Athens politics nerd Commissioners voted 9-1 to approve the partnership agreement. 2020 General Jan 16, 2025 · The Party for Socialism and Liberation, Young Democratic Socialists of America, the United Campus Workers of Georgia and Lefty Jews of Athens were also involved in organizing or supporting the event. National policy. One of these candidates ended up winning her election. The top prosecutors in Athens are District Attorney Kalki Yalamanchili, whose office handles all felony cases, and Solicitor General Will Fleanor, whose office handles all misdemenor cases. Apr 28, 2019 · As reported in the Flagpole, the mayor and commission is considering a new design for a roundabout at the intersection of Hancock and Broad:. . May 21, 2024 · UPDATE (5/21/24): Jeff Davis defeated Tabitha Ponder by a margin of 57% to to 43%. girtz@accgov. Signature Issues On his 2022 campaign website, Culpepper focused on fighting crime, reducing traffic, investing in infrastructure, preventing homelessness and improving public education in Athens. Jan 9, 2022 · The political implications here are massive. Feb 11, 2025 · Taylor spoke up to make sure that the salary for the development expert who will eventually be hired would not be paid out of the 70% allocated for inner east Athens. thornton@accgov. Nov 11, 2024 · Lauren Blais, chair of the Athens in Motion Commission, told APN that North Avenue has been a high-priority road to receive safety improvements for many years. Endorsements Trey Rhodes has served as State Representative from District 124 (previously, District 120) since 2015. Early voting starts on October 15. May 2, 2024 · Michael Eberhart and William Gaulden are running in the Democratic primary to be the next coroner of Athens-Clarke County. With a roundabout already completed on Tallassee Road, one under construction on Whitehall Road and another being planned for Broad Street, Athenians might be asking themselves, “Why roundabouts?” Sep 19, 2024 · The Athens Downtown Development Authority has proposed a tentative concept for the redesign of College Square in downtown Athens. 386 people experiencing homelessness were surveyed on January 24, which is 12. Apr 17, 2025 · The private ambulance company that serves Athens-Clarke and Oconee County has failed to live up to an agreement made between the ACC government and Piedmont-Athens Regional last year regarding transparency and response times. org/local… May 5, 2024 · Athens Politics Nerd is an independent media organization keeping you up to date on local news and politics in the Athens, Georgia area. Mar 29, 2024 · Carol Myers is a former educator and Dean of General Education at Athens Tech. com May 25, 2022 · 2025 Candidates for Athens, GA; Voter FAQ; Election Results. Robbie Hooker has pledged that schools in Athens will remain safe and welcoming for all students, regardless of documentation status. Jeff Davis is running to be a judge on the Georgia Appeals Court in 2024. Patrick Davenport is commissioner of district 1 in Athens, Georgia. “They care about what people in Athens think. We have several courts in Athens, each responsible for different types of cases: Athens Politics Nerd is an independent media organization keeping you up to date on local news and politics in the Athens, Georgia area. Yalamanchili’s campaign is being run by Classic City Campaigns, LLC, a group created by Jordan Chinouth, a Republican political operative and former aide to Paul Broun, Kelly Loeffler and other Republican politicians. Nov 4, 2020 · Joe Biden won Athens-Clarke County with 70. People do have options, they could go to a different hospital,” Carr said. 706-202-3173 ovita. In the meantime, workers who are experiencing problems in their workplaces or those who would like to form a union can contact the Workers Center at wcejc@ejcathensga. 67. “Extremely high” levels of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were discovered in wells Frank Ginn (R) is state senator of the 47th district, which includes some of Athens and Jackson county, Georgia as well as Madison and Barrow counties. 5,294,944 people voted in Georgia out of 7,267,985 active voters (72. 2020 General Oct 2, 2024 · Acting Athens-Clarke County Manager Niki Jones has declared a local public health emergency after “extremely high” levels of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were discovered in wells along Pittard Road and Star Drive on the northeast side of Athens. org . Let’s take a look at it. 2019 – present. She was also part of the 100% Athens project, an advocacy group promoting 100% renewable energy for Athens by 2035. 32% of those were injury or fatality crashes,” Blais told the ACC Commission last Tuesday. Dec 30, 2024 · Yet, three candidates for commission this year told the conservative group Athens Classic that they would vote to repeal a 2019 resolution in support of the immigrant community in Athens, essentially saying that they want Athens to be less welcoming. Turnout. Local news. “There have been 452 crashes along the corridor from 2018 to 2023. Reopening Community Centers: Taylor advocated for reopening community centers in Broadacres and Parkview using funding from Athens’ share of the American Rescue Plan. Bill Cowsert was the majority leader in the state senate from 2014-2018 and has been involved in the crafting of a number of important pieces of legislation. Jan 16, 2023 · While organizing service workers in Athens took a big step forward with Friday’s announcement, it remains a long-term project. The Republican plan to gerrymander Athens removed three commissioners from office by fiat and put over half of Athens voters in a different district months before the May 2022 local election. At the same time, our response to the pandemic