Inauguration Day: Andre Dickens Sworn In As Atlanta Mayor

ATLANTA — Andre Dickens, Atlanta's new mayor, took the oath of office Monday afternoon.

A beaming Dickens thanked his alma mater, Georgia Tech, as he addressed the crowd at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Dickens, a former city council member, is the 61st mayor of Atlanta. He succeeds Keisha Lance Bottoms, who was in the mayor's office from 2018-2022.

"I stand here before you today to usher in a new day in the city of Atlanta," Dickens said.

Dickens said issues such as poverty, violence, homelessness, and hunger are among the biggest challenges Atlantans face and said he wanted to uplift "the soul of the city of Atlanta."

"Each mayor had their burden, and mine is to bring us together," he said.

Speaking to Atlantans as a whole, Dickens said, "This mayor, this city council, these judges — we see you. We are here to serve you."

Dickens said his goals include adding 10,000 new street lights in every quadrants of the city, fostering a clean government, boosting Atlanta's reputation as a technology and arts hub, and partnering with schools and faith organizations to reduce rates of youth crime.

Dickens also said he has a four-step plan to make the city safer, including hiring new police officers and training all Atlanta PD officers in conflict resolution, de-escalation tactics, and community policing. He said he will hire "specialists" to work with citizens experiencing homelessness or mental health issues.

"I want our city to be a place where little kids can play without being afraid of getting shot by a random bullet," Dickens said. "Where women can stop at a gas station and pump a few gallons of gas without fear of physical intimidation. Where elderly people feel empowered to come out of their homes and can enjoy a walk in the park on a sunny day."

The Atlanta City Council and Municipal Court of Atlanta were also sworn in.

After the ceremony will be the first organizational meeting of City Council for 2022.