The topic of Keisha Bottoms’ tenure as the mayor of Atlanta has been a subject of interest for many. After serving in the position for a couple of years, there have been questions about whether she is still the mayor or not. In this article, we will delve into the current status of Keisha Bottoms’ tenure as the mayor of Atlanta and provide a comprehensive answer to this question. So, buckle up and get ready to find out what’s going on with the leadership of one of America’s most iconic cities.
Keisha Bottoms’ Background and Election as Mayor
Early Life and Political Career
Keisha Bottoms was born on August 7, 1978, in Atlanta, Georgia. She grew up in the city’s southeastern region and attended Frederick Douglass High School. After graduating, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Georgia in 2000.
Following her undergraduate studies, Bottoms worked as a field organizer for the Democratic Party in her hometown of Atlanta. She also served as a policy advisor to former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin from 2006 to 2009. During this time, she focused on issues related to affordable housing, education, and economic development.
In 2010, Bottoms was elected to the Atlanta City Council, representing the city’s 11th district. She served on the council for eight years, during which she chaired the Committee on Transportation and Public Works and was a member of the Committees on Community Development and Human Services.
During her tenure on the city council, Bottoms gained a reputation as a tough and effective advocate for her constituents. She worked to improve infrastructure and transportation in her district, and she was a vocal supporter of education and workforce development initiatives.
In 2017, Bottoms ran for mayor of Atlanta, defeating a crowded field of candidates in a runoff election. She took office on January 2, 2018, and became the first woman to serve as mayor of Atlanta in its 168-year history.
Election as Mayor
In 2017, Keisha Bottoms was elected as the mayor of Atlanta, Georgia. The election was held on November 7, 2017, and Bottoms ran as a Democratic candidate. The election was a highly contested race, with multiple candidates vying for the position.
Keisha Bottoms’ campaign focused on several key issues, including affordable housing, transportation, and public safety. She also emphasized the need for economic development and job creation in the city. Bottoms ran on a platform of transparency and accountability, promising to increase government transparency and hold city officials accountable for their actions.
In the end, Keisha Bottoms emerged as the winner of the election, defeating her closest rival by a margin of over 12,000 votes. She received over 60% of the total vote, and her victory was seen as a decisive victory for the Democratic Party in the city.
With her election as mayor, Keisha Bottoms became the first woman to hold the position of mayor in the city’s history. She was sworn into office on January 2, 2018, and began her term as the 61st mayor of Atlanta.
Bottoms’ Accomplishments and Controversies During Her Tenure
Accomplishments
During her tenure as the Mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Bottoms has implemented several initiatives and policies that have contributed to the city’s infrastructure and economy. Some of her notable accomplishments include:
Improving the City’s Infrastructure
One of the significant accomplishments of Keisha Bottoms’ tenure as Mayor of Atlanta is the improvement of the city’s infrastructure. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that the city’s transportation system is efficient and effective. One of her major accomplishments in this regard is the expansion of the city’s MARTA rail system, which has helped to reduce traffic congestion and improve mobility for residents and visitors alike.
Additionally, Bottoms has worked to improve the city’s roads, bridges, and sidewalks, ensuring that they are safe and accessible to all residents. Her efforts have resulted in the improvement of several key transportation corridors, including the downtown connector and the Northside Drive/BeltLine Connector.
Promoting Economic Growth
Another significant accomplishment of Keisha Bottoms’ tenure as Mayor of Atlanta is the promotion of economic growth in the city. Under her leadership, Atlanta has seen significant job growth, with the creation of thousands of new jobs in various industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance.
Bottoms has also worked to attract new businesses to the city, including major tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon. She has done this by implementing policies that support small businesses and startups, as well as by investing in infrastructure projects that have helped to attract new businesses to the city.
Advancing Equity and Inclusion
Finally, Keisha Bottoms has worked to advance equity and inclusion in Atlanta during her tenure as Mayor. She has implemented policies aimed at reducing poverty and income inequality in the city, including increasing funding for affordable housing and expanding access to healthcare.
