On the heels of Gov. Brian Kemp announcing plans to reopen Georgia for business amid the coronavirus, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Bottoms has announced she’s created an advisory council to create a similar reopening plan for the city.
“Reopening the city must be executed in a cautious manner that is best suited for Atlanta,” Bottoms said in a statement. “The advisory council will provide the necessary input and buy-in from Atlanta stakeholders to outline a safe and thoughtful framework to get our economy back on track without endangering public health.”
The council will be co-chaired by city Chief Operating Officer Joshua Williams, private attorney Robbie Ashe, and past National Council of Negro Women National Chairperson Ingrid Saunders Jones, and will be comprised of representatives from Atlanta organizations and businesses like local hospitals, schools, MARTA, the airport, and professionals sports teams.
The panel will work to “advise the mayor on the measures needed and steps to be taken in order to end the Mayor’s Stay at Home order” and create a framework to reopen the city for business, tourism, entertainment, worship, large gatherings, and sports events.
Bottoms contends that the council will keep in mind the needs of women, Atlanta’s LGBTQ community, young people, elders, and homeless or displaced people.
The council’s plan of action will be submitted to Bottoms no later than May 15.