The Atlanta City Council unanimously approved legislation Monday finalizing the creation of the Office of Inspector General.  The ordinance establishes the roles and responsibilities of the office, creates a structure of governance, and requires the provision of funds necessary for facilities, equipment, and staffing. As part of the legislation, three divisions of the city’s government fall under the Inspector General – ethics, independent procurement review, and compliance. The legislation was introduced by District 6 Councilmember Jennifer Ide and co-sponsored by District 7 Councilmember Howard Shook and District 11 Councilmember Marci Collier Overstreet.  “This is a constructive, positive step for the city,” Ide said. “Finalizing this legislation was a careful and collaborative process and I’m grateful for the support from my colleagues in creating this position to root out waste, fraud and corruption in city government.”

Moddelmog

The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) has announced that Hala Moddelmog will step down from her post as president and CEO. Moddelmog entered the role in January 2014 as the first woman to lead the organization and is credited with bringing business-savvy and a next-generation approach to MAC’s work. MAC’s executive governing committee has appointed a search committee led by Larry Gellerstedt to conduct an internal and external search for the organization’s next president and CEO with an eye towards a leader with roots in the business community and experience successfully navigating a changing environment. “What major American region is purposefully trying to double or triple in size while also becoming more sustainable, more equitable and more transit-friendly? I’ve heard leaders ask this question and, in my view, the answer is clearly ‘Atlanta.’ We can become that city and region,” said Moddelmog. “The Metro Atlanta Chamber has such deep roots in our community and has played a role in almost every major Atlanta milestone across 160 years. Leading this organization for the past six years and working with business and community leaders to birth new initiatives that drive the region forward has been an honor.”
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has announced the acquisition of 12.42 acres of public land for the development of a new park in Southwest Atlanta. This announcement follows a unanimous vote by City Council approving the acquisition. The Conservation Fund held the property located at 4391 Danforth Road, SW until the city purchased it. The property is expected to close during the second quarter of this year and, upon its acquisition, will involve site stabilization that will make it accessible to the community. The Department of Parks and Recreation will retain all responsibility and maintenance of the property as a public park.