trust Fund from develop- planted through the initial campaign throughout At- ment projects that are charged impact lanta. Trees will be planted in parks, public greenspac- fees for the loss of trees not replaced es and right-of-ways. All trees will be planted between as prescribed by code

HISTORIC MIMS PARK Changes the face of Atlanta’s Westside

hrough a partnership with the Na- The National Monuments Foundation has committed to late 19th century, Mims Park was donated Ttional Monuments Foundation, the raise $40 million to create the self-sustaining park. All net to the City of Atlanta by then-Mayor income will be used solely for the improvement, mainte- Livingston Mims. The re-development of City of Atlanta will reclaim 16 acres of nance, repair, operation and management of the park, for Historic Mims Park has been spearheaded blighted and vacant property in Vine which the foundation will have full responsibility at no cost by Rodney Mims Cook Jr., a descendent to the City. of Mayor Mims. City to develop Historic Mims Park. The The park will be developed in phases, with new park will have a design inspired The development and ongoing operations of the park are de- Phase One to open by July 4, 2014. The by world-famous landscaper Freder- signed to strengthen the Westside community. The park will first phase will open with a public park create hundreds of jobs, including construction, park main- consistent in design with the 19th century ick Law Olmstead who designed New tenance, facility maintenance, restaurant and museum opera- Olmstead design, including passive green York’s Central Park, Atlanta’s Piedmont tions, urban farming and concession sales. The National space, gardens, a community pavilion and Monument Foundation’s objective is to fill approximately 50 two large fountains. Additionally, a lake Park and the original Mims Park. percent of the entry-level positions and 20 percent of overall will serve as a water-retention pond. An positions with residents of the Westside TAD community. urban farm will contain farming gardens, two greenhouses, a nursery and a play- The park in the Westside TAD neighborhood will highlight The Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs ground. Lastly, a farmer’s market will be Atlanta’s contribution to peace and civil rights featuring stand- owns the 16 acres that were once a collection of parcels, some located in a colonnaded structure. alone monuments and sculptures of Georgia peacemakers from of which were owned by Invest Atlanta and the Department the 1733 founding of the Colony of Georgia to the present. An of Watershed Management. Cross-departmental coopera- In keeping with the City’s sustainability 80-foot peace column will be topped with Chief Tomochichi, a tion allowed for the consolidation of the acreage which will plan, buildings constructed on the prem- co-founder of the colony and Chief of the Yamacraw Tribe. The be leased to the National Monuments Foundation. ises must be LEED certified or certified park will include green space, water features, public art, educational The original Mims Park was designed by Frederick Law by an equivalent recognized designation components, an urban garden, restaurants and other recreational Olmstead, the world-famous designer of Central Park in system and cultural amenities. New York City and Atlanta’s own Piedmont Park. In the 14 Grants help NPUs Develop Programs, Service to Enhance Quality of Life Grants help NPUs Develop Programs, Services to Enhance Quality of Life

esidents in several Neighbor- The Department of Planning and Community Development’s Office of Planning managed the Rhood Planning Units (NPUs) application process AB received a grant from the City of Atlanta to support planned projects across the City of Atlanta this designed to improve the appearance of their public spaces and the organizational capacity summer learned that a little bit can of their organizations and most importantly to increase awareness of the NPU program and go a long way, especially when it membership in the organization. Examples of funded projects include: involves neighborhood pride and personal quality of life. NPU-Q’s Cascade 5K Walk/Run on May 19 was designed to encourage more than 1,700 neighbors to become more engaged with the community organization. In addition For example, neighbors in the Cascade community to promoting a healthy lifestyle, the Cascade 5K also offered members of the community an may have discovered a new route to run or walk after opportunity to become acquainted with one another through a fun activity. participating in a new 5K road race organized by NPU-Q. Residents within NPU-B now have round- NPU-B’s Neighborhood Website demo was created was created with a City of the-clock access to important information thanks to a Atlanta NPU grant. The demo Web site includes professional photography, informative graphic new neighborhood web site. And residents in NPU-V design elements and a customized email template for users. Photos of historical landmarks in and NPU-L will see fewer dumped tires near their the NPU-B, contact information for the members of the NPU Board as well as the meeting homes. dates for the various committees, updates on events occurring in the NPU and information on ongoing development projects will be included in the community-based project. All of these developments are thanks to a new initiative of Mayor Kasim Reed that provided small grants NPU-S Neighborhood Cleanup took place with the goal of implementing a “Se- to the city’s NPUs. The new grant program set aside nior Citizen Lawn Care Program.” Several neighborhood lawn care businesses were contracted $100K in the general fund budget to help community to cut grass and complete yard work for senior citizens in the NPU-S area. Community mem- groups beautify a gateway or gathering place, increase bers called this program a success because neighbors were able to assist residents unable to care awareness about neighborhood efforts and support for their own lawns and also helped enhance the overall appearance of NPU-S. activities that build capacity and leadership skills.