as a society has proven that the problem can be managed, and maybe even eliminated, as long as we have the political will to get it done. 2023 – present. Apr 14, 2025 · Nerd’s Take Thumbs up means APN supports the bill. 2020 General . James Chafin is a former candidate for District Attorney of the Western Circuit, which includes both Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties. 5 percent higher than last year. Questions about voting? Get APN articles delivered straight to your in-box. Help APN continue covering local news for the Athens area! The Republican plan to gerrymander Athens removed three commissioners from office by fiat and put over half of Athens voters in a different district months before the May 2022 local election. APN has found through open records request that Hamby made four calls to Athens’ Republican state delegation on January 6, the day the Republican Fighting Crime – Johnson wants to keep Athens safe by better funding the ACC Police Department and helping fill officer vacancies. Therefore, be it resolved: The Unified Government of Athens‐Clarke County will obtain 100% of its energy from clean and renewable sources by 2035. 2020 General Former candidate for State House, District 120. Opposition to Tax Increases: During his 2018 campaign, Marcus Wiedower pledged to vote no on raising taxes. Signature Policies. The election is on May 21. Feb 19, 2025 · Despite changes in federal immigration policy, CCSD Superintendent Dr. APN takes a progressive view of the news, focusing on both the mayor and commission and protest movements alike. 895 Followers, 53 Following, 170 Posts - Athens Politics Nerd (@athenspoliticsnerd) on Instagram: "Independent, progressive journalism for Athens, Georgia. Find your representatives here! State House District 120: Houston Gaines (R) Sep 8, 2023 · UPDATE 10/2/24: Yes, Pittard Road has been poisoned. The judicial branch includes judges, the courts, defenders and prosecutors. " Mar 14, 2025 · Athens Politics Nerd is an independent media organization keeping you up to date on Athens, GA news. 2025 Candidates for Athens, GA; Voter FAQ; Election Results. May 16, 2024 · Homelessness in Athens has reached a new high this year, according to the Athens-Clarke County Continuum of Care’s annual point-in-time count. Tim Denson represents Homewood Hills, Boulevard, Forest Heights and Moss Side neighborhoods in Athens, Georgia on the ACC Board of Education. "During a work session Tuesday afternoon, the mayor and commission heard a report from Michael Bien, the Executive Director of the Athens Homeless Coalition" who faced "withering criticism" from some commissioners. Mar 25, 2025 · UPDATE 4/1/25: The resolution in support of racial equity and economic justice passed in an 8-2 vote, with Commissioners Johnson and Thornton voting no. Thumbs down means APN opposes the bill. He hasn’t had that opportunity yet, because the only votes recently have been about lowering taxes, which he supported. ACC Solid Waste is considering moving away from regularly scheduled leaf and limb pickup to an on-demand service. Together with Commissioner Deter Fisher, she was able to secure funding for the Boys and Girls Club to reopen the centers in August 2023. Girtz’s website “A new era of equity approaches. The winner of this election will fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Councilperson Tina Mills. Georgia Politics. Nov 13, 2024 · Athens’ 1% Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) is a special tax that funds transportation projects in Athens. He represents East Athens, Winterville and Morton road areas. 2026 Candidates Patrick Davenport for ACC Commissioner, District 1 Jun 3, 2019 · Now, Athens joins them with a new resolution that’s much more specific than the one signed in 2016. The concept includes additional trees, better seating, a wider pedestrian-focused public space and design elements that serve to connect College Square to the UGA Arch and city hall. Represents North Athens from Newton Bridge Road to Spring Valley Road. Commissioners may fail to make a formal statement of support for racial equity and economic justice as requested by local activists and the Athens NAACP, even though every commissioner claims to support these values. The Athens Homeless Coalition and their many partners continues to coordinate supportive services for unsheltered residents, and their work is to be commended. 6% turnout). Independent media based in Athens, Georgia. Nevertheless, these changes wouldn’t be as concerning if it was still called district 3. The new district would retain the high-turnout, white neighborhoods of Boulevard and Cobbham and would still be connected to part of the historically Black neighborhood surrounding West Hancock avenue from the current district 3. If you still need voter info for the Athens, Georgia area, contact the Board of Elections (706-613-3150). Transforming Athens — During their 2020 campaign, Houle had an in-depth platform detailing their plans to move Athens leftward, including living wages for all workers, racial justice, a Green New Deal in Athens, affordable housing, participatory budgeting and more. APN takes a progressive view of the news, focusing on Athens Politics Nerd is an independent media organization keeping you up to date on Athens, GA news. Andrew Ferguson (D) ran to represent District 120 in the Georgia House of Representatives in 2024. 2% of the vote. Belief in a SPLOST Conspiracy – Before becoming a commissioner, Johnson sued the ACC government for allegedly taking SPLOST funds intended for an economically disadvantaged district and using them in another He is supported by the conservative group Athens Classic and associated PACs. Significant progress has been made on many of these issues during their first May 30, 2024 · When combined with a payment in lieu of taxes from the Athens Housing Authority, the $5 million allotment will fully fund the local government’s affordable housing investment strategy for fiscal year 2025. 