On Council, Chairman English will work to create a safer, accessible, affordable, and educated Atlanta
Safer
- Focus on community policing
- Increase pay for police and fire fighters
- Create partnership with APS, Atlanta Police Foundation and COA to reduce recidivism and focus on the root causes of crime
- Leverage technology (cameras, predictive analysis etc.) to increase police footprint
- Aggressively pursue owners of vacant/blighted properties and increase funding to the office code enforcement (imminent domain, fines, foreclosure etc.). Seek legislative solution that would make it easier for the city go after slum lords.
- Partner with APS to assist in the repurposing of unused, surplus facilities
Accessible
- Ensure that the $2.5 billion for infrastructure and transportation spending is spent wisely, in collaboration with communities and the plans are executed with fidelity
- Fully fund and staff the city’s traffic command center
- Increase transportation options (light rail, bike lanes, walking paths, etc.)
- Utilize technology to build smarter, complete streets that apply 21st century strategies to improve traffic flow (light synchronization, dedicated turning lanes etc.)
Affordable
- Make the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) a best in class agency that connects citizens to job opportunities
- Partner with NGO’s to create smaller satellite sites for AWDA in high unemployment areas
- Develop a comprehensive affordable housing strategy for the COA
- Invest/Build upon Atlanta’s position as a hub for the technology/innovation and arts/entertainment sectors
- Implement a comprehensive strategy to reduce homelessness that help Atlantans get back on their feet
Educated
- Partner with APS to build a universal early education program
- Create job training programs for adults that are aligned with current and projected job vacancies to close the skills gap and lower unemployment placing a priority on APS parents
- Release all of the deeds to APS owned properties