/PRNewswire/ -Georgia's most populated county, home to just over a million residents and the state's largest city, is updating its FEMA-required hazard mitigation plan for local review and adoption in mid-December of this year and subsequent approval by FEMA. An approved hazard mitigation plan will allow cities to leverage federal hazard mitigation grant funds.
The Hazard Mitigation Plan update project is being managed by Calvin, Giordano &Associates (CGA), a consultant to the Atlanta Fulton County Emergency Management Agency, whose authority covers 14 cities as well as unincorporated Fulton County.
Nearing the halfway point, CGA planners are currently evaluating vulnerable structures and populations in Fulton County that are at risk from a variety of natural hazards known to threaten the area. Participating municipalities include Atlanta, Milton, Roswell, Mountain Park, Sandy Springs, East Point, College Park, Union City, Fairburn, Palmetto, Chattahoochee Hills and Hapeville.
CGA, according to the lead planner Beth McElroy, is conducting up to four joint planning meetings with the municipalities and the county in order to reevaluate the hazard vulnerability analysis, identify shortfalls, obtain critical information from new cities, assess any new areas that might need to be addressed in the planning process, refine/enhance the annual update committee review process and revise goals and objectives.
McElroy said as a result of growth and other recent changes since the plan was initially implemented in 2004, an assessment and reevaluation of the county's risks and vulnerabilities is necessary. This ensures that steps are taken to protect the community from the dangers posed by natural hazards and ensure that new growth takes steps to incorporate mitigative actions into future growth and infrastructure planning.
"Also since the last plan was completed, four cities have incorporated within Fulton County," McElroy added. "The task is to integrate the information from the more recent assessments with data from the planning sessions and to refine and enhance the current plan for final FEMA approval."
All documents and reports created for the county must comply with state and federal mitigation rules and requirements, federal planning requirements and project management capabilities.
CGA's Emergency Management Services Division provides local governments with multi-hazard disaster planning, response, recovery and mitigation services. The division enhances the preparedness level of clients in order to protect human lives, restore services and better manage response resources.
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Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
City of Atlanta Receives Municipal Forestry Accreditation from the Society of Municipal Arborists
Atlanta is first municipality in Georgia; fifth in the nation
The City of Atlanta is the latest community to join a prestigious group of municipalities to be accredited by the Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA.) SMA Accreditation is the highest honor for municipal urban forestry programs, obtained by following a professional approach to tree management.
SMA Accredited programs have a certified municipal specialist on staff, have an approved Local Forest Master Plan, are Tree City USA growth award recipients, show private contract preference for accredited tree care companies, adhere to industry standards for safety and performance, and adhere to SMA’s Code of Ethics.
“The SMA accreditation is yet another example of the City of Atlanta’s commitment to excellence,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “I commend the members of the city’s Arborist Division and the Office of Parks for their dedication and willingness to sharpen their skills and achieve the highest professional standards for the benefit of the citizens of Atlanta.”
The City of Atlanta is the first municipality to be accredited in the state of Georgia, and fifth nationwide, joining the cities of Aspen, Colorado; Glencoe, Illinois; Arlington, Texas; and Downers Grove, Illinois. The SMA accreditation is renewable every five years.
To obtain SMA accreditation, the Department of Planning and Community Development met the following requirements:
Program must have at least one ISA Certified Arborist (ISA certification requires a 4-hour comprehensive examination) on staff, with an ISA Certified Municipal Specialist preferred (a specialist is a higher level designation that requires passing an additional two-hour exam focused exclusively on municipal arboriculture).
Program must have a Forest Master Plan approved by appropriate local body.
Program must be a current Tree City USA (this criterion must be maintained annually to maintain accreditation).
Program must have a National Arbor Day Foundation Growth Award, in at least one of the past five years.
Program must show preference to Tree Care Industry Association Accredited tree care companies when private arborists are contracted.
Program must incorporate American National Safety Institute (ANSI) Z133.1 safety standards.
Program must incorporate ANSI A300 tree care performance standards.
Program must pledge adherence to the SMA Code of Ethics and to promote SMA objectives.
With a growing appreciation for the value of green infrastructure, communities across the nation are taking steps to maintain their trees, which unlike other parts of a city’s infrastructure, actually increase in value. A healthy urban forest provides many benefits for cities, including beautification, reduction of the urban heat island effect, reduction of stormwater runoff, reduction of air pollution, reduction of energy costs through increased shade over buildings, improved wildlife habitat, and mitigation of overall urban environmental impact. In addition, research has shown that city trees can improve real estate values, attract shoppers, improve worker productivity, reduce crime, reduce hospital stay, and improve children’s school performance.
“This accreditation recognizes the dedication that Mayor Kasim Reed and the city’s arborists have given to the City of Atlanta and the care of its urban forest,” said SMA President Gene Hyde. “By adhering to accreditation standards and following best management practices, your urban forest will continue to grow in value and benefit the citizens of Atlanta for generations to come.”
About the City of Atlanta’s Arboricultural Programs
The City of Atlanta Arborist Division is housed within the Department of Planning and Community Development, led by Commissioner James Shelby. The Arborist Division is responsible for trees located on private property. There are three field arborists (two permanent), conducting 3,500 – 4,000 site inspections annually. Six members of staff are International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists. Of those, there is one ISA Municipal Specialist. He is one of five in the state of GA. One staff member is a Certified Tree Risk Assessor. The Office of Parks is housed within the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs and has two ISA Certified Arborists on staff. The Office of Parks is responsible for trees located in city parks and other public space.
About SMA
The Society of Municipal Arborists (www.urban-forestry.com) is a not-for-profit international organization of municipal arborists, urban and community foresters, members of tree boards, tree wardens, consultants, municipal officials, and students who are involved in the professional management of trees where over 114 million people live, work, and play. SMA leads the world in building the confidence, competence, and camaraderie of the family of professionals who create and sustain community forests.
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The City of Atlanta is the latest community to join a prestigious group of municipalities to be accredited by the Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA.) SMA Accreditation is the highest honor for municipal urban forestry programs, obtained by following a professional approach to tree management.
SMA Accredited programs have a certified municipal specialist on staff, have an approved Local Forest Master Plan, are Tree City USA growth award recipients, show private contract preference for accredited tree care companies, adhere to industry standards for safety and performance, and adhere to SMA’s Code of Ethics.
“The SMA accreditation is yet another example of the City of Atlanta’s commitment to excellence,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “I commend the members of the city’s Arborist Division and the Office of Parks for their dedication and willingness to sharpen their skills and achieve the highest professional standards for the benefit of the citizens of Atlanta.”
The City of Atlanta is the first municipality to be accredited in the state of Georgia, and fifth nationwide, joining the cities of Aspen, Colorado; Glencoe, Illinois; Arlington, Texas; and Downers Grove, Illinois. The SMA accreditation is renewable every five years.
To obtain SMA accreditation, the Department of Planning and Community Development met the following requirements:
Program must have at least one ISA Certified Arborist (ISA certification requires a 4-hour comprehensive examination) on staff, with an ISA Certified Municipal Specialist preferred (a specialist is a higher level designation that requires passing an additional two-hour exam focused exclusively on municipal arboriculture).
Program must have a Forest Master Plan approved by appropriate local body.
Program must be a current Tree City USA (this criterion must be maintained annually to maintain accreditation).
