The Fulton County Courthouse, built between 1911 and 1914, is an historic courthouse building located at 136 Pryor Street SW in Atlanta, seat of Fulton County, Georgia. It was designed by noted Atlanta-based architect A. Ten Eyck Brown (1878–1940), along with the Atlanta firm of Morgan & Dillon. It is officially the Lewis R. Slaton Courthouse.On September 18, 1980, the original building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. An annex across the street is connected via skywalk. Both are located in South Downtown.In March 2005, Brian Nichols overpowered and escaped from a sheriff's deputy at the courthouse, causing her brain damage, and then killed the judge in his rape trial, a court reporter, and another deputy, and later a man at another location, before kidnapping and holding a woman hostage. He was found guilty of all 54 counts against him at his trial, which was moved to Atlanta Municipal Court to avoid the crime scene where most of the killing spree occurred.
The Atlanta City Hall building is the headquarters of the City of Atlanta government. It was constructed in 1930, and is located in Downtown Atlanta. It is a high-rise office tower very similar to dozens of other city halls built in the United States during the same time period. Located in South Downtown, it is near other governmental structures, such as the Georgia State Capitol and the Fulton County Courthouse. The Neo-Gothic structure features many architectural details that have helped to make the building a historical landmark. It is Atlanta's fourth city hall.HistoryEarly city hall buildingsAfter half a decade of makeshift meeting places for city business, in 1853 mayor of Atlanta John Mims purchased the four-acre "Peters's Reserve" from Richard Peters for $5,000. On this land was built a two-story brick structure for the city hall as well as some court functions. Each floor was 70 by 100ft providing nearly 15000sqft of space. It opened on October 17, 1854 and served for three decades during which time it served as campgrounds for the occupying Union army during the war and was briefly the state capitol during 1868 when the capital first moved from Milledgeville, Georgia. It was demolished in 1885. In 1882, Atlanta City Hall was relocated to the old chamber of commerce building, which was four stories tall and located on the northeast corner of Pryor and Hunter . It was the city hall from 1882 to 1911.
The Atlanta City Government is divided into three bodies: the legislative, executive and judicial branches. The Atlanta City Council serves as the legislative branch. City departments, under the direction of the Mayor, constitute the executive branch, and the Municipal Courts, constitute the judicial branch. Legislative Branch: The legislative body, comprised of the Council, makes the laws that govern the city. It is responsible for the development of policies which serve as operational standards and establishes the parameters for the administration of city government. Executive Branch: The Executive body carries out the laws that have been instituted by the City Council. It is responsible for the day-today operations of city government. The City Charter: A new charter was enacted in 1996 that reduced the representation of Council to 12 districts and three at large posts -- effective January 1998. The 1974 Charter resulted in many changes in Atlanta City government. Prior to its adoption, the legislative body was called the Board of Aldermen and each alderman was elected citywide. The 1974 charter changed the Board of Aldermen to the City Council; the vice-mayor to the president of the Council; and established 12 Council members to be elected from individual districts and six at-large posts. The administration of the day-to-day operation of city government was transferred to the executive branch, and legislative authority was vested in the Council. This system allows the Council to maintain a strong system of checks and balances. Legislation takes two forms -- ordinances and resolutions. An ordinance establishes a permanent rule of government. Every official act of the Council, having the force and effect of law, must be an ordinance. Ordinances must be read before full Council at two regular meetings. There are exceptions, for example, a City Charter amendment requires three readings. Resolutions usually express intent or support of various projects and enterprises or establish legislative policy of a general nature. Resolutions need be read only once and can be introduced and adopted at the same meeting. Standing Committees: The standing committees of the Atlanta City Council meet to consider legislation and to make recommendations on each item. The Committees then report their actions to the full Council. Approximately 150 pieces of legislation is handled per meeting. Citizens have the opportunity to appear before a standing committee and to express their views on any piece of legislation. (Comments from the public on matters related to zoning changes are heard by the Zoning Review Board, an independent body comprise of appointed city residents. The Zoning Review Board meets once month) The Council is required by law to hold a public hearings on certain matters including changes to the City Charter, changes to the City Code of Ordinances, tax increases, etc. Notification