Westside residents, community members, and business leaders attended the July 19 Transform Westside Summit to hear from Courtney English, Chief Policy Officer and Senior Advisor to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, where he highlighted the City of Atlanta’s work on the Westside, his deep-rooted connection to the area and his ongoing commitment to addressing long-standing issues through his role in the Mayor’s office.
John Ahmann, Westside Future Fund President and CEO, and Ebony Ford, Director of Community Building & Engagement, Quest Community Development Corporation, welcomed new and returning attendees and Shawn Watwood, Senior Manager for Partnership and Sales, Home Depot Backyard, led the devotion.
Background and Personal Connection
English shared his personal story, growing up in Atlanta, attending and teaching in Atlanta Public Schools (APS), and his deep ties to the Westside. He recounted the challenges his family faced, having to use the “address hustle,” utilizing an address outside of where you live to be eligible to attend schools beyond your district, to access better educational opportunities, which shaped his commitment to creating equitable conditions for all Atlantans. His experiences as a student and teacher in APS, particularly the story of a student named Deshun, underscored the urgent need for comprehensive support systems in education, housing and economic mobility.
City of Atlanta’s Strategic Focus
English outlined his responsibilities as the Chief Policy Officer, highlighting the office’s role in addressing systemic issues, including income inequality, affordable housing, and youth development. The Mayor’s initiative to transform neighborhoods through targeted efforts was detailed, with a focus on seven key neighborhoods, including English Avenue and Vine City. English emphasized the intentional and collaborative approach required to rectify the historic inequities designed into Atlanta’s infrastructure and policies.
Neighborhood Initiatives and Housing Focus
The Summit highlighted the critical role of neighborhoods as units of change. English detailed the Mayor’s neighborhood initiative, which aims to create healthy, whole communities by integrating affordable housing, high-quality education, transit options and grocery stores. The initiative draws inspiration from the Westside Future Fund’s model, aiming to provide long-overdue amenities and opportunities to underserved neighborhoods.
Affordable Housing and Collaborative Efforts
English discussed the City’s ambitious affordable housing goals, including the creation or preservation of 20,000 units over eight years. With 5,000 units already delivered and another 5,000 in the pipeline, the City is actively working to accelerate housing development. English highlighted the formation of the Affordable Housing Strike Force, a collaborative effort involving various public and private partners to streamline housing projects. The City’s use of publicly owned land, including a significant project to convert the 42-story Two Peachtree Street office building into residential units, was also showcased.
Philosophy of Collaboration
English reiterated the Mayor’s belief that “Atlanta is a group project,” stressing the importance of partnerships with public agencies, private developers, nonprofits and philanthropists. The City’s Housing Help Center, which provides comprehensive support for housing-related issues, exemplifies this collaborative approach. English invited all stakeholders to engage with the city to help achieve the shared goal of making Atlanta a better place for everyone.
Miss the event? Watch the full Transform Westside Summit on YouTube.