Program must have a National Arbor Day Foundation Growth Award, in at least one of the past five years.
Program must show preference to Tree Care Industry Association Accredited tree care companies when private arborists are contracted.
Program must incorporate American National Safety Institute (ANSI) Z133.1 safety standards.
Program must incorporate ANSI A300 tree care performance standards.
Program must pledge adherence to the SMA Code of Ethics and to promote SMA objectives.
With a growing appreciation for the value of green infrastructure, communities across the nation are taking steps to maintain their trees, which unlike other parts of a city’s infrastructure, actually increase in value. A healthy urban forest provides many benefits for cities, including beautification, reduction of the urban heat island effect, reduction of stormwater runoff, reduction of air pollution, reduction of energy costs through increased shade over buildings, improved wildlife habitat, and mitigation of overall urban environmental impact. In addition, research has shown that city trees can improve real estate values, attract shoppers, improve worker productivity, reduce crime, reduce hospital stay, and improve children’s school performance.
“This accreditation recognizes the dedication that Mayor Kasim Reed and the city’s arborists have given to the City of Atlanta and the care of its urban forest,” said SMA President Gene Hyde. “By adhering to accreditation standards and following best management practices, your urban forest will continue to grow in value and benefit the citizens of Atlanta for generations to come.”
About the City of Atlanta’s Arboricultural Programs
The City of Atlanta Arborist Division is housed within the Department of Planning and Community Development, led by Commissioner James Shelby. The Arborist Division is responsible for trees located on private property. There are three field arborists (two permanent), conducting 3,500 – 4,000 site inspections annually. Six members of staff are International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists. Of those, there is one ISA Municipal Specialist. He is one of five in the state of GA. One staff member is a Certified Tree Risk Assessor. The Office of Parks is housed within the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs and has two ISA Certified Arborists on staff. The Office of Parks is responsible for trees located in city parks and other public space.
About SMA
The Society of Municipal Arborists (www.urban-forestry.com) is a not-for-profit international organization of municipal arborists, urban and community foresters, members of tree boards, tree wardens, consultants, municipal officials, and students who are involved in the professional management of trees where over 114 million people live, work, and play. SMA leads the world in building the confidence, competence, and camaraderie of the family of professionals who create and sustain community forests.
---
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www.FayetteFrontPage.com
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Thursday, September 2, 2010
City of Atlanta Completes Neighborhood Stabilization Program Obligation Ahead of National Deadline
Department of Planning and Community Development announces milestone and looks forward to possibility of receiving additional NSP grants to address abandoned foreclosures
Atlanta, GA – With several days to go before the September 5 deadline, the City of Atlanta today announced it has met its Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) goal of obligating 100 percent of federal and state grant funds ahead of schedule. The City of Atlanta NSP is being managed by the Department of Planning and Community Development’s Office of Housing. Using NSP stimulus grants, the Office of Housing has acquired 143 properties, which include single-family homes and apartment complexes in NSP targeted communities.
Earlier this month the Department of Planning and Community Development announced the Office of Housing had obligated over 90-percent of its federal NSP grant funds and nearly 95 percent of its state allocation. On Tuesday, both funding sources reached 100 percent obligation.
“Meeting the obligation deadline ahead of schedule is a tremendous success for the City of Atlanta,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “The foreclosure crisis had a devastating effect on many of our neighborhoods and this program allows Atlanta the opportunity to rebuild communities hit hardest by it. Our NSP staff will now focus on renovations so that homes and apartment units can be ready for sale or rent in the coming months.”
The Neighborhood Stabilization Program is a national recovery initiative designed to help cities address the foreclosure crisis by distributing grants to municipalities to acquire, renovate and resell housing units in areas hit hardest by the national foreclosure crisis.
“What we achieved would not be possible without the help and support of the community, our developers and the more than 250 businesses working with us,” stated Commissioner James Shelby, Department of Planning and Community Development.
The City of Atlanta is thought to be in the running for a NSP3 grant. An announcement is expected soon to identify which cities will receive NSP3 funding.
In 2009, the City of Atlanta received approximately $12 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and nearly $4 million from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for NSP. Using HUD guidelines, the City of Atlanta has targeted NSP funds to assist areas of greatest need, which include portions of zip codes: 30307, 30310, 30311, 30312, 30314, 30315, 30316, 30317, 30318, 30331 and 30354. These areas also are considered to have the highest percentage of sub-prime mortgage loans.
Interested homebuyers and renters are encouraged to visit www.atlantaga.gov and visit the Department of Planning & Community Development, then click the Office of Housing page. You can also call the Office of Housing at 404-330-6390 or send an email to OfficeofHousingNSP@AtlantaGa.Gov.
Atlanta, GA – With several days to go before the September 5 deadline, the City of Atlanta today announced it has met its Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) goal of obligating 100 percent of federal and state grant funds ahead of schedule. The City of Atlanta NSP is being managed by the Department of Planning and Community Development’s Office of Housing. Using NSP stimulus grants, the Office of Housing has acquired 143 properties, which include single-family homes and apartment complexes in NSP targeted communities.
Earlier this month the Department of Planning and Community Development announced the Office of Housing had obligated over 90-percent of its federal NSP grant funds and nearly 95 percent of its state allocation. On Tuesday, both funding sources reached 100 percent obligation.
“Meeting the obligation deadline ahead of schedule is a tremendous success for the City of Atlanta,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “The foreclosure crisis had a devastating effect on many of our neighborhoods and this program allows Atlanta the opportunity to rebuild communities hit hardest by it. Our NSP staff will now focus on renovations so that homes and apartment units can be ready for sale or rent in the coming months.”
The Neighborhood Stabilization Program is a national recovery initiative designed to help cities address the foreclosure crisis by distributing grants to municipalities to acquire, renovate and resell housing units in areas hit hardest by the national foreclosure crisis.
“What we achieved would not be possible without the help and support of the community, our developers and the more than 250 businesses working with us,” stated Commissioner James Shelby, Department of Planning and Community Development.
The City of Atlanta is thought to be in the running for a NSP3 grant. An announcement is expected soon to identify which cities will receive NSP3 funding.
In 2009, the City of Atlanta received approximately $12 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and nearly $4 million from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for NSP. Using HUD guidelines, the City of Atlanta has targeted NSP funds to assist areas of greatest need, which include portions of zip codes: 30307, 30310, 30311, 30312, 30314, 30315, 30316, 30317, 30318, 30331 and 30354. These areas also are considered to have the highest percentage of sub-prime mortgage loans.
Interested homebuyers and renters are encouraged to visit www.atlantaga.gov and visit the Department of Planning & Community Development, then click the Office of Housing page. You can also call the Office of Housing at 404-330-6390 or send an email to OfficeofHousingNSP@AtlantaGa.Gov.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed Announces that Peter Aman Will Remain Chief Operating Officer until December 2011
Key accomplishments to date include addressing the City’s pension crisis, reducing emergency response times, eliminating fire-station brown-outs, improving critical service delivery and building multi-million reserves for the City
Mayor Kasim Reed formally announced today that Peter Aman, Chief Operating Officer for the City of Atlanta, will serve in that position for an additional year. Scheduled to leave at the end of this calendar year, Aman has decided to continue until December 31, 2011.
“Peter is a transformational leader who has helped me to significantly improve the quality of City services while also streamlining inefficiencies in municipal government,” said Mayor Kasim Reed.
