Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has joined Mayors Against LGBT Discrimination, a bipartisan coalition of U.S. municipal leaders committed to fight against the discrimination of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. The coalition is committed to securing inclusive nondiscrimination protections for all, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals, at all levels of government. The organization was formed in recognition of the specific role mayors play in protecting the rights and safety of residents and in advancing policies that move communities and the nation forward. “The City of Atlanta is the cradle of the Civil Rights movement in America and we continue to value the protection of all human rights,” Bottoms said in a statement. “Joining Mayors Against LGBT Discrimination is another important step towards protecting the dignity and freedom of all who call Atlanta home.”

Pedestrians were invited to give their suggestions for bettering Fifth Street in Midtown at a recent pop-up event.

Atlanta architect firm TSW is working with the Midtown Alliance on a plan to improve Fifth Street from the Downtown Connector and Georgia Tech campus to its intersection with Myrtle Street. The Fifth Street Complete Street project will address and improve multi-modal transportation and make the road safer for cars, busses, cyclists, ride-shares and pedestrians. The project will also address public safety, stormwater runoff, lighting, beautification/greening, curb management, sidewalks, outdoor restaurant seating and more. Recently, TSW and Midtown Alliance solicited feedback from passers-by at Fifth Street and West Peachtree. Visitors also left positive and negative comments about Fifth Street, along with ideas for improvement. TSW and Midtown Alliance will conduct additional feedback sessions at more Fifth Street “pop-ups” and community meetings, before creating a comprehensive plan. For more information and to submit comments, visit MidtownAtl.com/5thStreetCompleteStreet.

More than 750 people attended the recent Landmark Luncheon fundraiser for the Piedmont Park Conservancy. The event raised more than $360,000 for park maintenance, programming and community outreach. The featured speaker was Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United owner Arthur Blank, Owner and Chairman Blank Family of Businesses. The Conservancy also honored the Atlanta Track Club with the Legacy Award and the Coca-Cola Company for its ongoing support of Piedmont Park’s recycling and water stewardship programs.

Collin Kelley has been the editor of Atlanta Intown for two decades and has been a journalist and freelance writer for 35 years. He’s also an award-winning poet and novelist.