7% of Athens voters turned out, lower than in 2016 when 75. Commissioner Thornton, District 9 2019 – present. com. Melissa Link, District 2 Commissioner April 2023 – present [District 2 Commissioner] 2015 – January 2023 [District 3 Commissioner]. Sep 8, 2024 · At their meeting last Tuesday, the Athens-Clarke County Commission blocked a proposed housing project off Lexington Road by allowing the developer to withdraw their request under the strong threat of a rejection. State House District 120 – Houston Gaines (R) State House District 121 – Marcus Wiedower (R) State House District 122 – Spencer Frye (D) State House District 124 – Trey Rhodes (R) State Senate District 46 2025 Candidates for Athens, GA; Voter FAQ; Election Results. Athens-Clarke County, Georgia has four representatives in the State House and two in the State Senate. Oct 10, 2024 · The 2024 election will take place on November 5. Dec 19, 2024 · Myers hoped that this resolution from Athens would be part of a “critical mass” of cities speaking out for ranked choice voting across Georgia that would encourage the state legislature to act to improve our electoral system. She is a director for BikeAthens, Complete Streets Athens and was the chair of the Athens in Motion commission before becoming an ACC Commissioner. Feb 3, 2021 · NOW, THEREFORE, the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County extends to former residents of Athens’ Urban Renewal districts, their descendants, and to all Athenians a deep and sincere expression of apology and regret for the pain and loss stemming from this time, and a sincere commitment to work toward better outcomes in all we do moving Apr 14, 2025 · We will also use an inventory of public properties held by Athens-Clarke County that are viable for residential use to further partner with affordable housing providers. Girtz assured her that the salary would not come from inner east Athens’ share. During the 2022 election, Culpepper was officially “recommended” by Athens Classic, an Athens Clean and Safe PAC partner organization. ”-Kelly Girtz, at his inauguration 2025 Candidates for Athens, GA; Voter FAQ; Election Results. Jeff Davis, candidate for GA Appeals Court. Melissa Link represents District 2 on the ACC Commission, including Boulevard, Cobbham, Magnolia Street near the ACC Library and First through Fourth Streets in east Athens. Tim Denson, member of the ACC Board of Education for District 5. 706-369-9457 kelly. Jan 31, 2021 · 2025 Candidates for Athens, GA; Voter FAQ; Election Results. Athens’ legislative delegation. Feb 14, 2025 · The Interfaith Clergy Partnership of Greater Athens held a special meeting on Tuesday to better understand how new federal and state immigration laws may affect their congregations and the Athens community as a whole. May 6, 2021 · Homelessness and housing insecurity is an enormous problem in Athens, Georgia, which has been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. 6% of Athens voters showed up. It was last approved by voters in 2022 and typically runs for five years before needing to be approved again. 2020 General Oct 5, 2024 · Deborah Gonzalez and Kalki Yalamanchili are both running to be the next District Attorney of the Western Circuit of Georgia, which includes both Athens-Clarke and Oconee County. Apr 15, 2019 · Find out more about Athens' local government here. wuga. 2024 General Election Results; 2024 Local Election and Primary Results; 2023 Local Election Results; 2023 Special Election Results; 2022 General Election & Runoff Results; 2022 Local Election & Primary Results; 2021 Local Election Results; More Local Election Results. Feb 9, 2025 · In a chaotic and tense meeting, ACC commissioners chose to delay making a formal statement of support for racial equity on Tuesday despite a large turnout of constituents who urged them to do more for the Black community in Athens. Athens Politics Nerd is an independent media organization keeping you up to date on local news and politics in the Athens, Georgia area. Feb 16, 2021 · The mayor and commission has passed the long-awaited Linnentown resolution, recognizing and apologizing for acts of “institutionalized white racism and terrorism” committed by the city of Athens and the University of Georgia against former Linnentown residents during the period of urban renewal. In this article, APN’s editor will break down candidates of interest to Athens voters, providing information and analysis to help you decide who to vote for. Nov 6, 2024 · Results come from the Secretary of State’s website, election data hub and the ACC Board of Elections website. Dec 27, 2024 · 2025 Candidates for Athens, GA; Voter FAQ; Election Results. 2020 General Apr 28, 2024 · Athens, Georgia’s local election is the same date as the statewide primary — May 21. Who’s running for office in Athens, GA in 2025 and 2026? What do the candidates stand for? Let’s review the coming local, state and federal elections. Kelly Girtz, Mayor of Athens, Georgia. Mar 17, 2025 · Given the resistance Piedmont Athens-Regional has to union membership among their employees, Carr says the only thing he can do is raise awareness and hope the Athens community comes to their assistance. The ACC Democratic party censured Wright over this incident , saying that she enabled Republicans to undermine democracy locally. On the other hand, turnout was higher in raw numbers of voters. ykfc blrcra vum qbwsfe ywxj bbopv zcb ekakhl ofvikgau erff cxu dfoqf nyt jjco xeeb