NPU-L and NPU-V Tire Roundup Grants were available to all City of Atlanta NPUs involved neighbors coming together to haul and the Atlanta Planning Advisory Board (APAB), off illegally dumped tires in their community. The City of Atlanta grant helped to fund equip- with several requirements. To be eligible, NPUs and ment and disposal fees for the tires. City employees from the Office of Code Compliance and APAB members had to demonstrate how the grant the Atlanta Police Department’s Quality of Life division have been working with community would help enhance the community’s value. Another leaders to address illegal tire dumping in both NPU communities. More than 3,500 dumped requirement is NPUs must have been an active tires were removed from several pieces of property during the all-day cleanup effort participant of the APAB, including having a delegate in attendance at a minimum of three APAB meetings in 2011. Phoenix Magazine 15 ATLANTA’S POWER TO GIVE galvanizing support for Atlanta arts

rowd-funding has become a powerful new tool in the age of social media, whereby groups of Cpeople pool small amounts of money to support causes, charities and activities that speak to their specific interests, values and aspirations for the greater good. Sites like IndieGoGo and Kick- starter are models for the power of connecting people, some with contributions as little as $5 or $10, to make a significant impact on their communities and the world.

This surge of collective interest in supporting passionate endeavors is not lost on Atlanta. In September, the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs will launch an innovative crowd-funding program called power2give.org, with the mission to galvanize the community around supporting Atlanta’s artists and cultural venues.

Created by the Arts and Science Council of Charlotte-Mecklenberg in 2011, power2give.org is an online platform that allows anyone to learn about art projects proposed by organizations around the city and then contribute towards the organization’s funding need in order to make the project happen. Miami, Houston, Charlotte and several cities in North Carolina are already realizing the impact of power2give.org, not only increasing opportunities for local artists but also stimulating citizens to get involved and directly influence the cultural face of their cities.

For 2013, Mayor Kasim Reed doubled arts grant funding for the Office of Cultural Affairs operating budget, making more funds available to support local arts and artists. As such, the Office of Cultural Affairs is maximizing the Mayor’s initiative by allocating $220,000 of the Contracts for Arts Services budget to match funds raised through power2give.org. Matching funds will be granted to successful organizations on a 1-to-1 basis, up to a maximum project goal. The initial round includes 22 projects from arts organizations that will be listed on the site until early December or until they are fully funded. Power2give.org is the type of pioneering programming that the Office of Cultural Affairs hopes will continue to inspire the citizens of Atlanta.

For more information contact Selena Harper, Project Supervisor, Contracts for Arts Services at [email protected] 16 Cartlanta

