This newsletter provides a summary of major legislative actions taken or pending before the Atlanta City Council as of June 2025. These bills address critical issues such as climate resilience, urban development, public transparency, and city infrastructure.
1. Tree Protection Ordinance – Council Bill 25-O-1149
Sponsor: Councilmember Michael Julian Bond
Summary: Updates the city’s Tree Protection Ordinance by increasing fines for illegal tree removal, expanding protections to multi-family and commercial developments, and increasing the Tree Trust Fund budget. Environmental groups raised concerns about the removal of a requirement for 20% on-site tree coverage.
2. Office of Inspector General Restructuring – Council Bill 25-O-1009
Sponsors: Council President Doug Shipman and Councilmember Eshé Collins
Summary: Dissolves the joint board overseeing the Inspector General and Ethics Office, creates separate governing boards, and limits IG subpoena access. The measure passed 14–1 despite public concerns about weakening city oversight.
3. Safe Streets Program – Courtland–Piedmont Corridor
Sponsor: Budget item supported by the Downtown Neighborhoods Council bloc
Summary: Provides $6 million for traffic-calming infrastructure and pedestrian safety enhancements in Midtown.
4. “The Stitch” Tax Allocation District
Sponsor: Planning Committee and Midtown Alliance
Summary: Establishes a tax district to fund the creation of a $713 million park capping the Downtown Connector. The Stitch will link disjointed parts of Downtown Atlanta and serve as a green public space.
5. Skybridge Over Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Sponsor: Proposal from the State of Georgia (GDOT); introduced to Council by Transportation Committee
Summary: Proposed skybridge connecting government buildings across MLK Jr. Drive was tabled by the Council’s Transportation Committee due to concerns about city autonomy and blocking viewsheds.
6. Cool Roofs Ordinance – Pending Vote
Sponsor: Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari
Summary: Would require all new commercial and residential buildings and full roof replacements to use heat-reflective materials. Designed to combat the urban heat island effect.
• FY 2026 Budget Appropriations – Passed
• State Advocacy Package – Passed
• Housing Development Zoning Text Amendments – Pending
To read official legislation or check the status of a bill, visit the Atlanta City Council Legislation Portal.
Georgia Men for Democracy Now will continue monitoring these policy developments and advocating for transparency, accountability, and inclusive leadership throughout Metro Atlanta.