Despite never having run for public office, Shirley Franklin became the first female Mayor of Atlanta, and the first African–American woman to serve as mayor of a major southern city.

By Ruth King

Inheriting a city with a budget deficit of $82 million in 2001, Mayor Shirley Franklin treated Atlanta as she would any major business. She made difficult choices, restored accountability to city government, and worked to improve the quality of life for the residents of Atlanta. Leading by example, she cut her own salary by $40,000 before eliminating half of the staff positions. She also eliminated job vacancies and convinced the public of the need for raising taxes (which was done).

With the city’s budget finally balanced, Mayor Franklin focused on making Atlanta a “Best in Class” city. The Atlanta citizens gave her their overwhelming support and re-elected her to office in November 2005. Mayor Franklin received more than 90 percent of the votes cast.

Her accomplishments as Mayor include:

• Balanced five budgets, which has generated a healthy reserve for the city of Atlanta.
• Implemented one of the strongest ethics reform programs in the country and an Ethics Task Force.
• Laid the foundation for a $3.2 billion overhaul of the city’s aging water and sewer system
• Established a commission of city leaders to study the problem of homelessness in the city and created the “Blueprint to End Homelessness in Atlanta in 10 Years.” The Gateway Center, designed to serve 500 people a day with needed personal and health services, opened in July 2005.
• Created “Next Step…The Atlanta Promise,” a program designed for high school seniors in the city’s public schools to plan for their future beyond high school. The 2005 program raised $1.9million, including $1.1 million in scholarships for 300 graduates.
• Administered the $150 million Quality of Life Bond Program, which leveraged funds to add new sidewalks, beautify major arterials and enhance both pedestrian and vehicle safety. Nearly 1,200 projects are underway or completed.

In 2005, Mayor Franklin was finalist for the Top Ten Mayors in the World contest. She received numerous supporting statements for her nomination. All pointed to her compassion and dedication to making Atlanta a better city in which to live. Comments included: “She does what she says she will do and is what she says she is.” “She cares deeply for the city and its people, especially those in economic distress.” “She reaches across political boundaries to focus on ‘rolling up our sleeves and getting the job done.’ ”

Since this is her last term as Mayor, Shirley Franklin is committed to leaving a legacy of urban development and growth as well as making Atlanta a better place to live than when she was first elected mayor. It is my opinion that Mayor Franklin’s legacy is firmly in place.