Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Funds Available for Atlanta
One day after Hurricane Ivan, Mayor Shirley Franklin requested disaster relief funds from the state with a resolution declaring a state of emergency in the City of Atlanta. The aid includes grants to pay for temporary housing, home repairs, and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
In making the announcement, Mayor Franklin said, “I encourage Atlanta residents and business owners to apply for assistance for damages sustained during Hurricane Ivan.”
The Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Center (AFEMA) served as the 24-hour disaster response center. The local emergency management center was activated during the storm to meet the immediate needs of Atlanta residents. Several city departments including, the Office of the Mayor’s, the Department of Watershed Management, Department of Public Works, Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, Office of Constituent Services, Department of Aviation, and the Atlanta Police and Atlanta Fire Departments staffed the Center.
The effects of the storm include major and minor damage to homes, businesses and government buildings. Most of the damage was caused by fallen trees, flash flooding and power outages. Mayor Franklin said, "The City incurred unanticipated costs as a result of the storm and preliminary figures indicate that it could be $3 million or more in personnel, services and equipment costs." Some Atlanta areas affected by the storm were a result of infrastructure problems that the Mayor continues to focus her efforts on federal funding for those repairs.
Residents and businesses can begin the FEMA disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 (TYY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free numbers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. Additional information is available online at www.fema.gov.
The Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services will continue to serve storm victims and assist residents with the FEMA process. For more emergency assistance information, please contact Constituent Services at (404) 330-6023 or visit the city website at www.atlantaga.gov.
(top)
Atlanta Business League Celebrates Super Tuesday
The Atlanta Business League (ABL) recently saluted "Women Shaping the Future" at the 20th Super Tuesday Award luncheon. The ABL event honored women of color who exemplify leadership in businesses that help create a more vibrant Atlanta. Mayor Shirley Franklin was the featured speaker.
"Through Super Tuesday," Mayor Franklin said, “the people of Atlanta can do more than celebrate accomplishments, we can rededicate ourselves to keeping doors of opportunity open for women of all colors. African American women, Asian Women, Latina women, all choose to use their accomplishments as an impetus to pull the next generation up the achievement ladder."
The Super Tuesday awards honor entrepreneurs and professionals who empower other women of color. The Millennium Pacesetter Awards were presented to executive director of the Victim Witness Assistance Program, Brenda Muhammad, and Vicki R. Palmer, Executive Vice President of Financial Services at Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. Leona Barr-Davenport, ABL president and CEO said, “Both ladies represent the leadership, commitment and excellence that we encourage all of our members to strive to achieve.”
The Atlanta Business League was established in 1933 as an affiliate of the National Business League. There are over 450 members in the 50-year-old Atlanta organization.
(top)
Atlanta Makes Strides With Walkable Task Force
Continuing to move forward on the commitment of the Franklin administration to create a safer, cleaner city and a better city for families, Mayor Franklin accepted The Walkable Atlanta Task Force "Plan for a Walkable Atlanta Report.” The plan will be the guide for strategies to make Atlanta a more pedestrian friendly place to live, work, play and visit.
"Walking provides the opportunity to reflect," explained Mayor Franklin at the news conference, "in fact, I made the decision to run for mayor during a walk through the community where I have lived for over thirty years. So, safe places to walk are especially important to me."
For years, Mayor Franklin has been an advocate for a more walkable city. She has been vocal in her support of projects that increase pedestrian connections through the city. So this year past January, the mayor appointed a group of citizens to help realize her vision of a more walkable Atlanta. The Walkable Atlanta Task Force has provided several ways to increase pedestrian walk places as well as funding and policy recommendations.
Highlights of the plan include:
1. building pedestrian infrastructure
2. encouraging development that entices pedestrians, such as outdoor dining
3. strengthening traffic laws and enforcement, and
4. connecting pedestrians to public transportation
Mayor Franklin accepted the plan as a challenge to city government to respond to the needs of the people of Atlanta as they take the personal responsibility to lead healthier lives by exploring this great city by foot.
"Initiatives such as the current public education campaign will highlight the city-wide sidewalk improvement plan. It is a way for us to keep Atlanta aware of improvements that will lead us to a city where residents can roll strollers, jog and walk with safety," said Public Works Commissioner David Scott.
Mayor Franklin expressed her gratitude to the Walkable Atlanta Task Force committee chaired by Helen Hatch. Other task force members are Lisa Borders, the new Atlanta City Council President, Charles Brewer, Mark Feinknopf, Sally Flocks, Gil Garrison, Mike Meyer, Caleb Raciot, Buddy Small, Flora Tommie, Brighton West and Saundi Wilson.
