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Changes in Atlanta’s City Council Membership

Diverse members of Atlanta's city council in discussion

News Summary

Atlanta’s City Council faces significant changes as three members, including Marci Collier Overstreet, Amir Farokhi, and Howard Shook, announce their departures. Overstreet is set to run for Council President, while Farokhi leaves for a new role as Head of School. Shook, a proponent of ethical governance, will also step down. These changes pave the way for new candidates in the upcoming elections on November 4, 2025, exciting prospects for Atlanta’s governance and community engagement.

Exciting Changes Ahead in Atlanta’s City Council

Atlanta is buzzing with news as three City Council members announce their departures and the upcoming elections set to shake things up! Council members Amir Farokhi, Marci Collier Overstreet, and Howard Shook are all stepping back from their roles this year, opening the door to fresh faces in local governance.

Marci Collier Overstreet’s Bold Move

In a surprising twist, Councilmember Marci Collier Overstreet has formally declared her intention to run for the prestigious Office of the Council President. This decision may mean she’ll have to vacate her current seat representing District 11 if she secures the win! Overstreet has expressed her passion for leadership and advocacy in a letter announcing her campaign. Her mission is to ensure that every single resident’s voice can be heard when it comes to shaping Atlanta’s future.

As we gear up for the elections, it’s noteworthy that the current Council President, Doug Shipman, will not be running for re-election as he faces familial medical challenges. This opens a significant opportunity for Overstreet to step in and lead, with her campaign officially kicking off this upcoming April. It’s bound to be an exciting race!

Amir Farokhi Says Goodbye for New Beginnings

Next up is Amir Farokhi, who has decided to leave his District 2 seat as he embarks on a new journey as the Head of School at the Galloway School. Farokhi’s decision was bittersweet, given his long history with Galloway, having attended the school from kindergarten all the way through primary school. He won’t be seeking re-election this coming November.

During his time on the council, Farokhi has been quite active, implementing a range of programs, including an income program, a public safety housing initiative, and an arts and culture fund. It’s clear that he has had a meaningful impact on the community, and as a token of appreciation, any donors from his re-election campaign last year will be able to claim refunds. It’s a thoughtful gesture as he transitions into his new role!

Howard Shook’s Tenure Comes to a Close

Then there’s District 7’s Howard Shook, who recently announced he will also be stepping down and won’t be seeking re-election this year. Shook has been a strong advocate for ethical governance during his tenure, focusing heavily on community input for zoning and land-use decision-making. He has also prioritized avoiding property tax increases, drawing on the community’s feedback to shape his policy decisions.

As the city prepares for the elections, residents have a bit of time to get ready. The next chance to vote for new Atlanta City Council members is on November 4, 2025. This is a great opportunity for citizens to engage, voice their opinions, and help shape the future leadership of Atlanta!

What’s Next for Atlanta?

With these changes on the horizon, there’s an unmistakable buzz in the air about who might step up and fill these significant council seats. With fresh faces in the mix, Atlanta is poised for exciting developments and new ideas that could shape the city for years to come! Let’s keep our eyes peeled for what comes next in this vibrant urban landscape.