must be provided to residents in advance of any public hearing. Legislative Process: Legislation can be introduced on the floor of Council by a Councilmember as a personal paper, or can come through a standing committee. In either case, almost all legislation goes before a committee for discussion at some time. After a paper has been through the committee process, it is voted on by the full Council. The Council may accept or reject the committee's recommendations. A majority vote is needed for adoption. When a paper is adopted by the Council, it goes to the Mayor for signature. The paper must be approved or vetoed within seven days. If not signed or vetoed within that period, it automatically becomes law. If vetoed, the Council can override with a two-thirds vote. About the Atlanta City Council The president of the City Council, currently Ceasar Mitchell, is elected from the city at-large (city-wide). The Council consists of 15 members, 12 elected from single-member districts and three elected at-large. The Council president presides at all meetings of the Council and votes in the case of a tie. The president of Council appoints chairs and members of the various committees, subject to rejection by a majority of the Council. The Council president exercises all powers and discharges all duties of the mayor in case of a vacancy in that office or during the disability of the mayor. Councilmembers are elected to four-year terms commencing with the first Monday in January. The next Atlanta City Council will take office in January 2014. The members of the Council elect a president pro tempore each year to serve a yearlong term beginning with the first meeting in January. The president pro tempore presides over the Council meetings in the president's absence. Atlanta City Councilmembers serve part-time and are paid an annual salary of $39,473. The Council president is paid $41,000 annually. Salaries are determined by an independent committee of city residents.
The Supreme Court of Georgia is the highest judicial authority of the US state of Georgia. The court was established in 1845 as a three-member panel. Since 1896, the justices (increased in number to six, and then to seven in 1945) have been elected by the people, and today those elections are non-partisan. Three of the state's seven sitting Justices were re-elected, all unopposed, in 2012.The first Chief Justice of the Court was Joseph Henry Lumpkin, who was appointed in 1863. There have been 27 Chief Justices, and the current Chief Justice of the Court is Hugh P. Thompson.Bar admissionsThe Supreme Court of Georgia is unusual among state high courts in that it does not admit new lawyers to the state bar. Instead, new lawyers are admitted to practice by the superior court of a county where they live or wish to practice. The new lawyers must separately seek admission to the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.
The Office of the District Attorney is charged with the prosecution of all felony violations of State law that occur within Fulton County (Atlanta Judicial Circuit). In addition to unincorporated Fulton County, this jurisdiction includes the municipalities of Alpharetta, Atlanta, College Park, East Point, Fairburn, Hapeville, Milton, Mountain Park, Palmetto, Roswell, Sandy Springs and Union City.
The General Assembly has operated continuously since 1777, when Georgia became one of the thirteen original states and revoked its status as a colony of Great Britain. Since the General Assembly is the legislative body for the state, the location of its meetings has moved along with each move of the state capital. In its earliest days the legislature met first in Savannah, and subsequently in Augusta, Louisville, and Milledgeville. In 1868 the capital—and the assembly—settled permanently in Atlanta. Today the General Assembly meets in the state capitol, an impressive limestone and marble building with a distinctive gold dome and granite foundation. Each chamber is housed in a separate wing. (from the Georgia General Assembly Website)
The University System of Georgia, a part of the community in each of Georgia’s 159 counties, provides services across the state. The University System is composed of 29 public colleges and universities, the State Archives and the Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS). GPLS encompasses approximately 389 facilities in 61 library systems throughout Georgia.
The State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) is a state-level, independent Authority created by the Georgia General Assembly to operate tolled transportation facilities within the State and act as the transportation financing arm for the State. Through SRTA, user fees have been successfully utilized to build the Sidney Lanier Bridge over the Brunswick River and the Torras Causeway, “the gateway” to the St. Simons community.
The Department of Public Works touches the lives of residents and visitors in the City of Atlanta as directly and as frequently as any other city department.
The City of Atlanta Department of Planning & Community Development creates opportunities for the city to maintain a pattern of sustainable growth. We also guide the development of the city through effective planning, design review, construction plan approval, preservation and housing assistance programs.