Mayor Shirley Franklin (r) accepts The Walkable Atlanta Task Force "Plan for a Walkable Atlanta Report from Helen Hatch (l) and other members of the Task Force at a recent news conference. |
(top)
Atlanta Hosts National Public Works Officials
The City of Atlanta and the Department of Public Works hosted the American Public Works Association (APWA) in Atlanta last week for the 2004 Annual Congress and Exposition. The annual meeting attracts over 5,000 public works professionals — from both public and private sectors — from all across the United States and over 14 international countries. The conference includes workshops, keynote speakers, and more than 150 individual education sessions covering all aspects of public works management. The exhibition attracts more than 300 exhibitors with state-of-the-art products and services.
Public works officials and employees from throughout the United States experienced our southern hospitality at a reception in the Atlanta City Hall Atrium. Mayor Franklin greeted the group and expressed appreciation for the dedicated public works officers, "charged to bring intellect, commitment and hard work to do what we know must be done in cities and towns throughout America."
"Infrastructure issues have been on the forefront of this administration’s agenda for a long time," Lynnette Young, current Chief Operating Officer for the City of Atlanta explained, "Mayor Franklin has a unique understanding and willingness to move forward on really tough issues" involving the less romantic side of running the daily operations of a major city.
David Scott, Commissioner of Public Works and Rob Hunter, Commissioner of Watershed Management, congratulated the APWA for making a tremendous impact on American cities. Commissioner Scott said, “ It was great to have the conference here in Atlanta at such a critical time in the City’s historic efforts to transform our 100 year-old sewer system so that generations to come will have the quality of life they deserve.” Public work officials continue to anticipate and fulfill the needs in communities across the country. Zack Davis, president of the Georgia Chapter of APWA and 29-year city employee, chaired the Conference and represented the City well.
The American Public Works Association is an international educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies and individuals dedicated to providing high quality public works goods and services.
Mayor Shirley Franklin (center) is joined by Public Works Commissioner David E. Scott (l) and Chief Operating Officer Lynnette Young (r) to welcome public works officials and employees from throughout the United States at a reception in the Atlanta City Hall Atrium. |
(top)
Mayor Franklin Seeking Solutions for Homelessness
Mayor Shirley Franklin took advantage of the opportunity to discuss one of her favorite issues, homelessness, at a recently monthly luncheon "Food for Thought" discussion. The “Food for Thought” began six years ago at North Avenue Presbyterian Church as a gathering place for business and professional women in midtown and downtown Atlanta.
Mayor Franklin engaged the audience with progress on her Blueprint to End Homelessness in Atlanta in Ten Years, including updates on the 24/7 Gateway Center. The Gateway Center is a 24-hour services center will provide homeless individuals with a safe, indoor place to rest and receive basic and special needs services. The full service center will provide outreach workers and incentives such as showers, lockers and referrals for assistance and case management.
United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta convened a commission and was charged by the mayor with developing strategies to help eliminate homelessness. The Gateway Center is just one of the recommendations that best exemplifies how the civic, business and faith-based communities can unite and have a lasting impact on social and economic conditions. The Gateway Center is "a symbol of what can be accomplished," said Mayor Shirley Franklin, who is "convinced that there are practical and effective ways to tackle [homelessness] head-on.”
(top)
Stakeholder Spotlight: Colette Steward-Dozier, R.N., B.S.N., Department of Corrections
Colette Steward-Dozier, R.N., B.S.N is a charge nurse on the morning watch at the Atlanta City Detention Center. She has dedicated 13 years to correctional health care.
Although the job is difficult and demanding, Steward-Dozier enjoys the challenge. The opportunity to share health education with women and men in correctional facilities encourages Nurse Steward-Dozier to remain committed to her life's work.
Nurse Steward-Dozier explains "patient advocacy is paramount" to ensuring the "continuity and quality of care" for people in correctional facilities. The City of Atlanta salutes Colette Steward-Dozier for her outstanding service!
NOTE: Atlanta stakeholders are the dedicated women and men who strive to make Atlanta an even better place to call home. Through community service efforts and innovative methods of offering support to fellow residents, stakeholders featured in Stakeholder Spotlight make an incredible impact on the city.
The Stakeholder Spotlight is the City of Atlanta's way of expressing gratitude to the countless individuals responsible for keeping Atlanta constantly on the rise as a "best in class" city.
(top)
City of Atlanta Seeking Budding Artists
Once a year, City of Atlanta employees have an opportunity to submit their artwork for display and competition in the National Arts Program Exhibit.
The Bureau of Cultural Affairs collaborates with the National Arts Program Foundation to sponsor the Annual Arts Exhibit. The title for this year's exhibit is "SPLASH!...Art from the City."
The exhibit will run November 5, 2004 through January 7, 2005 at City Gallery East located at City Hall East.
The National Arts Program provides cash awards and partial scholarships to winners in five categories. There are amateur, intermediate and professional categories. Camille Russell Love, Bureau of Cultural Affairs Director, "encourages all city employees to show their talents and to take advantage of the charming exhibition space at City Gallery East and showcase your artwork to the world!"
The deadline for registration is October 5, 2004. For more information call 404-817-6815 or visit www.bcaatlanta.com to download registration forms.
(top)