AP/AJC:

Newly released data shows Atlanta was one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities from 2007 to 2008.

Census data released Wednesday shows Atlanta among its top 25 fastest-growing cities with populations over 100,000, as measured by the number of new individuals. The bureau found the population shifted from 520,368 persons in July 2007 to 537,958 in July 2008, about 3.4 percent.

Andisheh said it best over at The Fresh Loaf:

Good thing local and state leaders are working so well together to meet our transportation and water needs.

Yeah, and financial solvency and public safety ta boot.

It was a pleasure visiting Mechanicsville and supporting the efforts of that neighborhood in demanding better public safety. Dealing with their own unique challenges, Mechanicsville has come together to not only better patrol their own streets but do so in concert with the Atlanta Police Department.

Here are some video snapshots from the rally!

Definitely an interesting read. What’s your take?

THE AJC MISLEADS AGAIN ON CRIME, THE POLICE, AND NOW THE TAX HIKE

Campaign for Atlanta and Atlantans Together are pleased to announce two forums where the top four Mayoral candidates - Lisa Borders, Mary Norwood, Kasim Reed, and Jesse Spikes - will be asked their plans for addressing the difficult issues facing Atlanta. Our goal will be to get past the campaign rhetoric and talking points to get to the well-considered ideas and plans each candidate has to turn Atlanta around.

FORUM ON BASIC SERVICES (Police, Fire, & Water) & CREATING A COMPETENT BUREAUCRACY
July 18th and July 19th

FORUM ON FINANCIAL SOLVENCY
August 15th and August 16th

Each candidate will get a 75 minute time slot to sit before the panel and answer questions. The forums are free but space is limited. Tickets will be distributed via this website and through neighborhood partners. All answered questions will be made public via YouTube and other video sites.

More information will be announced soon!

Campaign for Atlanta is a group working to raise the level of debate in the mayoral race this year. They are bringing neighborhoods and other groups together to explore the Mayoral candidates’ plans for addressing the growing issues facing the city. The intent is to get past the rhetoric and talking points and get to the well-considered ideas and plans the candidates have for turning Atlanta around.

CFA believes we have three major issues facing the city right now:

• Financial Solvency
• Safety and Basic Services
• Competence and Good Government

ATAC and CFA will be hosting two forums where the top four Mayoral candidates - Lisa Borders, Mary Norwood, Kasim Reed, and Jesse Spikes - will be answering our questions. All candidates have confirmed participation and the event will occur at The Carter Center.

Like Atlantans Together, CFA is reaching out to neighborhoods across the city and many are coming together to be a part of the campaign. Current partners include:

• Atlantans Together Against Crime
• Fulton County Taxpayers Association
• Midtown Ponce Security Alliance
• Organized Neighbors of Summerhill
• South Atlanta Civic League
• Capitol View Neighborhood Association
• Sylvan Hills Neighborhood Association
• South Atlantans for Neighborhood Development (SAND)

The list will continue to expand. If your neighborhood would like to stand with us please contact Kyle.

:: UPDATE ::

AJC’s Sunday article on CFA.

I’m proud to announce our fifth ATAC rally will be hosted in Mechanicsville next Tuesday, June 30th. Just west of Turner Field and south of downtown, Mechanicsville is an incredible neighborhood that’s come together in the face of challenges. Upon invitation, Atlantans Together has coordinated with The Mechanicsville Eyes and Ears, a public safety initiative of the Mechanicsville Civic Association, to host this rally and come together in support this south Atlanta neighborhood.

Tuesday, June 30th
6 pm - 7 pm
Ralph David Abernathy Square
(RDA Blvd between Formwalt & Cooper Streets)

The rally will be short and sweet considering the potential heat. This time/date was also chosen to coincide with the Braves game starting at 7 pm.  There should be lots of activity in the area and along Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.

I’d like to personally encourage Atlantans from all around the city to come out in support of Mechanicsville. They are doing some incredible things in their area to fight & stem crime. Let’s turn out in support!

Facebook event and invite here! Please spread the word!

Task Force for the Homeless had their water and electricity shut off last night with 575 homeless sleeping here.

Right now TFFTH needs 3 things:
1. Cold Water.
2. Bodies for Service.
3. People to help plan for an action this afternoon as they have a public hearing scheduled.

Please consider donating or getting involved. The address is 477 Peachtree Street.

(h/t to Rachael Spiewak and Tessa Horehled for the info.)

If you’re interested to know more about city finances and how the proposed property tax increase will affect you, then check out this document (PDF).  It’s a 17 page PDF that was forwarded to me from Kwanza Hall’s office. If you have questions, concerns, or further thoughts then contact your Councilperson! Or better yet, run for their seat!

Everyblock is basically a news site for your block.  It collects news, reviews, photos, crimes, foreclosures, and a slew of other things and puts them all on one page for your neighborhood.  Check the news happening around my block in Little Five Points.  What’s happening around yours?

The site is now in beta testing for Atlanta.  It already exists in these cities.  Pick a neighborhood and check it out!

There’s been a lot of talk about the 2008 crime statistics and what’s up and what’s down.  I haven’t weighed in on the topic because I feel the same as I always do: it doesn’t really matter to me.  One violent crime is one too many.  One home invasion is one too many.  If people across Atlanta are fed up enough that they’re coming together to make their neighborhoods safer, then that’s what’s important to me. Let’s galvanize our effort - across neighborhood and community boundaries - and come together for the common good of our city.

Still, I was contacted today to comment on the AJC article that that sites Atlanta as “the second least safe city in the U.S,” just below Memphis.  I feel the same as I said above and I said as much to the interviewer (although it’s not quoted in the article).  What is quoted, however, is when I said,

That’s certainly what a lot of Atlantans I’ve talked to have felt.  They feel like it’s dangerous, regardless of what neighborhood you live in.

And I believe this is true.  This is probably part of the reason you’re visiting this website or became a member of the Facebook group.  We’re all concerned and want to do something about it.

Let’s not harp too much on the details of this report or that report in regards to crime in our city.  Let’s just take this moment to come together in ways that fundamentally help it.  Whether you’ve been a victim of crime or not, or feel less safe or not, let’s move forward in constructive ways that help communities from the bottom up and hold our elected officials accountable from the top down.  Volunteer with Hands on Atlanta. Plant a tree in a neighborhood that needs one.  Support other neighborhoods and communities by coming to our rallies.  Get involved in your neighborhood and talk to your community. We’ll all be building a better Atlanta, together, by doing so.