FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Council Communications
Atlanta City Hall
55 Trinity Ave. SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

May 6, 2024

Atlanta City Council Members Liliana Bakhtiari and Alex Wan Statement on Legislation Establishing the Atlanta Community Energy Fund for Low-Income City Residents 

ATLANTA — The Atlanta City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance authored  by Council members Liliana Bakhtiari and Alex Wan, establishing the Atlanta Community Energy Fund to support installing and outfitting energy efficiency measures for low-income residences (24-O-1188).

The Fund, a testament to the City's commitment to addressing energy burden and promoting clean energy initiatives, will be bolstered by diverse contributions. These include City appropriations, revenue from renewable energy credits, and federal funding opportunities. To kickstart this initiative, the City Council has authorized the transfer of $500,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, a clear demonstration of our dedication to preserving affordable housing while advancing clean energy goals.

"Energy burden remains a leading cause of displacement in the City of Atlanta," said Council member Liliana Bakhtiari. "And in a climate where both the environment and cost of living continue to be red-hot, we need to deploy creative interventions to protect the most vulnerable among us. With its empowering resources, this Fund will enable the City's Chief Sustainability Officer to develop a program. This program will ensure that no resident must choose between food on the table and heating or cooling their homes, making a tangible difference in our community."

"The City has long recognized the need for a comprehensive strategy to transition its operations – as well that of the broader Atlanta community – to renewable, affordable forms of energy," Council member Alex Wan stated. "This Fund is the natural extension of those conversations. By prioritizing clean energy initiatives and addressing energy burdens, we are not only safeguarding the health and well-being of our residents but also fostering economic development and resilience. I applaud the advocates, my colleagues on the Council, and the Mayor's Office for recognizing the urgency and opportunity of the moment and taking this significant step forward.

“In his 2024 State of the City, Mayor Dickens wisely committed to further reducing energy burden as a means of promoting housing security,” Matt Cox, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Greenlink Analytics added. “Low-income families in Atlanta could save an average of 41 percent on their utility bills by implementing energy-efficiency measures. Scaling such an effort requires a dedicated team with committed resources, and I thank Councilmembers Bakhtiari and Wan for putting in the work to realize this critical first-step.”

"The energy burden faced by many of our residents is not just a matter of economics, it's a matter of equity and justice," Andrea Young Jones, Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs, Georgia WAND, reiterated. "We cannot ignore the fact that marginalized communities bear the brunt of this burden, often having to choose between essential needs like food and energy. It's time for us to take action and ensure that all residents of Atlanta have access to affordable and sustainable energy solutions, so I thank Councilmembers Bakhtiari, Wan, and Mayor Dickens for working together to address this long-standing injustice."

“The science in clear on the urgency of our actions," added Amy Sharma, PhD, executive director Science for Georgia. "The adoption of renewable energy sources is imperative to create positive change for human health and our environment. By embracing clean energy, we are aligning with the evidence-based solutions necessary to mitigate the impacts of climate change, reduce energy burden, and safeguard the well-being of current and future generations. The continued resiliency efforts by this Council and our Mayor are affirmative, tangible steps to safeguard our community and promote an inclusive Atlanta for all.”

About Atlanta City Council
The Atlanta City Council is the chief policy-making body for the City of Atlanta. It acts by considering and enacting all laws that govern the City. The Council also approves the operating and capital budgets for the City as recommended by the mayor, and it continually monitors revenues and expenditures for local government operations. The Atlanta City Council reviews and has final say on many land-use and zoning matters. Major economic development projects for the City also fall under the council’s consideration.

The Council is comprised of 12 districts and three at-large posts. Council representatives include: Council President: Doug Shipman; District 1: Jason Winston; District 2: Amir Farokhi; District 3: Byron Amos; District 4: Jason S. Dozier; District 5: Liliana Bakhtiari; District 6: Alex Wan; District 7: Howard Shook; District 8: Mary Norwood; District 9: Dustin Hillis; District 10: Andrea L. Boone; District 11: Marci Collier Overstreet; District 12: Antonio Lewis; Post 1 At-Large: Michael Julian Bond; Post 2 At-Large: Matt Westmoreland; and Post 3 At-Large: Keisha Sean Waites.

To learn more about the Atlanta City Council, please visit. For the latest updates, follow the Atlanta City Council on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

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Office of Council Communications Contacts: 

Zena Lewis
zolewis@atlantaga.gov
404-330-6309 

Bill Doughty
wdoughty@atlantaga.gov
404-330-6056

Tiffanie Kelly
trkelly@atlantaga.gov
404-330-6014