“His knowledge and expertise in addressing the City’s most difficult challenges have been invaluable. I consider myself and the City of Atlanta extremely fortunate to have Peter Aman serve the City for an additional year.”
Aman was confirmed as COO by the Atlanta City Council in January. Since then, he has led the executive management of the municipal operating departments: Corrections, Procurement, Information Technology, Office of Enterprise Assets Management, Aviation, Fire, Police, Human Resources, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, Planning and Community Development, Public Works, Watershed Management, Office of Contract Compliance, Emergency Management Services and the external operating agencies.
“I enjoy working with Mayor Reed and the entire Cabinet; it’s been a great experience,” Aman said. “We have a unique opportunity to remake city government, and Mayor Reed’s trust and confidence in me allow me to implement changes that will benefit the City and its residents for years to come. I believe this Administration is in the middle of making positive changes and I am delighted to continue contributing.”
In collaboration with Mayor Reed and key City leaders, Aman’s accomplishments include:
· Dramatically improving fire response times in meeting the nationally recognized standard from 42 percent in January to 70 percent in May 2010;
· Increasing the number of garbage pickups completed on the scheduled day from 85.8% in January to 98.8% in July 2010;
· Implementing $7.4 million of projected savings in the first phase of reforms to the City’s pension plan. The City’s pension liability had risen 13 percent every year over the past ten years;
· Eliminating brown-outs at fire stations within first 100 days of the Reed administration;
· Working closely with Interim CFO Roosevelt Council to control hiring and spending, thereby reducing FY10 expenses by a total of $16M at year end;
· Leading Mayor’s staff that successfully worked with City Council to pass a budget which is both fiscally conservative (about $12 million in operating reductions, pension cost reductions, efficiency gains) and moved the city forward (included $3.7 million to re-open closed recreation centers and funding for 100 new police officer positions);
· Opening seven additional outdoor pools for the summer season and refurbishing all of the 15 City recreation centers that had been closed. The first six opened in August and the remainder will open before year end;
· Improving Code Compliance through a turnaround that included restructuring of code enforcement teams, additional staffing, compliance process redesign as well as city code changes to make response times and processes more efficient;
· Driving immediate management changes in multiple departments and at multiple levels and assisting the Mayor in the recruitment and selection of Commissioners and senior management talent; and
· Reaching out and directly engaging employees at multiple levels of the City, with a special focus on the critical work performed by the front-line employees (e.g., visits to crime scenes, fires, SWAT standoffs, rope rescue, fire stations, police zone offices, pothole repairs, HR, among others).
As a partner at Bain & Company, a global business consulting firm, Aman has helped to transform and turnaround dozens of large and complex multinational media and industrial companies. He also has held several leadership roles in Bain’s Atlanta office, including those in the areas of recruiting, staff allocation and professional development, facilities and information technology operation, risk management and professional standards.
Aman’s deep involvement in the City of Atlanta began in 2002 when he led a pro bono transformation effort by Bain & Company that lasted three years, providing $7 million of donated consulting services. The work by Aman and the Bain team revealed what was then a substantial gap in the city’s operating budget and designed a series of corrective actions, including the development of a comprehensive turnaround plan, a benchmarking of city costs and employment levels versus other comparable cities, the creation of an economic development plan, and a deeper understanding of tax and fee affordability of the city.
Aman has served on the boards of The Atlanta Committee for Progress, The Atlanta Police Foundation, The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and The Galloway School, among others.
Aman is a graduate of Duke University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, with honors. He earned an MBA, with distinction, from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
Mayor Kasim Reed formally announced today that Peter Aman, Chief Operating Officer for the City of Atlanta, will serve in that position for an additional year. Scheduled to leave at the end of this calendar year, Aman has decided to continue until December 31, 2011.
“Peter is a transformational leader who has helped me to significantly improve the quality of City services while also streamlining inefficiencies in municipal government,” said Mayor Kasim Reed.
“His knowledge and expertise in addressing the City’s most difficult challenges have been invaluable. I consider myself and the City of Atlanta extremely fortunate to have Peter Aman serve the City for an additional year.”
Aman was confirmed as COO by the Atlanta City Council in January. Since then, he has led the executive management of the municipal operating departments: Corrections, Procurement, Information Technology, Office of Enterprise Assets Management, Aviation, Fire, Police, Human Resources, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, Planning and Community Development, Public Works, Watershed Management, Office of Contract Compliance, Emergency Management Services and the external operating agencies.
“I enjoy working with Mayor Reed and the entire Cabinet; it’s been a great experience,” Aman said. “We have a unique opportunity to remake city government, and Mayor Reed’s trust and confidence in me allow me to implement changes that will benefit the City and its residents for years to come. I believe this Administration is in the middle of making positive changes and I am delighted to continue contributing.”
In collaboration with Mayor Reed and key City leaders, Aman’s accomplishments include:
· Dramatically improving fire response times in meeting the nationally recognized standard from 42 percent in January to 70 percent in May 2010;
· Increasing the number of garbage pickups completed on the scheduled day from 85.8% in January to 98.8% in July 2010;
· Implementing $7.4 million of projected savings in the first phase of reforms to the City’s pension plan. The City’s pension liability had risen 13 percent every year over the past ten years;
· Eliminating brown-outs at fire stations within first 100 days of the Reed administration;
· Working closely with Interim CFO Roosevelt Council to control hiring and spending, thereby reducing FY10 expenses by a total of $16M at year end;
· Leading Mayor’s staff that successfully worked with City Council to pass a budget which is both fiscally conservative (about $12 million in operating reductions, pension cost reductions, efficiency gains) and moved the city forward (included $3.7 million to re-open closed recreation centers and funding for 100 new police officer positions);
· Opening seven additional outdoor pools for the summer season and refurbishing all of the 15 City recreation centers that had been closed. The first six opened in August and the remainder will open before year end;
· Improving Code Compliance through a turnaround that included restructuring of code enforcement teams, additional staffing, compliance process redesign as well as city code changes to make response times and processes more efficient;
· Driving immediate management changes in multiple departments and at multiple levels and assisting the Mayor in the recruitment and selection of Commissioners and senior management talent; and
· Reaching out and directly engaging employees at multiple levels of the City, with a special focus on the critical work performed by the front-line employees (e.g., visits to crime scenes, fires, SWAT standoffs, rope rescue, fire stations, police zone offices, pothole repairs, HR, among others).
As a partner at Bain & Company, a global business consulting firm, Aman has helped to transform and turnaround dozens of large and complex multinational media and industrial companies. He also has held several leadership roles in Bain’s Atlanta office, including those in the areas of recruiting, staff allocation and professional development, facilities and information technology operation, risk management and professional standards.
Aman’s deep involvement in the City of Atlanta began in 2002 when he led a pro bono transformation effort by Bain & Company that lasted three years, providing $7 million of donated consulting services. The work by Aman and the Bain team revealed what was then a substantial gap in the city’s operating budget and designed a series of corrective actions, including the development of a comprehensive turnaround plan, a benchmarking of city costs and employment levels versus other comparable cities, the creation of an economic development plan, and a deeper understanding of tax and fee affordability of the city.
Aman has served on the boards of The Atlanta Committee for Progress, The Atlanta Police Foundation, The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and The Galloway School, among others.
