What is it??

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Atlanta needs a new budget. The People’s Budget is here to help. The People’s Budget is a campaign to get the Mayor and City Council to reallocate at least $38 million of the $673 million budget into the future of local Atlanta communities. The People’s Budget is a city-wide chance for Atlanta communities to have a unified say in the budgeting process. It’s a democratic way for community members to decide how the city should spend its money better. The People’s Budget gives the people real power over real dollars.

 

Where does it come from??

 

The People’s Budget is the answer to a long-term problem: Atlanta’s budget still doesn’t fund our needs. Did you know that Atlanta has the highest income disparity in the country, but has yet to spend any real money to address poverty? That’s just one example of the city’s priorities way out of line. Here’s another: during COVID, when Black and Brown communities can’t get enough support to keep residents in their homes, provide healthcare or create job opportunities for young people, city checkbooks find plenty of ink to keep expanding policing.  Fact is: though increasing money for police services aims to reduce crime and increase safety, the real results have been way different - an increase in excessive, brutal police practices and Atlanta communities that still don’t feel safe.

 

Other cities have already heeded the call. The People’s Budget is long overdue – especially for those who live everyday watching community priorities get chump-changed in the City of Atlanta.

 

Why do we need it??

 

Imagine a budget that is actually committed to our communities’ wealth, health and safety, education, housing and arts and culture. By making sure that funding flows straight to the stewards of these priorities, we are able to nurture the roots of what makes our communities strong and powerful. We need bold and big action for the future of our Black and Brown communities. It starts and ends with the money. It’s about time for deep changes – it’s about time for the People’s Budget.

 

How can I make it happen??

 

The People’s Budget is only as powerful as the coalition of voices behind it. The clock is ticking to make our voices heard. In June, City Council will meet to approve the mayor’s proposed budget for next year. For them to make the right decision, we need to get the budget priorities of our Black and Brown communities at the top of council members' minds by that day.

In March and April, we are hosting a series of Town Halls with Atlanta communities and organizations to co-learn about the budgeting process and discuss how to best make use of funds. In April, we are launching our first annual People’s Budget survey to gather our voices together and make it clear to the City Council where Atlanta’s money really resides.

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We need your help. To join the list of voices heard in the People’s Budget, sign up here.