CARTLANTA Atlanta Expands Recycling Programs

n its ongoing efforts to become a national joined together in May 2012 to intro- reusable materials consumed there Ileader in the environmental arena, the City duce an improved Internal Recycling from landfills, but they serve as plat- of Atlanta continues to embrace recycling in Program as part of the city’s sustain- forms to educate and involve the com- a big way. Today, the city has adopted numer- ability efforts. More than 60 city em- munity in the city’s recycling efforts. ous programs to that end, offering recycling ployees volunteered to become “recycling ambassadors.” The recruitment of Recycling Ambas- for all single-family homes and major city- sadors. These ambassadors will moni- owned buildings, mandating recycling for all “We need to increase awareness about tor employee recycling habits and large events in city parks and requiring recycling even within City Hall and provide educational materials to their multi-family dwellings offer recycling our own offices,” said Valerie Bryant co-workers, while providing regular options to their residents. of OEAM. “Many of our employees feedback and ongoing communica- simply didn’t know that recycling tion with OEAM and the Office of could be co-mingled. We want them Sustainability. From the collection of e-waste and fluorescent light tubes to its to begin filling up our 95-gallon bins Demolition Waste Recycling program, the city encourages re- with more than just paper!” To date, a three-phase bin deployment cycling at every possible level. Even Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta schedule has placed new 95 gallon International Airport, the largest employer in Georgia, strives to Every year, city facilities and residents “Herbie Curbie” bins in all police pre- recycle everything possible during demolition and at new con- send more than 136,000 tons of waste cincts and fire stations, all city parks struction sites. to landfills, with a significant portion and recreation facilities, the old At- coming from city-owned and city-op- lanta Journal-Constitution building at And with the City’s Power to Change program and goal to be- erated buildings. As part of the city’s 72 Marietta St., City Hall South and come a Top 10 city in sustainability, Atlanta keeps improving its Zero Waste goal, new requirements the Public Safety Headquarters. recycling programs. of employees were established. Some highlights include: Clear and assessable signage has been In 2009, the city launched a pilot incentivized curbside recycling affixed to all bins describing what is program that provides information on amounts being recycled at The elimination of desk-side waste and isn’t recyclable. The signs effec- homes in different areas of the city and suggestions on how to bins and establishment of centralized tively describe what “contamination” increase the amounts collected from homes and neighborhoods. trash and recycling areas. The goal is to means, and how sometimes a simple The Department of Public Works furthered this effort with a encourage employees to think “recycle cleansing of food containers can be citywide education program, resulting in increases of recycling this” as the default versus traditional a critical difference between an item rates by nearly 30 percent since 2009. desk-side trash which encouraged that can be recycled and an item that employees to take the easy option of cannot. The city is also expanding residential curbside recycling by offer- just throwing everything out. ing a 95-gallon cart to all residential customers. Currently, about For more information about the city’s a third of all residential customers use this larger container, and The increase of recycling containers at recycling programs, please contact city officials expect curbside rates to continue to improve as larger parks and recreational facilities during Jacquelyn Bridges, Recycling Program containers become available to all customers. events. The city wanted to make more Coordinator at 404.330.6240 or by recycling available to the large amount email at [email protected] Internal Recycling of citizens who visit recreational cen- To improve recycling rates within city offices themselves, the ters and pools every day. Not only do Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, the Office of Enterprise Assets the new efforts create more opportu- Management (OEAM), and the Department of Public Works nities to divert the large amounts of Phoenix Magazine 17