Aman is a graduate of Duke University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, with honors. He earned an MBA, with distinction, from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed Elected Chair of the Metro Atlanta Urban Area Security Initiative
Program develops and provides regional strategies to improve homeland security efforts in metro Atlanta
Mayor Kasim Reed recently was unanimously elected chair of the Metro Atlanta Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Senior Policy Group.
UASI was developed in 2003 as a result of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2002. The program was established to provide grants to assist high-risk urban areas in preventing, protecting, responding and recovering from acts of terrorism.
Since 2003, the Metro Atlanta UASI has been actively engaged in strategic planning efforts with local, state and federal partners to ensure effective communications within the region in the event of an incident. In 2006, the program also began to concentrate on more regional collaborative efforts in the areas of fire, police, medical and citizen preparedness.
“I am honored to have been appointed chair of the Metro Atlanta UASI Senior Policy Group,” Mayor Reed said. “I believe elected leaders have no greater responsibility than to ensure the safety of their constituents. I look forward to working with the Metro Atlanta UASI to make the City of Atlanta and the region as safe and secure as possible.”
As chair of the Senior Policy Group, Mayor Reed will work in collaboration with the Board of Commission Chairs of Cobb, Clayton, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties to develop regional strategies designed to improve homeland security efforts in and around the metro Atlanta area.
“The Program Administration Office would like to congratulate and welcome Mayor Kasim Reed as the Chair of the Metro Atlanta UASI Senior Policy Group/Urban Area Working Group (UAWG),” said Julia Janka, Program Director for the Metro Atlanta UASI. “The Program Administration Office looks forward to assisting Mayor Reed in growing the program through his leadership and guidance. We stand ready to provide program and operational support for the Metro Atlanta UASI region.”
The Metro Atlanta UASI is required to focus regionally on the following programs and objectives:
Regional Collaboration
National Incident Management System (NIMS) Compliance
National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP)
Interoperable Communications
Information Sharing and response among law enforcement agencies
Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and High Explosives (CBRNE) capabilities
Evacuation Planning
Citizen Corps/Citizen Participation/Volunteerism
Regional Transportation and Transit Security
UASI is administered through the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). The grant provides funding to high-risk areas based on risk and effectiveness to address planning, operations, equipment, training and exercise on a multi-disciplinary level.
Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin served as the first chair of the group and is succeeded by Mayor Kasim Reed. Chairman Charles Bannister of Gwinnett County served as Interim Chair for six months until elections were held in July.
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Mayor Kasim Reed recently was unanimously elected chair of the Metro Atlanta Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Senior Policy Group.
UASI was developed in 2003 as a result of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2002. The program was established to provide grants to assist high-risk urban areas in preventing, protecting, responding and recovering from acts of terrorism.
Since 2003, the Metro Atlanta UASI has been actively engaged in strategic planning efforts with local, state and federal partners to ensure effective communications within the region in the event of an incident. In 2006, the program also began to concentrate on more regional collaborative efforts in the areas of fire, police, medical and citizen preparedness.
“I am honored to have been appointed chair of the Metro Atlanta UASI Senior Policy Group,” Mayor Reed said. “I believe elected leaders have no greater responsibility than to ensure the safety of their constituents. I look forward to working with the Metro Atlanta UASI to make the City of Atlanta and the region as safe and secure as possible.”
As chair of the Senior Policy Group, Mayor Reed will work in collaboration with the Board of Commission Chairs of Cobb, Clayton, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties to develop regional strategies designed to improve homeland security efforts in and around the metro Atlanta area.
“The Program Administration Office would like to congratulate and welcome Mayor Kasim Reed as the Chair of the Metro Atlanta UASI Senior Policy Group/Urban Area Working Group (UAWG),” said Julia Janka, Program Director for the Metro Atlanta UASI. “The Program Administration Office looks forward to assisting Mayor Reed in growing the program through his leadership and guidance. We stand ready to provide program and operational support for the Metro Atlanta UASI region.”
The Metro Atlanta UASI is required to focus regionally on the following programs and objectives:
Regional Collaboration
National Incident Management System (NIMS) Compliance
National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP)
Interoperable Communications
Information Sharing and response among law enforcement agencies
Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and High Explosives (CBRNE) capabilities
Evacuation Planning
Citizen Corps/Citizen Participation/Volunteerism
Regional Transportation and Transit Security
UASI is administered through the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). The grant provides funding to high-risk areas based on risk and effectiveness to address planning, operations, equipment, training and exercise on a multi-disciplinary level.
Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin served as the first chair of the group and is succeeded by Mayor Kasim Reed. Chairman Charles Bannister of Gwinnett County served as Interim Chair for six months until elections were held in July.
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Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Presidential Advisor David Gergen and Chancellor of DC Public Schools Michelle Rhee Develop Ideas for Innovative Leadership
Mayor Reed and Rhee to Headline Socrates Society Forum for Young Leaders’ at its Annual Benefit Dinner at the Aspen Institute
Mayor Kasim Reed and Washington D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee, will headline the Socrates Society Forum for Young Leaders’ annual benefit dinner on Saturday, July 3 in Aspen, Colorado. The 2010 annual Socrates benefit dinner will feature a conversation on leadership and social innovation hosted by Aspen Institute Trustee David Gergen, who is also a professor of Public Service at Harvard University, CNN commentator and former White House advisor.
“I am looking forward to talking with Mayor Kasim Reed, leader of one of the most vital cities in the country,” said David Gergen. “I hope to learn about how he is tackling some of the challenges facing Atlanta, such as the city’s fiscal situation, and hear his views on school reform and coalition-building in the rapidly growing and incredibly diverse urban environment.”
Mayor Reed, who is an Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow, and Michelle Rhee, appointed by D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty to lead the district’s public schools, will participate in the discussion moderated by David Gergen. This benefit dinner provides a forum for young emerging leaders, such as Reed and Rhee, to come together from different professional sectors to analyze contemporary issues through expert-moderated dialogue.
“It’s critical that Mayors and superintendents have discussions about the joint goals and actions that can make cities great,” Michelle Rhee said. “I’m excited that Mayor Reed is interested in school reform and I want to learn from the efforts he is pursuing in Atlanta.”
The Aspen Institute’s mission is twofold—it fosters values-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and provides a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues. The Aspen Institute does this primarily in four ways: through seminars, young-leader fellowships around the globe, policy programs, and public conferences and events.
“The Aspen Institute and the Socrates Society have long been out front in the area of responsible and innovative leadership in our country,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “For me, it is an honor to participate in this important discussion on issues vital to the future of our nation and our world. I plan to bring back a host of innovative ideas to help make Atlanta an even greater City.”
The Annual Socrates Society benefit dinner is a unique seminar that allows progressive and results-driven leaders to discuss and offer practical solutions for issues that have an immense impact on our society. Each year recognized leaders, including entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, representatives of government, international, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations, academics and journalists, discuss current and provocative topics. Past topics include bioethics, energy security, the future of democracy, religious fundamentalism, globalization, media and values, repairing the US economy, and innovation.
"The Socrates Society offers thoughtful programs to emerging young leaders to explore contemporary issues through values-based Socratic discussion,” said Melissa Ingber, Director of the Aspen Institute's Socrates Society. “Mayor Reed, an Aspen Institute Rodel fellow, and Michelle Rhee, are innovators and public leaders who address leadership challenges daily. Their conversation, moderated by David Gergen, will provide valuable experiences on leadership and innovation for those attending our benefit dinner, an event that enables us to provide scholarships to Socrates seminars so that we can ensure diversity in the voices around the table."
