News RoundUp

The Buckhead City movement is dead for this year after both Republicans and Democrats blocked the legislation from advancing at the General Assembly. Cityhood proponents have vowed to fight on to get the referendum on a future ballot.

The Atlanta City Council will expand the Public Safety Commission’s purpose to include crime strategy and add business leaders and neighborhood associations. The commission will be divided into five working groups designed to focus on crime deterrence and the enforcement of existing laws.

Mayor Andre Dickens has named Odie Donald II as his chief of staff. Born and raised in Atlanta, Donald most recently served as the administrator for the consolidated government of Augusta-Richmond County. Before his stint in Augusta, he served as the first city manager for the City of South Fulton.

Atlanta will get its first new area code in more than a decade beginning March 15. The new 943 area code will join the existing 404, 470, 678, and 770 codes. Available numbers using the existing area codes are expected to run out by the second quarter of 2023.