(ATLANTA, GA) -- The first Atlanta City Council meeting of the month brought some significant themes to the table.
OpGov.ai captured the meeting with this real-time reporter, following up and confirming details for accuracy.
Beginning of Atlanta City Council Meeting Photo Credit: Atlanta City Council YouTube
The Atlanta City Council meeting on February 2, 2026, was marked by routine administrative approvals alongside intense public outcry, primarily concerning police accountability and the city's approach to homelessness and housing, according to the OpGov.ai platform.
Additionally, the platform reports that the meeting consistently highlighted the council's perceived inaction and lack of transparency regarding the fatal shooting of Linton Blackwell by Officer Gerald Walker, criticisms of inadequate city services, and concerns over proposed legislation impacting vulnerable populations.
Blackwell’s death was a popular topic during the Dec. 3 City Council meeting. OpGov.ai covered the issue at the time.
Blackwell was killed, shot nearly 20 times in Oct. 2025 by off-duty police officer Gerald Walker.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was tasked with investigating Blackwell’s death back in December, according to Public Affairs Specialist Jade Hensel.
Residents didn’t stay silent about Blackwell’s death during public comments.
Blackwell’s friend Shamala Harun gave a tearful statement.
Shamala Harun at the Atlanta City Council Meeting Photo Credit: Atlanta City Council
“If it happened to me, he would be right up here today,” Harun said. “He didn’t deserve to be shot 17 times in his back. If it was any of y’all’s kids, you would feel how I feel.”
Harun was puzzled about why Walker is still employed and serving the community. The thought of Blackwell’s death is in Harun’s head every day.
Veronica Graham, who is Blackwell’s sister, addressed the City Council.
Veronica Graham at the Atlanta City Council Meeting Photo Credit: Atlanta City Council YouTube
“I want to understand why this officer, Gerald Walker, isn’t being held accountable for my brother’s death,” Graham said. “He’s still working and being paid.”
Graham wants to know why Blackwell’s death hasn’t been on the news and received more coverage.
Graham wanted to reinforce the tragedy of Blackwell’s death, and she won’t rest until justice is served.
“I want y’all to continue to remember his name because we’re not going to stop,” Graham said. “We’re going to continue to bring awareness until something is done.”
Homelessness was also a popular topic at the City Council meeting.
Jodie Williams didn’t bite her tongue when called to the podium. Williams stated that she has visited warming centers, shelters, and organizations that help the homeless.
Jodie Williams at the Atlanta City Council Meeting Photo Credit: Atlanta City Council YouTube
“I am seeing more and more of our women and children unhoused at these shelters and warming centers,” Williams said.
“This is an address to the mayor; you have another term. I hope you stop giving the money that is sent down for the homeless to investors.”
Williams requested that the mayor build a 21-story building to combat homelessness and stop providing false hope to those unsheltered.
OpGov.ai covered the issue of homelessness extensively last year.
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