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Eshe Collins for Atlanta

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VISION &
PRIORITIES

Dear Atlanta,

 

We are a vibrant and diverse city facing challenges, from issues of affordable housing and infrastructure to public safety and economic development. As we navigate these challenges and opportunities, it is imperative that we come together as an united front to address the pressing issues facing our beloved city. 

As your next city councilwoman, I will fight for a city that THRIVES FOR ALL OF US! What does that mean for us? It means:

  • AFFORDABLE LIVING FOR ALL

  • SAFE AND HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOODS

  • IMPROVE OUR TRANSIT AND INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS

  • EQUITABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

  • ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

I believe, now, more than ever, we need bold, compassionate, and proven leadership to address these issues head-on and create positive change for all of us. As an Atlanta native, civil rights attorney, and school board member, I have championed policy changes and initiatives to help ALL Atlantans across this city. 

I am proven leader who will continue to make sure every voice is heard, every community is supported, and every resident has the opportunity to thrive. You deserve experienced, proactive leadership that will fight everyday for you. It's time, Atlanta! 

01

AFFORDABLE LIVING FOR ALL! 

Rising housing and living costs in Atlanta are displacing residents from their neighborhoods. We must prioritize housing affordability to ensure Atlanta remains inclusive and livable for all. I will fight to:

  • Expand affordable housing options, including more single-family homes.

  • Increase funding in affordable housing program

  • Develop vacant and blight public land for affordable housing.

  • Preserve existing affordable housing units.

  • Implement anti-displacement policies like rent stabilization and property tax relief for longtime residents.

  • Increase funding for low-income housing tax credits.

  • Create public-private partnerships to build mixed-income developments.

02 

SAFE AND HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOODS

Ensuring healthy and safe neighborhoods across Atlanta requires a balanced approach. I will fight to: 

  • Strengthen community safety and alternative efforts to enhance safety across Atlanta.

  • Invest in mental health and social services to address underlying issues.

  • Increase funding for programs targeting root causes of crime, such as poverty, education gaps, and limited job opportunities.

  • Advocate for greater investments in food insecurity, health inequities, and access in underserved neighborhoods.

  • Ensure the city budget reflects values by prioritizing funding for these critical initiatives to support all Atlantans.

03

IMPROVED TRANSIT AND INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS

We must enhance our transit and infrastructure systems to ensure that EVERYONE has accessibility. I will fight to: 

  • Prioritize investments in equitable and sustainable public transportation, including expanding MARTA routes and improving bus frequency and reliability.

  • Ensure access to the Beltline and other transit options for all residents.

  • Modernize infrastructure with smart technology and create bike and pedestrian-friendly pathways.

  • Maintain roads and bridges to enhance safety and mobility.

  • Partner with local, state, and federal agencies to secure funding for transit improvements.

  • Implement transit-oriented development plans to reduce traffic congestion, drive economic growth, and connect communities across Atlanta.

04

EQUITABLE

ECONOMIC 

DEVELOPMENT

A strong economy is key to Atlanta's success, and we must ensure that every Atlantan has an opportunity in it. I will fight to: 

  • Foster an inclusive ecosystem to support small businesses, prioritizing those owned by women, minorities, and underserved communities.

  • Expand access to capital and offer targeted grants and incentives for small businesses.

  • Streamline business licensing and permitting processes.

  • Invest in workforce development programs, including skills training and apprenticeships for high-demand industries.

  • Advocate for partnerships and local hiring policies to drive economic growth.

  • Ensure the benefits of economic development are shared equitably across Atlanta’s diverse neighborhoods.

05

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

We must position Atlanta as a leader in combating climate change and fostering a healthier, greener future for all residents. I will fight to: 

  • Prioritize policies that support clean energy, energy-efficient buildings, and green infrastructure.

  • Expand tree canopy preservation initiatives to combat urban heat and improve air quality.

  • Increase investments in renewable energy projects and promote community solar programs.

  • Create incentives for businesses and residents to adopt sustainable practices.

  • Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure to protect against extreme weather impacts.

Eshe Collins for Atlanta

Eshé Collins is an Atlanta native, civil rights lawyer, and school board member, she is a dedicated advocate, proven leader, and passionate community member. With her deep roots in Atlanta and steadfast commitment to public service, Eshé brings a wealth of experience in addressing systemic disparities and improving outcomes for families and communities and brings a solid vision for a thriving future for all Atlantans. 

 

Eshé is the immediate past Chair and Vice Chair of the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) board, where she has worked tirelessly to improve the educational landscape for our children and families. She has championed policies that support equitable access to quality education, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. Under Eshé’s leadership, APS attained its highest graduation to date, APS provided more than $130 million in staff pay increases and stipends, invested more money directly into schools while increasing APS’s fiscal stability, and approved over $615 million in technology and infrastructure improvements. She led collaborative efforts with city leaders, which resulted in a $5 million investment into the city’s first early childhood education initiative and a master plan focused on reimagining vacant properties to support affordable housing and community development.  

 

Eshé’s legal background, combined with her passion for education and community empowerment, has positioned her as a dynamic leader in the fight for equity and justice for all. She is the Director of the Equity Assistance Center-South at the Southern Education Foundation (SEF), and in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, she leads efforts to provide equity-focused assistance to public school districts and governmental agencies across the South. Prior to joining SEF, she led national advocacy and programming efforts to deliver high-quality early education programs to children across the country, beginning her career as an elementary educator in Atlanta Public Schools.

In pursuit of her passion, Eshé earned a B.A. in Psychology from Spelman College, an M.S. in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University, and a J.D., cum laude, from North Carolina Central University School of Law. She has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Atlanta Business League's 100 Women of Influence, Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 Under 40, Georgia Trend's 40 Under 40, the Martin Luther King Torch of Peace Award and President’s Award for Community Service and Social Justice. She is also a member of prestigious organizations such as Harvard University's Public Education Leadership Project, Leadership Atlanta, Outstanding Atlanta and Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys.

MEET ESHÉ

Atlanta is my birthplace& my hometown.I believe its strength liesin its people – in ourcollective ability tobuild bridges & empowerall communities.

Eshe Collins for Atlanta