Mayor Kasim Reed and Washington D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee, will headline the Socrates Society Forum for Young Leaders’ annual benefit dinner on Saturday, July 3 in Aspen, Colorado. The 2010 annual Socrates benefit dinner will feature a conversation on leadership and social innovation hosted by Aspen Institute Trustee David Gergen, who is also a professor of Public Service at Harvard University, CNN commentator and former White House advisor.
“I am looking forward to talking with Mayor Kasim Reed, leader of one of the most vital cities in the country,” said David Gergen. “I hope to learn about how he is tackling some of the challenges facing Atlanta, such as the city’s fiscal situation, and hear his views on school reform and coalition-building in the rapidly growing and incredibly diverse urban environment.”
Mayor Reed, who is an Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow, and Michelle Rhee, appointed by D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty to lead the district’s public schools, will participate in the discussion moderated by David Gergen. This benefit dinner provides a forum for young emerging leaders, such as Reed and Rhee, to come together from different professional sectors to analyze contemporary issues through expert-moderated dialogue.
“It’s critical that Mayors and superintendents have discussions about the joint goals and actions that can make cities great,” Michelle Rhee said. “I’m excited that Mayor Reed is interested in school reform and I want to learn from the efforts he is pursuing in Atlanta.”
The Aspen Institute’s mission is twofold—it fosters values-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and provides a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues. The Aspen Institute does this primarily in four ways: through seminars, young-leader fellowships around the globe, policy programs, and public conferences and events.
“The Aspen Institute and the Socrates Society have long been out front in the area of responsible and innovative leadership in our country,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “For me, it is an honor to participate in this important discussion on issues vital to the future of our nation and our world. I plan to bring back a host of innovative ideas to help make Atlanta an even greater City.”
The Annual Socrates Society benefit dinner is a unique seminar that allows progressive and results-driven leaders to discuss and offer practical solutions for issues that have an immense impact on our society. Each year recognized leaders, including entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, representatives of government, international, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations, academics and journalists, discuss current and provocative topics. Past topics include bioethics, energy security, the future of democracy, religious fundamentalism, globalization, media and values, repairing the US economy, and innovation.
"The Socrates Society offers thoughtful programs to emerging young leaders to explore contemporary issues through values-based Socratic discussion,” said Melissa Ingber, Director of the Aspen Institute's Socrates Society. “Mayor Reed, an Aspen Institute Rodel fellow, and Michelle Rhee, are innovators and public leaders who address leadership challenges daily. Their conversation, moderated by David Gergen, will provide valuable experiences on leadership and innovation for those attending our benefit dinner, an event that enables us to provide scholarships to Socrates seminars so that we can ensure diversity in the voices around the table."
Sunday, June 20, 2010
BBN Launches First Ever N. Fulton TV Show
With a potential 90,000 viewers in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs, The Beacon Broadcast Network (BBN) launches the first ever North Fulton television show exclusively on Comcast Cable. The program, "Political InSighter: News and Analysis Affecting North Fulton and State," debuts Sunday, June 20 on Comcast Channel 25. The hour-long show encompasses a "Face The Nation" style storyboard with a lively upbeat tempo.
New programs debut every Sunday at 10:00 AM and repeat at 6:30 PM. Rebroadcast times are Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM and 6:30 PM. The program will also be available on Comcast On-Demand, Comcast.com and Beaconcast.com.
"Political InSighter" is co-hosted by John Fredericks, managing editor of The Beacon and Ashley Widener, correspondent for The Beacon Broadcast Network.
The program will include news and analysis of the week and feature high profile guest interviews. The show concludes with a commentator panel.
Guest interviews for the first show include Roswell Mayor Jere Wood and Republican candidate for Governor John Oxendine. Future confirmed guests include GOP Gubernatorial candidates Karen Handel, Nathan Deal and Eric Johnson, and Democrat candidate Thurbert Baker.
For advertising information contact BBN at 678-481-6251.
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New programs debut every Sunday at 10:00 AM and repeat at 6:30 PM. Rebroadcast times are Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM and 6:30 PM. The program will also be available on Comcast On-Demand, Comcast.com and Beaconcast.com.
"Political InSighter" is co-hosted by John Fredericks, managing editor of The Beacon and Ashley Widener, correspondent for The Beacon Broadcast Network.
The program will include news and analysis of the week and feature high profile guest interviews. The show concludes with a commentator panel.
Guest interviews for the first show include Roswell Mayor Jere Wood and Republican candidate for Governor John Oxendine. Future confirmed guests include GOP Gubernatorial candidates Karen Handel, Nathan Deal and Eric Johnson, and Democrat candidate Thurbert Baker.
For advertising information contact BBN at 678-481-6251.
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Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Peachtree TV, Piedmont Park Conservancy and the City of Atlanta Announce Public Safety Enhancements for Screen on the Green
Peachtree TV, Piedmont Park Conservancy and the City of Atlanta have been working individually and collectively to evaluate and adjust the safety and security plan for Screen on the Green, a long-standing Atlanta summer tradition in the City’s flagship park.
The new public safety plan, which will be effective at the next event on June 17, incorporates increased security personnel, including on-duty and off-duty Atlanta police officers and staffers from a private security firm that regularly handles events in Piedmont Park. In addition, representatives from MARTA Police and Midtown Blue are participating in this coordinated effort. Specific improvements to the security plan for Screen on the Green include:
· An on-duty Atlanta Police Department Incident Commander, utilizing the City’s Mobile Command Unit, will be on-site and able to make decisions to bring in additional Atlanta Police resources if needed.
· Additional off-duty police officers have been added to the inside of the park to maintain order and stop any criminal behavior including disorderly conduct.
· Staff from the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services will be on-site to assist moviegoers with non-emergency concerns.
· The APD’s Mounted Patrol will have a presence and will be available to assist with any crowd control concerns that arise. They will only be called in by the Incident Commander if needed.
· APD’s Zone 5 Units will maintain an on-duty presence in the area and can be called in quickly to augment the off-duty resources if needed.
· The APD’s School Detective Unit, which has specific expertise in dealing with young people, will have a presence at the event.
· Communication between event staff and police has been enhanced with the use of Nextel Direct.
· Communication between off-duty and on-duty police will be improved, as the event is utilizing all Atlanta Police, who are on the same frequencies.
· The sponsor partners have hired a new security company familiar with the park to provide more event security personnel, commonly referred to as “T-Shirt” security. They will maintain presence in the aisles and ask anyone disturbing the movie to quiet down or leave.
· The sponsor partners have made adjustments to the event site plan to improve pedestrian traffic flow, such as relocating the screen, locations of the vending stations and the portable toilets.
In addition to the enhanced public safety measures being taken, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Interim Police Chief George Turner, in partnership with V-103, are hosting a Town Hall Meeting in the Old City Council Chambers at City Hall from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 15, 2010 to launch the Respect Yourself – Respect the “A” youth initiative. By utilizing popular radio personalities, celebrities and Mayor Reed, this program is designed to reach adolescents and teach them that their actions have far-reaching consequences that impact their lives, their neighborhoods and the City as a whole. The Town Hall will be broadcast live.