Additionally, Bottoms has worked to promote diversity and inclusion in city government, ensuring that underrepresented communities have a voice in the decision-making process. She has also implemented policies aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in the city’s business community, including setting aside contracts for minority-owned businesses.
Overall, Keisha Bottoms’ tenure as Mayor of Atlanta has been marked by significant accomplishments in improving the city’s infrastructure, promoting economic growth, and advancing equity and inclusion. Her leadership has helped to make Atlanta a more vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous city for all residents.
Controversies
Criticisms of her handling of the city’s homelessness crisis
During her tenure, Keisha Bottoms faced criticisms for her handling of the city’s homelessness crisis. Critics claimed that her administration did not do enough to address the issue, with many people still living on the streets despite the city’s efforts. Some also criticized the lack of coordination between the city’s various homelessness programs, which they felt hindered progress.
Controversy surrounding the Atlanta Police Department’s use of the “Cop City” training facility
Another controversy that occurred during Keisha Bottoms’ tenure as mayor was the Atlanta Police Department’s use of the “Cop City” training facility. The facility, which was funded by the city, was intended to provide a realistic training environment for police officers. However, critics argued that the facility was too expensive and that the money could be better spent on other areas, such as education and affordable housing.
Moreover, some residents and activists expressed concerns about the potential for police brutality and the use of excessive force during training exercises at the facility. They also raised questions about the transparency of the APD’s operations at the facility, arguing that the public was not being informed about what was happening there. These concerns led to protests and demonstrations, which further fueled the controversy surrounding the facility.
Bottoms’ Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Initial Response
As the COVID-19 pandemic hit Atlanta, Mayor Keisha Bottoms took swift action to mitigate the spread of the virus and support the city’s residents and businesses. Some of the early actions taken by the city include:
- Implementing a curfew to encourage social distancing and limit the spread of the virus.
- Closing non-essential businesses to reduce the number of people in public spaces.
- Allocating resources to support testing and contact tracing efforts.
- Providing financial assistance to small businesses affected by the pandemic.
- Encouraging remote work for city employees to reduce the spread of the virus.
These actions were aimed at slowing the spread of the virus and providing support to those who were most affected by the pandemic. By taking these early actions, Mayor Bottoms helped to set the tone for the city’s response to the pandemic and ensure that Atlanta was able to weather the storm.
Later Response
As the COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact the city of Atlanta, Mayor Keisha Bottoms adapted her policies and initiatives to address the evolving challenges faced by the city. One of her key focuses was on ensuring that the city’s residents had access to essential resources, such as food and healthcare.
To this end, Mayor Bottoms implemented several initiatives aimed at supporting the city’s vulnerable populations. For example, she established a COVID-19 emergency relief fund to provide financial assistance to small businesses and individuals who had been impacted by the pandemic. Additionally, she worked with local organizations to distribute food to those in need, and she expanded access to COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites in underserved communities.
Despite these efforts, the city of Atlanta faced numerous challenges in its response to the pandemic. One of the biggest challenges was the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers. Mayor Bottoms worked to address this issue by partnering with local businesses and organizations to secure additional PPE for hospitals and clinics. She also advocated for additional federal funding to support the city’s response to the pandemic.
Another challenge faced by the city was the economic impact of the pandemic. Many businesses were forced to close, leading to widespread job losses and financial hardship. Mayor Bottoms implemented several initiatives aimed at supporting small businesses and promoting economic recovery. For example, she launched a program to provide zero-interest loans to small businesses, and she worked with the city’s economic development team to identify opportunities for growth and investment.
Overall, Mayor Bottoms’ later response to the COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by a focus on supporting the city’s most vulnerable populations and promoting economic recovery. Despite the many challenges faced by the city, she remained committed to ensuring that Atlanta’s residents had access to the resources they needed to navigate the pandemic and rebuild their lives.
The 2021 Atlanta Municipal Elections and Bottoms’ Re-election Campaign
Background on the 2021 Elections
Overview of the Election Process and Candidates
The 2021 Atlanta Municipal Elections were held on November 2, 2021, with a runoff election on December 1, 2021. The election process was a nonpartisan race, and the candidates were required to file qualifying papers and pay a qualifying fee between July 26 and August 20, 2021.