WATERSHED he City of Atlanta TDepartment of Water- MANAGEMENT shed Management has set its sights on reducing the AIMS for “20 by ‘20” branch of the South River has been city’s total water consump- devastated by urban stormwater tion 20 percent by the year runoff that erodes its streambanks 2020, “20 by ’20.” The goal may seem ambi- kits to all Atlanta fire stations for and degrades water quality. An- distribution to the public. Its staff other Watershed Management green tious, but the Department’s successes with its also attends numerous community infrastructure project, one funded by sustainability and conservation projects prove meetings and local events to hand a grant from the U.S. Environmental that an aggressive approach works well. out the kits, which contain low-flow Protection Agency, involves wetlands shower heads, aerators and other construction to help slow down and water-saving devices. filter stormwater. But customers aren’t the only ones Under the leadership of Commissioner Jo Ann Macrina, the saving water and money. The City has Department has made compliance with Mayor Kasim Reed’s But so-called “gray infrastructure” 650 facilities in its inventory, more sustainability vision a top priority, and the results are striking. can also play a significant role in than 350 of which were built prior to Water use in Atlanta has dropped by 24 percent since 2006, a sustainability. A recently completed 1992. Working with the City’s Office tribute to customer demand management programs and system co-generation project at the R.M. of Sustainability, Watershed Manage- improvements like main repairs and replacements that are Clayton Water Reclamation Center ment plans to conduct audits of all reducing leaks throughout Atlanta. in northwest Atlanta is turning facilities with the goal of eventually methane that used to be flared into replacing all water-inefficient fixtures The Office of Watershed Protection’s water conservation group the atmosphere into energy that is and appliances with EPA-certified is leading the push to save water. The group has spearheaded im- helping run the plant. The project will WaterSense models. plementation of the City’s Toilet Rebate Program, which offers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by homeowners a $100 credit on their water/sewer bills when they almost 13,000 metric tons a year and “We have limited water resources,” replace pre-1993, five-gallon-per-flush (gpf ) toilets with EPA cut the City’s carbon footprint by 3 said conservation group director Me- WaterSense-certified models that use 1.28 gpf. An extension of percent. The Department estimates linda Langston. “The Chattahoochee the program to multi-family dwellings has produced remarkable that the project will generate about is a relatively small river to serve such results, both in terms of water used and money saved. Wheat $1 million a year in energy savings a large population. We have to take Street Towers, for example, cut its bills by more than half when after the six-year payback period. of it, preserve it. We have to leave it it replaced 215 toilets in June. in good shape for those that come The City also has begun a Critical after us.” Thus far, more than 2,500 toilets have been replaced under the Mains Replacement Program, under And water conservation isn’t the only multi-family rebate program, saving nearly 30 million gallons of which it is replacing deteriorating area in which the Department is water. Additionally, the rebate program mandates that old toilets and aging mains. The program, which showing its commitment to sustain- be recycled, and to date more than 60 tons of porcelain have is under way in Poncey-Highland, ability. Commissioner Macrina has been diverted from landfills. Candler Park and the Old Fourth directed her staff to design green But toilet replacements aren’t the only way the Department Ward, will eventually stretch across infrastructure whenever possible. is helping Atlantans save water. Its award-winning Care & Con- the City. Old mains are too small to The stormwater detention pond at serve Program helps qualifying low-income customers with bill serve growing communities, a prob- the Historic Old Fourth Ward Park payment assistance, plumbing retrofits and leak repairs. One of lem that creates low water pressure provides a perfect example of the use the oldest programs of its kind in the country, Care & Conserve and the occasional discolored water of green infrastructure to address wa- helps save nearly six million gallons of water a year. The efforts complaint. They also leak, wasting tershed issues; in this case, flooding in earned the group the Fox McCarthy Award in 2011, which is thousands of gallons of water every the community. given by the Georgia Association of Water Professionals to the day. Replacing old, leaking mains “best conservation program in the state.” is one of the most efficient ways to In fact, green infrastructure is an reduce water waste effective way to address many urban Additionally, the conservation group provides water-saving watershed issues. The McDaniel 18 SafetyStrives Task to End Force Veteran Homelessness, Curtail Panhandling

