Shean Atkins

 Having served 10 years as chief of staff for the 11th Council District at the City of Atlanta, I am the only candidate in this race who has municipal government and legislative experience. I have also served as a vice president for the largest housing authority in Georgia – where we developed mixed-income communities with market-rate amenities and spurred billions in economic development. I have proudly served my community of Jefferson Park as board chair and the City of East Point on the Planning and Zoning Commission for more than two decades. My work experience is also undergirded by my professional degree in architecture from Howard University’s School of Architecture and City Planning.  

See my platform here (or read below): CLICK HERE

Code Enforcement: Comprehensive Code Enforcement for a More Vibrant, Cleaner, and Safer City

East Point, like many urban areas, struggles with vacant, abandoned properties, excessive trash, tall grass, and inoperable vehicles. Studies have shown that these issues contribute to rising crime rates and declining property values. To enhance the health, safety, and aesthetics of East Point, a thorough review and restructuring of code enforcement are essential. Implementing effective measures can reverse neighborhood decline, deter crime, attract new businesses and residents, and improve the overall quality of life.

Smart Growth: Driving Smart Growth with Visionary Planning

Smart, managed growth is crucial for East Point’s future. I believe in achieving economic prosperity while protecting all residents – including legacy, aging adults and low-wealth communities. By focusing on creating diverse housing opportunities, walkable neighborhoods, and preserving open spaces, we can attract the development and rich amenities East Point deserves. With a strong background in planning and development, I am committed to bridging the gap between community needs and developer goals to ensure that East Point’s growth benefits everyone and fosters a thriving, well-planned city.

Public Safety: Employing Comprehensive Strategies for Safer Communities

Public safety in East Point requires a balanced approach that includes both enforcement and prevention. Effective community policing, modern crime-fighting technology, and data-driven strategies are key to reducing crime and building trust between law enforcement and residents. I am committed to enhancing public safety through strategic investments, improved communication networks, and partnerships that address the root causes of crime, including social services, education, and job creation. By prioritizing mental health services, addiction treatment, and youth diversion programs, we can create a safer East Point that fosters security and encourages investment.

Arts & Culture: Building East Point’s Cultural Landscape

Supporting arts and culture is integral to fostering a vibrant, inclusive East Point. The arts enrich lives, spark creativity, and promote cultural understanding. Investing in the arts not only provides creative spaces but also celebrates our shared heritage, boosts economic growth, and attracts tourism. I will be a strong advocate for government support to ensure that all East Point residents have access to artistic experiences, regardless of socio-economic background and helping East Point develop its cultural identity and become a beacon of cultural innovation and diversity.

Parks & Recreation: A Commitment to Community Well-Being

Parks and recreational facilities are vital to East Point’s well-being, – offering spaces for leisure, physical activity, and social interaction. I am committed to expanding and improving East Point’s recreation facilities, including building a new recreation center and natatorium on the city’s westside. By enhancing program offerings for all age groups and investing in facility upgrades, we can promote physical and mental health, foster a sense of community, and protect our environment.

Quality Service Delivery: Optimizing Service Delivery through Efficient Solutions

Municipal services are fundamental to East Point’s daily life – impacting everything from infrastructure maintenance to utility services. By implementing policies and technology platforms that streamline access to information, expedite permitting processes, and facilitate quick action to service requests, we can make interacting with municipal offices a seamless, more efficient and customer-focused experience.

East Point Police

CODE ENFORCEMENT

While on the campaign trail, I have heard time and time again citizen frustration with the lack of effective code enforcement in our city. Code compliance is not just about adherence to building codes and standards, but it also affects many other areas of our city operations – including economic development and public safety. I will commit to a focus of strengthening our code enforcement to help realize a more aesthetically appealing and safer city that will attract new investment and new residents to help bring quality, livable wage jobs and rich amenities to our city and help grow our tax base. 

I feel East Point’s greatest challenge is realizing that she is a gem and fulfilling dreams big enough to give her the shine she so deserves! Our city has so much untapped potential and is ripe for smart, managed growth where everyone has an improved quality of life and the opportunity to thrive. I will be dedicated to encouraging and voting for development that bridges the gap of residents’ needs and developer goals, while also working collaboratively with colleagues to enact policies that would protect legacy, aging residents and low-wealth households 

This election is about representative politics. It is my hope that the citizens of East Point are not only engaged in the election to fill this seat, but in the governance of our city. An informed and active citizenry supported by good governance can yield the vibrant and inclusive city we all wish to have. #GetInvolvedStayInvolved!