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What’s new in 2?

Friends and neighbors,
 
Happy spring! The last month has been spent refining legislation, preparing to launch a new initiative, and participating in a range of community activities. Below, please find my office's April update.

If you'd like to keep up with our office on a day-to-day basis, I encourage you to follow me on Twitter.

Council Update

Legislatively, this past month was slower than normal thanks to a two week Council recess...and a cyber-attack. There were no major votes taken in our April 16th meeting. As we move into May, City Council will begin to debate and negotiate the 2018-19 fiscal year budget.

You are also likely aware of a number of investigations ongoing at City Hall, largely tied to the previous administration. Like many of you, my Council colleagues and I are dismayed and frustrated. We are determined to do our part to create a city that is transparent, ethical, and trustworthy.

Legislation from Our Office

Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
Three weeks ago, I introduced legislation asking the City and the Georgia Department of Transportation to adjust the signal timing at 30 of our city's most dangerous intersections to allow pedestrians a 3-second head start before a light turns green for cars. Such policies reduce accidents by as much as 50%. Each of the 30 intersections identified already has the needed signal technology, so this adjustment can be made at no cost to the City or State.

The Transportation Committee passed the measure unanimously on Wednesday. The Resolution goes to full Council on May 7th.

Booting
I continue to work with my colleagues on legislation targeting the predatory booting of cars on private lots. The ordinance on the table would reduce the booting fee from $75 to $45. It also introduces smart technology that allows car owners to remove immobilization devices themselves after paying over the phone to expedite the entire process. 

My office will also be spearheading a public design competition to improve the clarity and appearance of signs required at the entrances to private lots...which are currently poorly designed and easily missed (pictured).
 

Participate!

One of my challenges in policy-making is making sure I hear from a truly representative group of citizens. Not everyone can come to a neighborhood association meeting or has the time to email me or even access the Internet. My office is working on a few ways to engage residents who may not normally reach out to City Hall but are affected by life in the City. To that end, we are trying a tool designed here in Atlanta called OddVoter. It allows anyone to pose a question and only tabulates responses from registered voters. We hope you'll give it a try and provide feedback!

Amir Farokhi Asks:
When you consider the mobility projects that need to be completed, should BeltLine transit the top priority?
Yes
No

In the Community

The Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Hawks Foundation recently refurbished four basketball courts in Central Park in District 2's Old Fourth Ward. It is one of the most active "sports parks" in the City and a hub for recreational football, tennis, and basketball. The new courts have been in constant use since they were opened last month. I was honored to take part in the opening and attend a 3-on-3 tournament.

New Initiative

I am a firm believer that a city must execute the basics well. One area where I think we can do better is in basic infrastructure. This week, I will launch an initiative called "Let's Fix It, 2gether." Over the next 6 months, my team and I will walk every street in District 2 to document all of the things that need to get fixed: broken sidewalks, clogged sewer drains, overgrowth, missing street signs, etc. We will be inviting residents to participate with us so stay tuned for more. The details matter!

Transparency in Action:
January-March Expenses

You should know how your government spends its money. Below are expenses incurred from Jan. 1 through Mar. 31, 2018. Please note that the City's fiscal year starts on July 1. 
 
Staff Salaries
Provided for January 1 - June 31, 2018: $131,676.50
Spent from January 1 - March 31, 2018: $57,444.84

 
Office Expenses
Provided for January 1 - June 31, 2018: $39,300.00
Spent from January 1 - March 31, 2018: $11,088.20
       Itemized:
Computer Purchases, Office Supplies, Cell Phone Fees
- Micro Center: $2,019.98
- Office Depot: $111.97
- Verizon: $66.32
Consulting
- Son & Sons: $5,000.00
- Brian Harkins - $2,850.00
Meetings Registration and Fees - Midtown Alliance, Park Pride,  parking - $349.00
Lodging for Mandatory Conference/Training - $105.93
Mandatory Council Photography - Foster & Assoc. - $585.00
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