New Solid Waste Services Collection in Effect
Yesterday the Office of Solid Waste Services launched a new solid waste collection process that will establish long-term improvements in operations, customer service and environmental sustainability.
The new collection improvements will not only create a more cost-efficient collection process, but residents will benefit from a safer, cleaner and greener Atlanta. The most noticeable changes in the new solid waste collection process include:
- New collection days for most customers.
- Weekly collection of waste materials (garbage, recycling and yard waste).
- Yard waste will not be collected in plastic bags. It must be placed in paper yard waste (kraft) bags or a container clearly labeled “yard trimmings.”
- Only 5 additional bags of garbage are allowed in addition to the contents of your Herbie Curbie for garbage collection.
For more information, call 404.330.6333 or visit www.atlantaga.gov.
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Hartsfield-Jackson, Atlanta Police Use ‘HOPE’ at Airport to Aid Homeless
Atlanta Police are employing a new approach when encountering homeless residents who loiter at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (HJAIA).
Project H.O.P.E. (Homeless Outreach Prevention Emergency Services) is a unit of the Atlanta Police Department (Zone 5) whose officers are specially trained to identify the needs of the chronically homeless, specifically those with mental health issues. Officers work with the 24/7 Gateway Center and other partners to direct homeless residents toward supportive transitional services.
In 2008, APD and HJAIA launched H.O.P.E. Team– Airport (HTA). Last year, Airport APD officers had approximately 700 encounters with homeless residents. HTA now directs these residents toward service-organizations that will assist them with self-sufficiency. To date, HTA has referred 44 homeless residents to the 24/7 Gateway Center.
“We can address the homeless issue at the Airport from a holistic approach,” said Major Daryl Tolleson, Airport Section Commander. “With an approach of helping the homeless get into treatment, housing, job training, employment, and family reunification through our partnerships, we move away from the traditional law enforcement strategies and become a more proactive partner with those whose goal it is to return people to self sufficiency.”
About Project HOPE: In 2004, Atlanta became the first Georgia city to launch a crisis intervention public safety program. In 2006, the APD Zone 5 Project HOPE Team received the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) award for “Officers of the Year.”
For more information on Hope Team-Airport (HTA) call Sergeant Valerie Sellers at 404.530.6630.
Major Darryl Tolleson, APD Airport Commander, introduces H.O.P.E. Team – Airport (HTA).
APD Chief Richard Pennington (center) joins Debi Starnes, Mayor’s Office Liaison on Homelessness (left) and members of the APD H.O.P.E. Team. |
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African American Males Successfully Complete Pilot Job Training Program
Last week, 13 men completed the Pursuit of Excellence Institute, a four-week mentoring and job training program facilitated by the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) to support the fight against joblessness among African American men.
The pilot program, sponsored by Seagram’s Gin Company, was conducted in Atlanta and Chicago. Participants, ages 25-32, were either underemployed or seeking employment. The program paired them with successful, inspiring individuals for one-on-one mentoring and each man received essential job skills including interviewing, dressing for success, technical skills and financial savvy.
At the program’s conclusion, each man received a certificate and was awarded a $500 stipend. One participant - Jairus Glenn - was recognized for outstanding participation and received a check for $2500 and a gift card for a career wardrobe. All 13 participants are currently receiving job placement and technical training through AWDA employment and training programs.
Said Richard Crockett, program participant, of his experience: “You may ask what have I gained from being in this program? I have gained the force I need to pursue my dreams and take control of my life. I have gained the awareness that I am destined for greatness. I have learned what it takes to make myself more marketable. I have accepted the challenge and accountability that comes along with being a man determined to rise.”
“AWDA and Seagram’s Gin Company focused on a major issue in the United Sates - the unemployment rate of young African American males - and have proved that all it takes is a little time and attention to prepare these young men for success in corporate America,” said Mayor Shirley Franklin.
Pursuit of Excellence participants join Mayor Shirley Franklin. Pictured from l-r (Front Row) Jairus Glenn, Omotayo Omidiji, and Mayor Franklin. (Second Row) Dantavious Heard, Robert Lee, Michael Rios, Richard Crockett, Quincy McBride and Dorian Williams. |
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Public Invited to Provide Input into Citywide Transportation Plan
Last fall, the Bureau of Planning began a yearlong process to develop the Connect Atlanta Plan, the first comprehensive transportation plan for the City of Atlanta.