Piedmont Park has long been home to safe, successful events, including Screen on the Green. The sponsor partners and the City of Atlanta believe the incidents on June 3 were an anomaly and encourage the community to return Thursday for the Screen on the Green showing of “Dreamgirls.” The final Screen on the Green event for the 2010 season is the June 24 showing of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.
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The new public safety plan, which will be effective at the next event on June 17, incorporates increased security personnel, including on-duty and off-duty Atlanta police officers and staffers from a private security firm that regularly handles events in Piedmont Park. In addition, representatives from MARTA Police and Midtown Blue are participating in this coordinated effort. Specific improvements to the security plan for Screen on the Green include:
· An on-duty Atlanta Police Department Incident Commander, utilizing the City’s Mobile Command Unit, will be on-site and able to make decisions to bring in additional Atlanta Police resources if needed.
· Additional off-duty police officers have been added to the inside of the park to maintain order and stop any criminal behavior including disorderly conduct.
· Staff from the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services will be on-site to assist moviegoers with non-emergency concerns.
· The APD’s Mounted Patrol will have a presence and will be available to assist with any crowd control concerns that arise. They will only be called in by the Incident Commander if needed.
· APD’s Zone 5 Units will maintain an on-duty presence in the area and can be called in quickly to augment the off-duty resources if needed.
· The APD’s School Detective Unit, which has specific expertise in dealing with young people, will have a presence at the event.
· Communication between event staff and police has been enhanced with the use of Nextel Direct.
· Communication between off-duty and on-duty police will be improved, as the event is utilizing all Atlanta Police, who are on the same frequencies.
· The sponsor partners have hired a new security company familiar with the park to provide more event security personnel, commonly referred to as “T-Shirt” security. They will maintain presence in the aisles and ask anyone disturbing the movie to quiet down or leave.
· The sponsor partners have made adjustments to the event site plan to improve pedestrian traffic flow, such as relocating the screen, locations of the vending stations and the portable toilets.
In addition to the enhanced public safety measures being taken, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Interim Police Chief George Turner, in partnership with V-103, are hosting a Town Hall Meeting in the Old City Council Chambers at City Hall from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 15, 2010 to launch the Respect Yourself – Respect the “A” youth initiative. By utilizing popular radio personalities, celebrities and Mayor Reed, this program is designed to reach adolescents and teach them that their actions have far-reaching consequences that impact their lives, their neighborhoods and the City as a whole. The Town Hall will be broadcast live.
Piedmont Park has long been home to safe, successful events, including Screen on the Green. The sponsor partners and the City of Atlanta believe the incidents on June 3 were an anomaly and encourage the community to return Thursday for the Screen on the Green showing of “Dreamgirls.” The final Screen on the Green event for the 2010 season is the June 24 showing of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.
---
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Twitter: @artsacrossga
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www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
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www.HorizonsLTD.com
www.ClothesLessTraveled.org
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Monday, June 14, 2010
Civic League Invites Neighborhood Leaders to Learn, Connect, Collaborate at Neighborhood Summit
On Saturday, Sept. 25, The Civic League for Regional Atlanta will host its second annual Neighborhood Summit, a daylong event created to foster relationships among community leaders by providing them with a forum to meet, exchange ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration. The Summit begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. and will be held at the Loudermilk Center in downtown Atlanta (40 Courtland St. SE, Atlanta, GA 30303).
"Neighborhoods are the building blocks of our region," says Civic League chair Lesley Grady. "They shape its character. They affect the lives of its families and children. They are where 'community' begins. At this event, we intentionally honor and support champions working in their communities by providing information, access to resources and opportunities to learn from one another."
Attendance at last year's Summit topped 500 and included residents representing community-based organizations, neighborhood associations and civic groups from the 10-county Atlanta region (Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties), as well as professional "community-builders" from the business, philanthropic, nonprofit and public sectors. Neighborhood Summit registration is $20 per person (includes lunch), with senior, student and early-registration discounts available. To register, please visit the Civic League's web site (www.civicleagueatlanta.org) or call (404) 413-0331.
The 2009 Summit featured workshops on Meeting the Changing Needs of Residents; Advancing into the 21st Century with Technology; Developing a Deeper Understanding of Regional Issues and How They Affect Your Neighborhood; Creating Civic Organizations that Last; and Getting Organized for Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts. The 2010 workshops are still in development but will likely touch on similar topics.
Co-sponsors for the 2010 Neighborhood Summit include the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, the Neighborhood Fund and the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta.
The Civic League for Regional Atlanta builds civic engagement through research, education, consensus-building and advocacy, and represents civic interests in the regional policy arena.
"Neighborhoods are the building blocks of our region," says Civic League chair Lesley Grady. "They shape its character. They affect the lives of its families and children. They are where 'community' begins. At this event, we intentionally honor and support champions working in their communities by providing information, access to resources and opportunities to learn from one another."
Attendance at last year's Summit topped 500 and included residents representing community-based organizations, neighborhood associations and civic groups from the 10-county Atlanta region (Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties), as well as professional "community-builders" from the business, philanthropic, nonprofit and public sectors. Neighborhood Summit registration is $20 per person (includes lunch), with senior, student and early-registration discounts available. To register, please visit the Civic League's web site (www.civicleagueatlanta.org) or call (404) 413-0331.
The 2009 Summit featured workshops on Meeting the Changing Needs of Residents; Advancing into the 21st Century with Technology; Developing a Deeper Understanding of Regional Issues and How They Affect Your Neighborhood; Creating Civic Organizations that Last; and Getting Organized for Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts. The 2010 workshops are still in development but will likely touch on similar topics.
Co-sponsors for the 2010 Neighborhood Summit include the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, the Neighborhood Fund and the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta.
The Civic League for Regional Atlanta builds civic engagement through research, education, consensus-building and advocacy, and represents civic interests in the regional policy arena.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Search Committee Names Five Atlanta City Attorney Finalists
The committee tasked with conducting a comprehensive and thorough search for a new City Attorney has forwarded the names of the candidates to Mayor Reed. This slate of finalists is the result of a three-month national search conducted on the city’s behalf by the 10-member search committee. The committee worked with executive search firm, Hughes Consulting, LLC and together they interviewed and recommended candidates to lead the City of Atlanta’s legal team. To get to the final list of five, the search encompassed over 50 candidates, all of whom were highly experienced.
“The search committee and the City are grateful for Hughes Consultants’ commitment to sourcing and recruiting highly qualified candidates for the position of City Attorney. Hughes Consultant offered their services to the City of Atlanta pro bono, and they did an outstanding job for the City. The Search Committee was quite impressed with the quality of candidates attracted to this position, which speaks to the notion that many people are drawn to public service for our great city,” said Nancy Rafuse, chairwoman of the search committee.
The 10-member search committee for City Attorney is chaired by Nancy Rafuse (Ashe, Rafuse & Hill) and includes Teri McClure (UPS), Beth Chandler (Asbury Automotive Group), Doug Selby (Hunton & Williams), Paula Frederick (State Bar of Georgia), Frank Strickland (Strickland, Brockington Lewis), Ernest Greer (Greenberg Traurig), K Whitner (Paul Hastings) and Jeff Bramlett (Bondurant, Mixson & Elmore).
In alphabetical order, the five finalists for City Attorney are as follows.
