Atlanta’s Inspector General Resigns After a Yearlong Feud with Mayor’s Administration

Shannon Manigault, Atlanta’s Inspector General, announced her resignation on Monday after a protracted conflict with Mayor Andre Dickens’ administration over the office’s authority.

Manigault cited “threats, bullying, intimidation, and harassment” from individuals involved in investigations as reasons for stepping down. She expressed that despite public support for her office, city leadership had made it clear that a functional, independent Office of Inspector General was unwelcome.

The Dickens administration pushed for an overhaul of the Inspector General’s office, with proposed legislative changes granting the mayor the power to appoint members of the governing board and limiting the office’s ability to investigate illegal activities. Although City Council members have scaled back some of the more controversial changes, they are still expected to pass legislation that would impose “guardrails” on investigations. Manigault warned that the proposed legislation would “destroy the office.”

Manigault’s resignation follows a bitter feud that began in May 2022 when she accused city officials of obstructing misconduct investigations. Over the past year, tensions between the mayor’s office and Manigault’s office have escalated, culminating in new legislation backed by the mayor that would limit the inspector general’s powers. The proposed changes would diminish the office’s independence and empower the mayor to appoint members of the inspector general’s governing board.

The Inspector General’s office, established after the 2017 federal investigations into City Hall corruption, has uncovered multiple cases of misconduct, including bribery and questionable city contracts. Meanwhile, the Dickens administration has worked on revising policies to overhaul the office. Manigault described the legislation as a “savage” retaliation against her office’s work.

While the mayor’s office expressed gratitude for Manigault’s service and emphasized its commitment to ethical government, the ongoing legal challenges, and legislative changes signal further tension. In addition to facing lawsuits, Manigault has been the subject of scrutiny over her husband’s business dealings and allegations of constitutional violations related to subpoenas issued during investigations.

The controversy has divided the inspector general’s governing board, with some members resigning, citing the administration’s aggressive actions, while others criticized Manigault’s approach.