Author: ATLDirect Staff
ATL311 has proudly been named the recipient of the 2025 Award of Excellence at the Engage 311 Conference in Phoenix, Arizona—an honor that celebrates the team’s innovation, dedication, and outstanding commitment to resident-centered service. The Award of Excellence is presented annually by Innovate UtilityCX to recognize 311 centers that have demonstrated significant enhancements in service delivery, use of technology, employee engagement, and measurable performance improvements. ATL311 stood out for its commitment to operational efficiency, customer-focused innovation, and leadership that supports both its workforce and community. ATL311’s recent advancements reflect a strong focus on transforming the way residents interact with City…
Mayor Andre Dickens was named CEO of the Year by the Atlanta Business League at its 46th Annual CEO Awards Luncheon. The prestigious Herman J. Russell CEO of the Year Award honors Mayor Dickens’ visionary leadership, commitment to equity, and his tireless work to make Atlanta the best city in the nation to raise a child. Under Mayor Dickens’ leadership, the City of Atlanta has made transformative progress in key areas—from public safety and affordable housing to youth development, infrastructure upgrades, and economic mobility. This recognition reflects not only the Mayor’s leadership, but the collective efforts of every City employee…
Chief Financial Officer Mohamed Balla has been named CFO of the Year in Government and Nonprofits by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, recognizing his leadership in strategic financial planning, transparency, and long-term fiscal stewardship. The award coincided with another major milestone: the unanimous adoption of the City of Atlanta’s FY2026 budget, totaling $3 billion across all major funds. The $975.4 million General Fund will support critical services including public safety, housing, youth programs, and infrastructure. “This budget represents our shared commitment to building a city that invests in its people, strengthens our infrastructure, and looks to the future,” said Mayor Andre…
Atlanta, are you ready to stop leaks before they drain your wallet? Every year, household leaks waste nearly one trillion gallons of water across the U.S. That’s water—and money—literally going down the drain. Fortunately, by finding and fixing leaks in your home or business, you can save big on your water bill while helping to conserve our most precious natural resource. Where to Look: Common Leak Zones Even small leaks can add up over time. Here’s where to start your inspection: Toilets Listen for continuous running water or use the food coloring test: add a few drops of food coloring…
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD) has once again earned accredited agency status from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), reaffirming more than two decades of innovation, accountability, and service. This prestigious designation marks 23 years of continuous excellence—a rare distinction in the fire service world. Recent improvements at AFRD include enhanced training protocols, agency-wide audits, and targeted leadership development. Looking ahead, AFRD will launch a new Office of Governance in May 2025 to sustain its high standards and sharpen its focus on performance, transparency, and public trust. AFRD also proudly recognizes Lieutenant Alex Hofstadter as its 2025 Company…
ATL311 is more than just a call center—it’s a team of dedicated individuals committed to helping Atlanta residents with care, clarity, and compassion. This week, our community spoke loud and clear, offering heartfelt praise for several agents who went above and beyond to serve. One resident, recovering from a hospitalization, described how an agent turned a frustrating citation issue into a positive experience. “They were patient, informative, and genuinely helpful. It made all the difference.” Another community member called about a missed sanitation pickup for a family member, sharing, “The representative showed real concern, followed up, and ensured everything was…
In a time when many young men face isolation, limited support systems, and the growing threat of violence, one Atlanta-based mentoring program is working to flip the script. TEENZ on POINT (T.O.P.), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is empowering young men ages 17 to 24 with the confidence, skills, and guidance they need to thrive in life. Founded by Mr. Phillip Cooper, T.O.P. was born from personal experience. After facing his own battles with homelessness, addiction, and incarceration, Cooper now dedicates his life to leading others down a more positive path. “I used to be part of the problem. Now I’m part…
On Sunday, April 27, the City of Atlanta kicked out the cars and welcomed the sights, sounds, and flavors of the ATL for the first Atlanta Streets Alive (ASA) event of 2025. Co-sponsored by the Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) and Propel ATL, ASA is a car-free, open-street celebration that promotes safer, more vibrant communities by reclaiming public space for people, not vehicles. It aligns with ATLDOT’s Vision Zero goals of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries by encouraging Atlantans to experience city streets on foot, by bike, scooter, skates—or however they choose to move without a car. “The revival…
As Metro Atlanta prepares to welcome 2.5 million new residents by 2040 and global events like the FIFA World Cup and Super Bowl, the need for coordinated infrastructure planning has never been more urgent. To address this, the Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) hosted a “Utility Day” on April 29, bringing together representatives from Transportation, Watershed Management, Public Works, City Planning, and private utility vendors. The goal was to strengthen collaboration on permitting, inspections, and project coordination as construction activity ramps up across the city. During the meeting, Mayor Andre Dickens urged all partners to embrace a unified approach to…
The Mayor’s Office of Violence Reduction, alongside a coalition of community partners, proudly hosted Second Chance Summit Week from April 21st through April 26th, 2025. This impactful week-long initiative aimed to support justice-impacted individuals returning home from incarceration by connecting them with vital services, employment opportunities, and networks to ensure successful reintegration and lasting stability. Across the city, a diverse series of empowering events brought together returning citizens, advocates, employers, and mentors: Panels and Community Dialogues: Experts and individuals with lived experience led discussions on reentry challenges, mental health, housing access, and restorative justice. Employer Roundtables and Job Fairs: Multiple…