(ATLANTA, GA) - Community members continued to voice their concerns about the impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the city during the full Atlanta City Council meeting on May 4.
“As Atlanta prepares for the World Cup, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity, but we also have a responsibility to make sure this moment actually benefits the people who live here,” Michael Collins said during public comments. “If we are serious about safety, we should be investing in what works — community-based solutions that prevent harm before they happen.”
Kannette King, the movement policy associate at the Southern Center for Human Rights, shared her thoughts on a separate 404 Day study conducted by the council. The city has plans to create a special event technical advisory group aimed at reviewing how large-scale events are planned and managed in the city.
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“While we appreciate the intent behind the 404 Day study resolution and the creation of the special event technical advisory group, or CTA,” she said. “Today we must respectfully offer recommendations to ensure these efforts address violence without expanding the criminal legal system or increasing the city’s carceral footprint.”
Community concerns over the council addressing violence in the city continued with Laith Alshayeb, who spoke on behalf of the Atlanta Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, about a fatal police shooting that happened on October 11, 2025.
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“Linton Blackwell was murdered at the hands of APD officer Gerald Walker," Alshayeb said. “He was a 42-year-old father of two teenage daughters. He was an artist, a resident of Buckhead and a beloved community member. On October 11, he was shot 17 times in the back by an off duty cop. Gerald Walker is still on the force and has faced no accountability. He should be in prison for this cold blooded murder.”
Other agenda items included a proposal to improve special event permitting at Piedmont Park and a temporary pause on the redevelopment of a Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway property tied to homeless services.
Michael Halicki, president and CEO of Park Pride, shifted the conversation to focus on parks funding and oversight, saying that it’s difficult to track how maintenance dollars are allocated and urged the city council to assert clearer benchmarks for park spending.
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“I’m here today because I care deeply about Atlanta’s parks and neighborhoods,” Halicki said. I follow the budget closely. One ongoing challenge is that it’s difficult to clearly identify how much funding is specifically for park maintenance. We know that funding has increased, but we still don’t have clear benchmarks on where we started, where we are today, and where we’ll be over time.”
The council also revealed plans to revise a compensation plan for the fire Rescue Department for higher wages and more competitive pay.
The meeting started with the recognition of Water Safety Month, Historic Preservation Month and National Transportation Week, along with proclamations that were presented to Sonya and Jayla Ceasar, two school-aged entrepreneurs who are working to make a positive impact in their communities.
Please email mia.s@lead4earth.com for questions, concerns or comments.
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