1. Dwight J. Davis, Senior Partner, King & Spalding, Atlanta, Georgia Davis, a graduate of Mercer University School of Law is one of the nation’s leading authorities in consumer class actions. In addition to his class action expertise, Mr. Davis has litigation and trial experience in a wide range of civil matters including insurance coverage, securities fraud, antitrust, and consumer fraud, and has more than twenty-five years of experience as a trial lawyer defending clients in numerous jurisdictions across the country. Mr. Davis is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers. He is an AV rated lawyer and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America, Georgia Super Lawyers and Georgia's Legal Elite. He has tried over fifty cases and successfully defended over seventy-five class actions.
2. Roy E. Hadley Jr., Counsel, Bryan Cave LLP, Atlanta, Georgia, Hadley, a graduate of the University of Georgia, has public and private company experience in corporate governance and compliance matters, including corporate board and committee oversight. Mr. Hadley also has extensive transactional and operational experience, including financial structuring and debt management. His experience includes serving as an attorney for Turner Entertainment, MCI Worldcom, The American Bar Association, among many other notable organizations.
3. Cathy Hampton, Hampton Consulting Group, LLC, Atlanta, GA Hampton, a graduate of Spelman College, attended Oxford University and received her J.D. degree from Harvard Law School. She is a former chief legal officer, general counsel and secretary at RARE Hospitality International, Inc. Hampton’s specializes in general corporate law, including Sarbanes-Oxley and SEC compliance; acquisitions, dispositions, technology, outsourcing, intellectual property, negotiation and contract administration. She also specializes in management of litigation, employment, real estate, licensing, team development, outside counsel, cost containment measures and budgeting.
4. M. Hakim Hilliard, Partner, McKenna, Long & Aldridge, Atlanta, GA Hilliard is a graduate of Morehouse College, and received his J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Hilliard, a former Assistant City Attorney with the City of Atlanta, specializes in issues related to economic development incentives, public-private partnerships, privatization, procurement, land use, zoning, police licensing and permits.
5. H. Eric Hilton, Vice President, Legal Affairs, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, J. Russell & Company, Atlanta, GA Hilton is a graduate of Hampton University and earned his J.D. degree from George Washington University. His expertise is in human resources, risk management, drafting contracts, establishing and administering budgets, development and franchise agreements, and commercial leases.
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“The search committee and the City are grateful for Hughes Consultants’ commitment to sourcing and recruiting highly qualified candidates for the position of City Attorney. Hughes Consultant offered their services to the City of Atlanta pro bono, and they did an outstanding job for the City. The Search Committee was quite impressed with the quality of candidates attracted to this position, which speaks to the notion that many people are drawn to public service for our great city,” said Nancy Rafuse, chairwoman of the search committee.
The 10-member search committee for City Attorney is chaired by Nancy Rafuse (Ashe, Rafuse & Hill) and includes Teri McClure (UPS), Beth Chandler (Asbury Automotive Group), Doug Selby (Hunton & Williams), Paula Frederick (State Bar of Georgia), Frank Strickland (Strickland, Brockington Lewis), Ernest Greer (Greenberg Traurig), K Whitner (Paul Hastings) and Jeff Bramlett (Bondurant, Mixson & Elmore).
In alphabetical order, the five finalists for City Attorney are as follows.
1. Dwight J. Davis, Senior Partner, King & Spalding, Atlanta, Georgia Davis, a graduate of Mercer University School of Law is one of the nation’s leading authorities in consumer class actions. In addition to his class action expertise, Mr. Davis has litigation and trial experience in a wide range of civil matters including insurance coverage, securities fraud, antitrust, and consumer fraud, and has more than twenty-five years of experience as a trial lawyer defending clients in numerous jurisdictions across the country. Mr. Davis is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers. He is an AV rated lawyer and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America, Georgia Super Lawyers and Georgia's Legal Elite. He has tried over fifty cases and successfully defended over seventy-five class actions.
2. Roy E. Hadley Jr., Counsel, Bryan Cave LLP, Atlanta, Georgia, Hadley, a graduate of the University of Georgia, has public and private company experience in corporate governance and compliance matters, including corporate board and committee oversight. Mr. Hadley also has extensive transactional and operational experience, including financial structuring and debt management. His experience includes serving as an attorney for Turner Entertainment, MCI Worldcom, The American Bar Association, among many other notable organizations.
3. Cathy Hampton, Hampton Consulting Group, LLC, Atlanta, GA Hampton, a graduate of Spelman College, attended Oxford University and received her J.D. degree from Harvard Law School. She is a former chief legal officer, general counsel and secretary at RARE Hospitality International, Inc. Hampton’s specializes in general corporate law, including Sarbanes-Oxley and SEC compliance; acquisitions, dispositions, technology, outsourcing, intellectual property, negotiation and contract administration. She also specializes in management of litigation, employment, real estate, licensing, team development, outside counsel, cost containment measures and budgeting.
4. M. Hakim Hilliard, Partner, McKenna, Long & Aldridge, Atlanta, GA Hilliard is a graduate of Morehouse College, and received his J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Hilliard, a former Assistant City Attorney with the City of Atlanta, specializes in issues related to economic development incentives, public-private partnerships, privatization, procurement, land use, zoning, police licensing and permits.
5. H. Eric Hilton, Vice President, Legal Affairs, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, J. Russell & Company, Atlanta, GA Hilton is a graduate of Hampton University and earned his J.D. degree from George Washington University. His expertise is in human resources, risk management, drafting contracts, establishing and administering budgets, development and franchise agreements, and commercial leases.
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Saturday, March 6, 2010
City of Atlanta Receives ARC Grant to Improve Pedestrian and Vehicle Traffic Flow
Three Key Projects are Awarded Funding and Move to Next Planning Phase
Over the past ten years, 18 areas in the City of Atlanta have been designated as Livable Centers Initiatives, or LCIs. The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) offers the LCI program to encourage local jurisdictions to plan and implement strategies that link transportation improvements with land use development strategies. Creating sustainable and livable communities that complement regional development policies is the overarching goal of LCI initiatives.
In February, ARC approved funding for three pre-qualified LCI transportation projects developed by the City of Atlanta’s Department of Planning and Community Development. The projects were identified by the Department’s Office of Planning, in conjunction with the Department of Public Works. After the adoption of Resolution 09-R-2195 by Atlanta City Council, the Office of Planning submitted applications to fund five LCI pre-qualified transportation projects approved by ARC. The agency received more than 40 applications from local jurisdictions for projects requesting LCI transportation funds.
ARC will fund 80-percent of the design and construction, while the City of Atlanta is responsible for 20-percent of the design and construction costs plus all of the right-of-way costs. The development projects will feature traffic flow upgrades, pedestrian safety improvements and bicycle lane designations.
The selected LCI City of Atlanta projects are:
Bankhead MARTA LCI: DL Hollowell Pkwy road and pedestrian improvements for West Lake Avenue/Florence Place to Gary Avenue.
$2,177,047 in federal funding
$1,044,252 in local funding
Vine City/Washington Park LCI- Martin Luther King Jr Drive bicycle and pedestrian improvements from Northside Drive to Ollie Street.
$2,202,418 in federal funding
$2,011,804 in local funding
South Moreland LCI- Moreland/Glenwood intersection realignment.
$799,340 in federal funding
$538,911 in local funding
In the coming weeks, the City’s Office of Planning will seek ARC approval for the concept plan for each project listed above, which is necessary before engineering and design phases can begin.