The candidates for the mayoral position included incumbent Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Atlanta City Council member Kesha Hightower, activist and entrepreneur Shannon Jones, and attorney and community leader Felicia A. Moore.
Significance of the 2021 Elections for the City’s Future
The 2021 Atlanta Municipal Elections were considered significant for the city’s future as they marked the first election after the COVID-19 pandemic and the protests against racial injustice. The election results would determine the direction of the city’s recovery and development efforts, as well as its response to critical issues such as affordable housing, public safety, and infrastructure.
The outcome of the election also had implications for the city’s leadership and governance, with the potential for a change in leadership bringing about new policies and initiatives. The election was therefore a crucial moment for the future of Atlanta and its residents.
Bottoms’ Re-election Campaign
During her re-election campaign, Keisha Bottoms focused on her accomplishments and her vision for the future of Atlanta. She emphasized her efforts to address the city’s homelessness crisis, support small businesses, and promote public safety.
One of the key strategies of her campaign was to highlight her record of delivering results for the city’s residents. She emphasized her work to increase funding for affordable housing, expand access to mental health services, and support entrepreneurship in underserved communities.
Bottoms also received key endorsements from various groups, including the Atlanta Police Association, the Atlanta Fire Fighters’ Union, and the Atlanta Business League. These endorsements helped to bolster her reputation as a strong leader who is committed to the well-being of the city and its residents.
Additionally, her campaign focused on engaging with voters through a variety of channels, including social media, community events, and targeted outreach to key demographics. This helped to build momentum and enthusiasm for her campaign, and she ultimately won the election with a strong margin of victory.
Challenges and Criticisms Faced by Bottoms During Her Tenure
Criticisms of Her Leadership
One of the most significant criticisms of Keisha Bottoms’ leadership during her tenure as mayor of Atlanta has been her alleged poor communication and lack of transparency. Many have claimed that she has not been adequately communicating with the public, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to confusion and mistrust among residents.
Furthermore, there have been concerns about her handling of certain issues, such as the city’s response to the pandemic and the ongoing protests against police brutality. Critics argue that her actions have been too slow and ineffective, and that she has not done enough to address the root causes of these issues.
Some have also criticized her for being too focused on the interests of big businesses and wealthy individuals, at the expense of the city’s most vulnerable residents. This has led to accusations that she is not truly committed to addressing issues such as homelessness, affordable housing, and income inequality.
Despite these criticisms, Keisha Bottoms has remained steadfast in her commitment to improving the city of Atlanta and has continued to work towards her goals and initiatives.
Challenges Faced by the City
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the City’s Economy and Public Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a significant challenge for the city of Atlanta, as it has for many other cities around the world. As the virus spread across the globe, it had a devastating impact on the city’s economy, causing widespread job losses and business closures.
The hospitality industry, in particular, was hit hard, with many hotels and restaurants forced to shut down temporarily or permanently. This led to a significant decrease in revenue for the city, which relies heavily on tourism and hospitality.
Additionally, the pandemic also had a significant impact on the city’s public health. The virus spread rapidly through the city, causing a surge in hospitalizations and deaths. The city’s healthcare system was stretched thin, with many hospitals running out of beds and medical supplies.
Protests and Civil Unrest in Response to Racial Injustice and Police Brutality
Another significant challenge faced by the city during Bottoms’ tenure was the outbreak of protests and civil unrest in response to racial injustice and police brutality. In the summer of 2020, following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, protests erupted in cities across the country, including Atlanta.
The protests were largely peaceful, but there were also instances of violence and property damage. The city was forced to grapple with the challenge of balancing the right to free speech with the need to maintain public safety.
Bottoms faced criticism for her handling of the protests, with some accusing her of being too slow to respond to the violence and others accusing her of being too heavy-handed in her approach to policing. Despite these challenges, Bottoms has continued to work to address the issues of racial injustice and police brutality in the city, implementing new policies and programs aimed at promoting equity and justice.
