City of Atlanta
Atlanta is governed by a mayor and the 15-member Atlanta City Council. The city council consists of one member from each of the city’s 12 districts and three at-large members. The mayor may veto a bill passed by the council, but the council can override the veto with a two-thirds majority. The City of Atlanta employs approximately 8,000 employees.
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the state of Georgia. It sits in Fulton County, the most populous county in Georgia, although a portion of the city extends into neighboring DeKalb County. With a population of 498,715 living within the city limits, it is the eighth most populous city in the Southeast and 38th most populous city in the United States according to the 2020 U.S. census. It is the core of the much larger Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to more than 6.1 million people, making it the eighth-largest metropolitan area in the United States
Atlanta is the State Capital and home to most of Georgia’s state government. The Georgia State Capital building, located downtown, houses the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor and secretary of state, as well as the General Assembly The Govenor’s Mansion is in a residential section of Atlanta known as Buckhead.
Atlanta City Council
The Atlanta City Council is the chief policy-making body for the City of Atlanta. The Council’s mission is to ensure that Atlanta is led by a groundbreaking, strong, and capable group of leaders that work for the good of all citizens across the city. As a legislative body, the council’s main role is to make laws. In addition, the Council has oversight of multiple agencies, boards, and commissions. The Atlanta City Council is comprised of 15 members and a Council President.
Atlanta Board of Education
The Atlanta Board of Education establishes and approves the policies that govern the Atlanta Public Schools system. The Board consists of nine members, representing six geographical districts and three “at-large” districts. One person is elected per district to represent the schools in a given district for a four-year term.
Under the provisions of the new board charter, approved by the Georgia Legislature in 2003, Board members elect a new chair and vice-chair every two years. The day-to-day administration of the school district is the responsibility of the Superintendent, who is appointed by the Board.
Clayton County Board of Education
The Clayton County Board of Education establishes and approves the policies that govern the Clayton County Public School system. The Board consists of nine members, representing six geographical districts. One person is elected per district to represent the schools in a given district for a four-year term.
Under the provisions of the new board charter, approved by the Georgia Legislature in 2003, Board members elect a new chair and vice-chair every two years. The day-to-day administration of the school district is the responsibility of the Superintendent, who is appointed by the Board.
