Atlanta City Council sets 2026 legislative agenda, backs tax credits and DACA tuition

Atlanta City Council members approved a list of legislation they would approve or oppose that could appear in the Georgia General Assembly this legislative session.

The city has strong opposition to any change in ownership of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport or the Atlanta City Detention Center.

“Handing control to outside entities risks diverting resources away from Atlanta’s reform-oriented goals and could lead to operational changes that may not align with the city’s values or needs,” reads the 2026 Legislative Package.

However, the package identifies several items the council would support:

• Tax credits and state-funded investment vehicle for small businesses
• In-state tuition for DACA students through HB 131 and SB 264 
• Water consumption reporting requirements for data centers
• Allowing law enforcement to intervene with drones used in illegal ways
• Recruitment and retention incentives for law enforcement
• Stronger street car racing legislation
• Creation of an event ticket fee
• Penalties for crimes using artificial intelligence
• Educational incentives for police officers and mental health support for first responders
• Enhancement of safety guidelines for pools as well as support for childcare services within parks
• Creation of a parking fee

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has successfully avoided attempts by Republican lawmakers to make Buckhead an independent city, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Other legislative initiatives, such as making sleep illegal on city streets and increasing the number of people imprisoned at the Fulton County jail, have also been avoided.