ATLANTA (AP) - Mayor Andre Dickens is campaigning for a second term as he aims to maintain his leadership after guiding Atlanta out of the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing a rise in crime. With $1.4 million in campaign funds and support from key figures such as civil rights leader and former mayor Andrew Young, Dickens is confident as the city prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, its most significant event since the 1996 Olympics.
So far, no major challengers have emerged ahead of the fall election, which could lead to a less contentious campaign than the one in 2021 when Dickens secured an unexpected victory against more prominent opponents. Dickens emphasizes his commitment to reducing crime and enhancing affordable housing, while dismissing criticism from activists who believe he has distanced himself from progressive ideals, particularly over his endorsement of a controversial $115 million police and firefighter training center, known as "Cop City."
In an interview, Dickens stated, "The city got stabilized during my term, unified during my term, and is on a path that everybody can want to come here to raise a family." Law professor Fred Smith Jr. praises Dickens as an "energizing force" for ramping up affordable housing construction and successfully preventing efforts from Atlanta's wealthiest neighborhood to secede from the city. However, Smith notes that many residents feel unheard, especially regarding transit issues and the training center project.
Atlanta is set to become one of the 16 cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with an event preview occurring this summer when it hosts six matches of the FIFA Club World Cup. Dickens acknowledges the anticipated influx of visitors but aims to address the city's ongoing public transportation challenges. He previously scaled back a planned light rail line along the Eastside Beltline trail to prioritize other necessary projects, which are expected to take significant time to complete.
On the subject of housing, Dickens has pledged to build or preserve 20,000 affordable housing units over two terms, with over half already built or under construction. The majority of these units are rentals targeted at individuals earning 60% or less of the median household income, as reported by the 2023 U.S. Census Bureau. Despite this progress, affordable housing continues to decline amidst rising living costs and increased competition from wealthier residents, a trend worsened since the Olympics. Dickens has acknowledged this pressing issue while investing millions to combat homelessness, although his administration faced criticism after a tragedy involving a homeless man killed during a clearance operation.
Additionally, Dickens has prioritized reducing crime amidst a general decline seen across the U.S. His efforts have led to a 46% reduction in overall violent crime and a 23% decrease in youth crime from 2023 to 2024, according to law enforcement officials. The Atlanta Police Chief credited Dickens with raising officers’ salaries and improving their working conditions, contributing to higher retention rates and shorter 911 response times. Furthermore, Dickens has implemented sports and job programs to take a comprehensive approach to address crime.
The "Cop City" training center remains a contentious issue, as Dickens has been criticized for seeming to align with police interests over community concerns. Activists argue the center would further militarize police forces and harm the environment, especially regarding its proximity to a Black neighborhood. Tensions escalated following a fatal incident involving police shooting a protestor opposed to the project. Critics assert that Dickens' administration has not fostered trust with progressives who might have been allied with him.
In addition to these challenges, Dickens faced severe backlash following a water crisis last May that left many residents without service for days. Critics pointed to inadequate communication from his administration during the crisis. Dickens has since announced plans to refurbish the city's aging water and sewer infrastructure. Moreover, he dealt with controversy surrounding the resignation of the city’s inspector general amid accusations of obstructing oversight, which Dickens claims were justified.
As Dickens approaches his reelection campaign, he expressed a desire to repair relationships with critics, stating, "The unifier in me is going to use the power of being a second-term mayor to bring everybody into the group project."