For more information about these LCI projects, please visit www.AtlantaGa.Gov.
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Over the past ten years, 18 areas in the City of Atlanta have been designated as Livable Centers Initiatives, or LCIs. The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) offers the LCI program to encourage local jurisdictions to plan and implement strategies that link transportation improvements with land use development strategies. Creating sustainable and livable communities that complement regional development policies is the overarching goal of LCI initiatives.
In February, ARC approved funding for three pre-qualified LCI transportation projects developed by the City of Atlanta’s Department of Planning and Community Development. The projects were identified by the Department’s Office of Planning, in conjunction with the Department of Public Works. After the adoption of Resolution 09-R-2195 by Atlanta City Council, the Office of Planning submitted applications to fund five LCI pre-qualified transportation projects approved by ARC. The agency received more than 40 applications from local jurisdictions for projects requesting LCI transportation funds.
ARC will fund 80-percent of the design and construction, while the City of Atlanta is responsible for 20-percent of the design and construction costs plus all of the right-of-way costs. The development projects will feature traffic flow upgrades, pedestrian safety improvements and bicycle lane designations.
The selected LCI City of Atlanta projects are:
Bankhead MARTA LCI: DL Hollowell Pkwy road and pedestrian improvements for West Lake Avenue/Florence Place to Gary Avenue.
$2,177,047 in federal funding
$1,044,252 in local funding
Vine City/Washington Park LCI- Martin Luther King Jr Drive bicycle and pedestrian improvements from Northside Drive to Ollie Street.
$2,202,418 in federal funding
$2,011,804 in local funding
South Moreland LCI- Moreland/Glenwood intersection realignment.
$799,340 in federal funding
$538,911 in local funding
In the coming weeks, the City’s Office of Planning will seek ARC approval for the concept plan for each project listed above, which is necessary before engineering and design phases can begin.
For more information about these LCI projects, please visit www.AtlantaGa.Gov.
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Monday, March 1, 2010
Mayor Kasim Reed and the City of Atlanta Kick Off the Atlanta Counts 2010 Census Awareness Campaign
Mayor Kasim Reed and the City of Atlanta today launched the Atlanta Counts 2010 Census awareness campaign. Reed, who was joined by Atlanta City Council members, Fulton County Commissioners, several Georgia state legislators, and community and faith-based leaders, pledged to work tirelessly to ensure an accurate 2010 Census count.
“The Atlanta Counts campaign will be a partnership among government, business leaders, faith-based groups and grassroots organizations who, through their results-oriented work in our communities, have earned the trust of some of our City’s most vulnerable residents. An accurate Census count helps ensure that Atlanta receives its fair share of more than $400 billion in federal funds to provide our residents and business-owners with the quality of life they expect and deserve,” said Mayor Reed.
During his remarks, the Mayor outlined key aspects of the eight-week awareness campaign, which will include public service announcements, e-mails, and social media outreach and the launch of a new website, www.atlcensus2010.org, which will serve as a portal to Atlanta residents for news, updates and events concerning the Census. Linked to the site is a fully integrated Twitter, YouTube and Facebook presence.
Mayor Reed also will be personally visiting with business, civic, faith and community leaders throughout the City to ensure that Atlanta has the most accurate count for the 2010 Census. He said that a key challenge will be reaching historically undercounted communities and explaining to some residents that their answers to the Census Bureau cannot be shared.
“We’ll be going from neighborhood to neighborhood to explain that all Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the information they collect, or face fines up to $250,000, imprisonment, or both,” said Mayor Reed.
Mayor Reed will begin his series of community meetings on Tuesday, March 2nd with a visit to the District 11 Town Hall meeting hosted by City Councilwoman Keisha Lance Bottoms in southwest Atlanta. From there, he will head to a meeting of Neighborhood Planning Unit B in Buckhead. A complete listing of meetings is available at www.atlcensus2010.org.
The U.S. Census will mail out forms to Atlanta residents during the week of March 15 and Census Day will occur on April 1. From May 1 to July 1, Census workers will follow-up directly with non-responders.
At the event, Mayor Reed was joined by Ruthie Arnette, US Census Bureau; Nancy Boxill, Fulton County Commissioner; Vince Smith, Gateway Center; State Rep. Pedro Marin, (D-96); Helen Butler, Count Me Black Campaign – The Peoples’ Agenda; Deborah McClary-Moran, Atlanta Urban League; Maria Duarte, Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO); Helen Kim, Chair Asian Complete Count Committee – Center for Pan-Asian Community Services, Inc.; Rev. Winton Cobb, Cobb Christian Ministries; Rev. Eric Thomas, St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church; Rev. Jim Ellison, Atlanta 1st United Methodist Church; Kim Dang, Chair Vietnamese Complete Count Committee; Khaatim S. El, Atlanta Public Schools, and Atlanta City Council Members C.T. Martin, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Natalyn Archibong and Alex Wan, among many others.
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“The Atlanta Counts campaign will be a partnership among government, business leaders, faith-based groups and grassroots organizations who, through their results-oriented work in our communities, have earned the trust of some of our City’s most vulnerable residents. An accurate Census count helps ensure that Atlanta receives its fair share of more than $400 billion in federal funds to provide our residents and business-owners with the quality of life they expect and deserve,” said Mayor Reed.
During his remarks, the Mayor outlined key aspects of the eight-week awareness campaign, which will include public service announcements, e-mails, and social media outreach and the launch of a new website, www.atlcensus2010.org, which will serve as a portal to Atlanta residents for news, updates and events concerning the Census. Linked to the site is a fully integrated Twitter, YouTube and Facebook presence.
Mayor Reed also will be personally visiting with business, civic, faith and community leaders throughout the City to ensure that Atlanta has the most accurate count for the 2010 Census. He said that a key challenge will be reaching historically undercounted communities and explaining to some residents that their answers to the Census Bureau cannot be shared.
“We’ll be going from neighborhood to neighborhood to explain that all Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the information they collect, or face fines up to $250,000, imprisonment, or both,” said Mayor Reed.
Mayor Reed will begin his series of community meetings on Tuesday, March 2nd with a visit to the District 11 Town Hall meeting hosted by City Councilwoman Keisha Lance Bottoms in southwest Atlanta. From there, he will head to a meeting of Neighborhood Planning Unit B in Buckhead. A complete listing of meetings is available at www.atlcensus2010.org.
The U.S. Census will mail out forms to Atlanta residents during the week of March 15 and Census Day will occur on April 1. From May 1 to July 1, Census workers will follow-up directly with non-responders.
At the event, Mayor Reed was joined by Ruthie Arnette, US Census Bureau; Nancy Boxill, Fulton County Commissioner; Vince Smith, Gateway Center; State Rep. Pedro Marin, (D-96); Helen Butler, Count Me Black Campaign – The Peoples’ Agenda; Deborah McClary-Moran, Atlanta Urban League; Maria Duarte, Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO); Helen Kim, Chair Asian Complete Count Committee – Center for Pan-Asian Community Services, Inc.; Rev. Winton Cobb, Cobb Christian Ministries; Rev. Eric Thomas, St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church; Rev. Jim Ellison, Atlanta 1st United Methodist Church; Kim Dang, Chair Vietnamese Complete Count Committee; Khaatim S. El, Atlanta Public Schools, and Atlanta City Council Members C.T. Martin, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Natalyn Archibong and Alex Wan, among many others.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
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