Building Community: Kwanza Hall on the Issues

I. Safe, Protected Families and Businesses. We must have safe communities and that requires a comprehensive, proactive effort to protect our citizens. I support a data-driven analysis of crime paired with innovative policing as the most effective approach. This strategy must include hiring an additional 200 qualified and dedicated police officers who will have the training and salaries that keep them committed to our City neighborhoods. I will also push forward on affordable housing initiatives that will enable police officers and fire fighters to live in the city they help protect.

II. Balanced Growth. Atlanta is a great city and will be even more noble in the future – if we plan with that vision in mind. All growth requires balance – preserving important cultural and historic neighborhoods such as Inman Park and the M.L. King Historic District, while recognizing the opportunity for new ideas that reflect the shared values of communities. The starting point is input from District 2 residents. We must bring neighborhood concerns to the forefront of the conversation, well before any decisions are made. By properly balancing the expected growth in District 2 over the immediate future, we can use the process as a model for the rest of Atlanta. We need to look for opportunities to increase density utilizing new urbanism techniques, which include spacious greenways. I will continue to support the work underway within the SPI (special purpose interest) districts in Midtown and Downtown.

III. Increase Employment by Expanding Job Creation. The hospitality, entertainment and tourism industry currently generates 55,000 jobs in Atlanta annually and is one of the five targeted industry clusters in Atlanta's EDP.  Expanding job creation in our District will boost local employment and strengthen our city’s economy.

IV. World Class Transit. We need a world class transit system that allows residents to get in, around, and out of the city. Such a system seamlessly integrates MARTA, The Peachtree Trolley/Downtown Loop, the BeltLine, and other transportation options. I will make sure we continue to develop and nurture public-private partnerships to ensure that we provide a range of effective transportation alternatives. Connectivity between systems will attract greater numbers of passengers, help alleviate traffic congestion and improve air quality.

V. Lively, Healthy Communities. City Council District 2 is the heart of Atlanta. Because we are in the dense Downtown and Midtown areas, air pollution is one of the most critical environmental health problems our district faces. We must continue to expand transit options and encourage citizens to use their vehicles less. We must also continue to provide sidewalks and pedestrian/bike paths to give citizens healthy alternatives for getting around. We must be better stewards of our visible and invisible natural resources, investing in professional management with a high level of experience in dealing with large scale, extremely complex projects, notably the watershed projects currently underway. We must also remember that a vibrant arts community and common public parks that are well maintained for children and adults of all ages add value and joy to our city. To support these essential amenities, I will encourage the City to explore ways to provide sustained funding of public greenspace through Parks and Arts Bonds.

VI. Ethical Values, Principled Conduct. As a young activist I learned that standing up for principle brought me deep personal satisfaction and connected me to my community. My pledge to residents of District 2 is to continue to stand up for the principles and values that we share and to always conduct myself with honesty and transparency. I pledge to adhere to all codes of ethical behavior – whether written or implied – bringing honor to you and my family.