The Future of Keisha Bottoms’ Tenure as Mayor of Atlanta
Expectations for the Remainder of Her Term
Potential initiatives and policies to be implemented
- Increased focus on affordable housing: Mayor Bottoms has indicated her intention to prioritize the development of affordable housing in Atlanta, with a goal of addressing the city’s housing affordability crisis. This may involve partnerships with private developers and the allocation of city funds to support affordable housing projects.
- Expansion of public transportation: As part of her vision for a more sustainable and accessible city, Mayor Bottoms has spoken about the need to expand Atlanta’s public transportation network. This could include the development of new rail and bus lines, as well as the improvement of existing infrastructure.
- Investment in renewable energy: With climate change being a pressing issue, Mayor Bottoms may look to promote the use of renewable energy sources in Atlanta. This could involve the implementation of solar and wind energy projects, as well as the development of a comprehensive plan to reduce the city’s carbon footprint.
Areas of focus and priorities for the city
- Economic development: As Atlanta continues to grow as a major business hub, Mayor Bottoms is likely to prioritize initiatives that support economic development and job creation. This could include the promotion of small businesses, the attraction of new industry to the city, and the development of infrastructure to support growth.
- Public safety: With crime being a concern for many Atlanta residents, it is likely that public safety will remain a key priority for Mayor Bottoms. This could involve the implementation of new policing strategies, as well as initiatives to address the root causes of crime, such as poverty and lack of education.
- Education: Given the importance of education to Atlanta’s future, it is likely that Mayor Bottoms will continue to prioritize initiatives that support the city’s schools. This could include the allocation of funds for school renovations and upgrades, as well as the development of programs to improve student outcomes.
Speculation on Future Political Aspirations
With her tenure as mayor of Atlanta well underway, speculation has already begun regarding Keisha Bottoms’ future political aspirations. As a highly influential figure in Georgia politics, her next move could have significant implications for the state and beyond.
One potential future political role for Bottoms could be a run for governor of Georgia. With her experience in leading one of the largest cities in the South, she would bring a unique perspective to the state’s top office. Additionally, her strong relationships with both Democrats and Republicans could make her a formidable candidate in a state that has traditionally been considered a battleground.
Another possibility is that Bottoms could seek higher office on the national level. As a dynamic speaker and skilled politician, she could be well-suited for a role in Congress or even as a presidential candidate. Her experience in addressing pressing issues such as affordable housing, transportation, and public safety could make her a strong contender in a crowded field.
Regardless of which office she may pursue, Bottoms’ tenure as mayor of Atlanta will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping her future political opportunities. Her success in leading the city through challenging times, as well as her ability to build coalitions and work across the aisle, will be key factors in determining her viability as a candidate for higher office.
FAQs
1. Who is Keisha Bottoms?
Keisha Lester Bottoms is an American politician who served as the 61st Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, from January 2018 until January 2022.
2. When did Keisha Bottoms become the Mayor of Atlanta?
Keisha Bottoms was sworn in as the Mayor of Atlanta on January 2, 2018.
3. When did Keisha Bottoms’ term as Mayor of Atlanta end?
Keisha Bottoms’ term as Mayor of Atlanta ended on January 3, 2022.
4. Did Keisha Bottoms run for re-election?
No, Keisha Bottoms did not run for re-election. She announced in September 2021 that she would not seek a second term as Mayor of Atlanta.
5. Who succeeded Keisha Bottoms as Mayor of Atlanta?
As of January 3, 2022, Atlanta City Council President Felicia A. Moore succeeded Keisha Bottoms as the 62nd Mayor of Atlanta.
6. What are some of Keisha Bottoms’ accomplishments as Mayor of Atlanta?
During her tenure, Keisha Bottoms focused on issues such as affordable housing, transportation, and economic development. She also played a key role in the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, she was instrumental in bringing the Major League Soccer team Atlanta United FC to the city.
7. What is Keisha Bottoms doing now?
As of February 2023, Keisha Bottoms is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the King Center at Morehouse College, where she works on issues related to social justice and civic engagement.
