Atlanta Mayor Dickens nominated to lead the planning agency, Atlanta Regional Commission

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is poised to become the next board chair of the Atlanta Regional Commission, a pivotal planning agency responsible for overseeing development in the 11 counties within the metropolitan area.

If elected, Dickens would make history as the first Atlanta mayor to hold this leadership position. As of now, he is running unopposed for the role, and the official vote by the board is set for November.

The Atlanta Regional Commission, established in 1971, plays a crucial role in formulating long-term plans for transportation, workforce development, and other areas, ultimately facilitating the allocation of tens of millions of federal dollars to the region. 

Notably, the last elected Atlanta official to serve as chair was former City Council member Ira Jackson, nearly four decades ago.

Dickens, a native of Atlanta, stressed the importance of viewing the city as an integral part of the broader region, highlighting the benefits of connecting the north and south, given Atlanta’s central position. 

In his statement on Wednesday, Dickens emphasized the significance of Atlanta’s role in regional development and expressed his intention to leverage his relationship with the Biden administration to direct resources towards the area. 

The 41-member board is composed of county commission chairs, mayors from the metro Atlanta area, an Atlanta City Council member, and 15 citizens.

The current President, Kerry Armstrong, who has held the position of board chairman since 2014, is not seeking reelection after serving nearly a decade in that role.