CITY OF ATLANTA STRIVES TO END VETERAN HOMELESSNESS, CURTAIL PANHANDLING

s an effort to show that the City Too Busy Like the city’s 1996 and 2005 law, the United Way of Greater Atlanta Ato Hate strives to make time to love one the new ordinance outlaws asking and Project Community Connections another, Mayor Kasim Reed and the City of for money within 15 feet of ATM Inc., Atlanta moved 131 chronically Atlanta have adopted efforts to combat home- machines and parking lot pay boxes. homeless veterans into permanent lessness, especially among veterans who are The new law adds to that provision by supportive housing in 100 days. prohibiting the solicitation of money chronically without permanent shelter. from someone who is within 15 feet “Atlanta’s VA team developed strong of a building entrance or exit or stand- relationships with government and Mayor Reed and the Atlanta VA in September announced a joint ing in line to enter a building or event community partners to achieve this commitment to end chronic veterans’ homelessness in Atlanta by facility. It expands the definition of 100-day target, and with strong lead- December of 2013, putting the city on a path to meet President aggressive panhandling by prohibiting ership from the Mayor’s Office, we Obama’s goal of ending veteran homelessness across the country someone from continuing to ask for plan to continue working together to money after he or she has been told make Atlanta a model for how other by 2015. “no.” The new law also outlaws touch- cities can improve coordination and ing during monetary solicitation and build momentum around ending “It is unacceptable that each night, hundreds of veterans who have sets reasonable penalties for violators. homelessness among veterans,” said courageously risked their lives to keep our country safe are among Jenifer Turner-Reid, VISN-7 Deputy those sleeping on Atlanta’s streets,” Mayor Reed said. “We are Upon first conviction, a violator could Network Homeless Coordinator for doing something to correct that, and we have made tremendous be sentenced to community service. A the VA. progress thanks to strong support in the non-profit and faith second conviction for aggressive pan- communities as well as at the federal, state and county levels. My handling would result in a mandatory The 100-day effort helped cut red tape administration will continue to work hard to ensure that those minimum 30 days in jail. Upon the out of the process of housing homeless who are chronically homeless get the right type of support they third or future convictions, aggres- veterans using HUD-VASH (HUD- need at the right time and that our efforts put them on the path sive panhandlers would be required VA Supportive Housing) vouchers, to sustainable housing.” to serve a mandatory minimum of 90 reducing the average time it takes for days in jail. a veteran with a voucher to move into As part of a national campaign with 14 cities, Atlanta not only housing by one-third. It also helped exceeded the goal of re-housing 100 chronically homeless veter- At the same time, Mayor Reed has improve the targeting of vouchers to ans in 100 days, but also housed more homeless veterans than any made addressing the challenges facing the most vulnerable. other city as part of this challenge in the United States. the city’s homeless men, women and children a top priority. Atlanta’s participation in the 100-day Meanwhile, the Atlanta City Council passed a new monetary so- effort was led by Mayor Reed’s In- licitation ordinance designed to curtail aggressive panhandling. For example, as part of a partnership novation Delivery Team. Funded by For more than seven years, the city has not been able to effectively with Veterans Affairs, the Office of Bloomberg Philanthropies, the team address this issue. A 2005 ordinance made it nearly impossible Housing and Urban Development, was tasked with developing innova- for the city to enforce its monetary solicitation laws. The Atlanta United States Interagency Council tive solutions to reduce street home- Police Department made more than 1,300 panhandling arrests on Homelessness, housing authori- lessness in Atlanta and coordinating in 2004; that number dropped to zero from 2005 to the present. ties in Atlanta and DeKalb County, partners to ensure successful delivery Phoenix Magazine 19

of these new approaches. National leaders at the USICH, HUD, VA, and the 100,000 Homes IN ORDER TO MEET THE GOAL OF ENDING Campaign also supported this effort. VETERANS’ HOMELESSNESS Atlanta’s last homeless point-in-time count in the Mayor’s Innovation Delivery Team will help fuel the January 2011 showed that there were approxi- efforts of government and nonprofit partners to: mately 1,200 homeless veterans, including more , than 400 who were thought to be chronically homeless.

The Veterans’ Homelessness efforts are the House 300 additional chronically homeless veterans by December 2013 first in a series of programs Mayor Reed will launch as part of his “Unsheltered No More” initiative to dramatically reduce street home- Partner with Decatur Cooperative Ministries and Project Community Con lessness. These efforts are being led by the nections Inc. to provide coordinated support services to keep formerly homeless Mayor’s Innovation Delivery Team, which is funded by a $3.3 million grant from individuals in housing Bloomberg Philanthropies. The team brings rigorous focus and best-in-class practice to - identifying powerful solutions, developing Improve the city’s ability to reach the most vulnerable homeless veterans on the implementation plans, and then manag- street by launching a Population Registry in January 2013, in which hundreds ing for results. Atlanta is one of five cities of volunteers will be engaged in a citywide effort to identify and survey people to receive an Innovation Delivery Team who are homeless in order to understand their need grant. Part of Bloomberg Philanthro- pies’ Mayors Project, Innovation De- livery Team grants were also awarded Expand housing opportunities for veterans through partnerships with to Chicago, Louisville, Memphis, and nonprofits, developers, and property owners New Orleans

Continue to work with government agencies and nonprofit to cut the number of days to house someone with a HUD-VASH voucher down to 60 days ATLANTAGA.GOV

CITY OF ATLANTA Mayor’s Office of Communications 55 Trinity Avenue SW, ATLANTA, GA 30303 +1 404 330-6004 cityofatlanta @city_of_atlanta