The Connect Atlanta Plan will guide the next 25 years of transportation policy and investment in ways that contribute to Atlanta’s larger vision of creating a more modern, vibrant, and sustainable city.
The time has come to make recommendations for each neighborhood. The public is invited to join a series of open, multi-day workshops. For more information visit www.connectatlantaplan.com or call 404.330.6800.
- Intown South & Southside - March 10-13 (NPUs S, T, V, X, Y, Z)
Location: Atlanta Metropolitan College - Academic Building #500, 1630 Metropolitan Parkway, SW
Kickoff: Monday, March 10th at 6:30pm
Recap: Thursday, March 13th at 6:30pm
Workshops: Open Monday through Thursday from 10:00am to 8:00pm
Directions: MARTA Bus #54 south from Oakland City Station or Bus #95 from West End Station
Parking: Available on Metropolitan College campus, next to Atlanta Technical College
- Northeast & Eastside - March 24-27 (NPUs E, F, M, N, O, W)
Location: City Hall East - 675 Ponce de Leon Avenue, NE
Kickoff: Monday, March 24th at 6:30pm
Recap: Thursday, March 27th at 6:30pm
Workshops: Open Monday through Thursday from 10:00am to 8:00pm
Directions: MARTA Bus #2 (Ponce de Leon/Avondale Estates) from North Avenue Station
Parking: Available in first level of parking deck from Ponce de Leon entrance
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Officials from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (HJAIA) have announced the design and construction plans for its newest addition – the Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. International Terminal. Known as “Atlanta’s Global Gateway to the World,” the new terminal will be completed by 2011 and will provide 12 new international passenger gates. For more information, click here to watch Airport Manager Ben DeCosta and others discuss the new terminal.
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Rave Reviews!
- City of Atlanta officials provided professional expertise and earned accolades for their work connecting female entrepreneurs to opportunities within the City at the fifth annual Atlanta Commission on Women (ACOW) conference. The event gathers together female business entrepreneurs (FBEs) and women seeking professional networking opportunities with decision makers within the City. The 2008 keynote speakers were Mayor Shirley Franklin and Maryam Alavi, vice dean, Emory Goizeta Business School. Event workshops included Branding your Business; Legal Issues; Procurement with the City of Atlanta 101 and 201; Financing your Small Business; Business Communication; and Technology. Sue Ross, Vendor Development Manager (Watershed Management) and Sandra Jennings (Department of Public Works) received awards for their work connecting women with opportunities within the City.
Women leaders join Mayor Shirley Franklin at the 5th Annual Atlanta Commission on Women Conference. Pictured from l-r (Standing) Jasmine Grant, ACOW Member; Susana Chavez, ACOW Chair; Paula Granger and Cocoa Dunston, Luncheon Co Chairs; Mayor Franklin, Cynthia Burnside, Luncheon Chair; Cathy Martin, City of Atlanta; and ACOW Members Vernell Mosley, Rita Samuels and Diane Larche'. (Seated) Golden Anchor Awardees: Susan McNeill Mendheim, Midtown Alliance; Sue Ross and Sandra Jennings, City of Atlanta; and Sue Steel, GE Capitol Solutions. |
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Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportuntities
- Traffic pacing on the Downtown Connector will continue this weekend - Saturday March 8 and Sunday March 9 - to allow for the 14th Street Improvement Project. Beginning at 7 am, Atlanta Police Department (APD) officers will pace traffic on the Downtown Connector to 20 mph for up to 15 minutes each hour (10 paces per day). These pacings are expected to cause heavy daytime traffic delays. Motorists are urged to use I-285, I-20 and other alternate routes. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this project or visit www.511ga.org.
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Job Announcements
With the City of Atlanta’s online application system, you are able to create an account and select a Username and Password and then log in to your account.
After your account has been established, you can create an application by clicking on the “Build Job Application” link. Once your application is completed, it will be stored in the system and can be used to apply for future job openings. To get started by viewing current open positions, click here.
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Weekly Features
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