Mayor Andre Dickens

61st Mayor of the City of Atlanta 

Andre Dickens is the 61st Mayor of Atlanta, bringing a lifelong commitment to the city and a dynamic vision to drive its progress as a global city of opportunity. A native Atlantan and product of Atlanta Public Schools, Mayor Dickens is focused on expanding opportunities, equity, and prosperity for all residents. 

As Chief Executive Officer, Mayor Dickens oversees the largest budget in Atlanta’s history, managing billions of dollars in general, enterprise, trust and pension funds. Under his leadership, the City of Atlanta achieved a historic upgrade to a AAA bond rating, the highest in the city’s history.  Well known for his goals of being a model employer, each of the city’s nearly 10,000 employees received pay increases annually and a $17.50/hr minimum wage. 

Mayor Dickens has implemented major advancements in public safety, economic development, and community support since taking office in 2022. With a vision of One Safe City, Mayor Dickens has championed initiatives to reduce crime, such as establishing the Nightlife Division to improve safety in higher crime nightlife areas. His approach also includes community-focused programs that led to a 21% reduction in homicides in 2023, with trends indicating further reductions in 2024. Through his Light Up the Night initiative, Atlanta’s street lighting network expanded with 30,000 energy-efficient LED lights installed over three years, significantly improving visibility and safety across neighborhoods. The Mayor’s Office of 

Violence Reduction has been instrumental in gang prevention, conflict resolution, domestic violence reduction, and more.  Additionally, Mayor Dickens  launched programs like the Midnight Basketball League and Year of the Youth, which provide Atlanta’s youth with positive outlets and skill-building opportunities, correlating directly with the city’s reduced crime rates. 

In economic development and housing, Mayor Dickens has advanced Atlanta’s affordability and inclusivity through a $58.7 million housing bond to create and preserve affordable housing, targeting homelessness and housing instability. He set an ambitious goal of establishing 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030, including innovative projects like The Melody, which uses repurposed shipping containers to offer sustainable housing for the unhoused. The city has also established a historic $60 million Homeless Opportunity Bond, the single largest investment  addressing homelessness in Atlanta’s history.  These initiatives reflect his commitment to creating stable and accessible housing for all Atlanta residents.  

Mayor Dickens also led a coalition to prevent Buckhead’s de-annexation, thereby maintaining the city’s integrity and resources. His Moving Atlanta Forward infrastructure package, currently with $240 million in active projects, is dedicated to upgrading roads, public spaces, and neighborhood connectivity. The expanded Pothole Posse further streamlines infrastructure maintenance, addressing road issues and enhancing city responsiveness. 

As a proactive climate action leader, Mayor Dickens has secured substantial grant awards to support sustainable urban development and environmental resilience. This dedication to a comprehensive approach to growth and safety reinforces Atlanta’s future as a vibrant, connected, and equitable city. 

Before his election as Mayor, he served eight years on the Atlanta City Council as an at-large representative. As a Council member, he championed initiatives in public safety, transportation, affordable housing, workforce development, and senior citizen programming. Key achievements include creating the Department of Transportation, advocating for a $15 per hour minimum wage for city employees, implementing BeltLine Inclusionary Zoning for affordable housing, and establishing a $40 million Housing Opportunity Bond.  

Mayor Dickens holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and . a Master of Public Administration from Georgia State University. Dedicated to civic and community leadership, Mayor Dickens served on numerous boards, including: 

In addition to his leadership roles, Mayor Dickens is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., a deacon at New Horizon Baptist Church, and an alumnus of Leadership Atlanta. 

In his free time, Mayor Dickens enjoys quality time with his daughter, live music, sports, and travel, while always championing Atlanta’s sports teams.