The Atlanta City Government is divided into three bodies: the legislative, executive and judicial branches. The Atlanta City Council serves as the legislative branch. City departments, under the direction of the Mayor, constitute the executive branch, and the Municipal Courts, constitute the judicial branch. Legislative Branch: The legislative body, comprised of the Council, makes the laws that govern the city. It is responsible for the development of policies which serve as operational standards and establishes the parameters for the administration of city government. Executive Branch: The Executive body carries out the laws that have been instituted by the City Council. It is responsible for the day-today operations of city government. The City Charter: A new charter was enacted in 1996 that reduced the representation of Council to 12 districts and three at large posts -- effective January 1998. The 1974 Charter resulted in many changes in Atlanta City government. Prior to its adoption, the legislative body was called the Board of Aldermen and each alderman was elected citywide. The 1974 charter changed the Board of Aldermen to the City Council; the vice-mayor to the president of the Council; and established 12 Council members to be elected from individual districts and six at-large posts. The administration of the day-to-day operation of city government was transferred to the executive branch, and legislative authority was vested in the Council. This system allows the Council to maintain a strong system of checks and balances. Legislation takes two forms -- ordinances and resolutions. An ordinance establishes a permanent rule of government. Every official act of the Council, having the force and effect of law, must be an ordinance. Ordinances must be read before full Council at two regular meetings. There are exceptions, for example, a City Charter amendment requires three readings. Resolutions usually express intent or support of various projects and enterprises or establish legislative policy of a general nature. Resolutions need be read only once and can be introduced and adopted at the same meeting. Standing Committees: The standing committees of the Atlanta City Council meet to consider legislation and to make recommendations on each item. The Committees then report their actions to the full Council. Approximately 150 pieces of legislation is handled per meeting. Citizens have the opportunity to appear before a standing committee and to express their views on any piece of legislation. (Comments from the public on matters related to zoning changes are heard by the Zoning Review Board, an independent body comprise of appointed city residents. The Zoning Review Board meets once month) The Council is required by law to hold a public hearings on certain matters including changes to the City Charter, changes to the City Code of Ordinances, tax increases, etc. Notification must be provided to residents in advance of any public hearing. Legislative Process: Legislation can be introduced on the floor of Council by a Councilmember as a personal paper, or can come through a standing committee. In either case, almost all legislation goes before a committee for discussion at some time. After a paper has been through the committee process, it is voted on by the full Council. The Council may accept or reject the committee's recommendations. A majority vote is needed for adoption. When a paper is adopted by the Council, it goes to the Mayor for signature. The paper must be approved or vetoed within seven days. If not signed or vetoed within that period, it automatically becomes law. If vetoed, the Council can override with a two-thirds vote. About the Atlanta City Council The president of the City Council, currently Ceasar Mitchell, is elected from the city at-large (city-wide). The Council consists of 15 members, 12 elected from single-member districts and three elected at-large. The Council president presides at all meetings of the Council and votes in the case of a tie. The president of Council appoints chairs and members of the various committees, subject to rejection by a majority of the Council. The Council president exercises all powers and discharges all duties of the mayor in case of a vacancy in that office or during the disability of the mayor. Councilmembers are elected to four-year terms commencing with the first Monday in January. The next Atlanta City Council will take office in January 2014. The members of the Council elect a president pro tempore each year to serve a yearlong term beginning with the first meeting in January. The president pro tempore presides over the Council meetings in the president's absence. Atlanta City Councilmembers serve part-time and are paid an annual salary of $39,473. The Council president is paid $41,000 annually. Salaries are determined by an independent committee of city residents.
We are here to support Atlanta's rapidly expanding film industry; the Office of Entertainment will streamline the permitting process for all film and TV productions, facilitate employment of local talent, create production-related educational and training opportunities, and safeguard the interests of residents and businesses affected by film productions. In addition to streamlining the permitting process for film productions in the City of Atlanta, the Office of Entertainment also will be responsible for the following: •Issuing permits to productions filming on public property in the City of Atlanta •Facilitating communication between production companies, city agencies as well as with the communities and neighborhoods. •Minimizing and troubleshooting potential inconveniences to residents and local businesses affected by film production •Facilitating employment of local talent by compiling resource list of laborers and suppliers •Supporting the provision of education and training opportunities in entertainment production •Partnering with the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office to market Atlanta as a leading center for film, culture and entertainment
The Department of Public Works touches the lives of residents and visitors in the City of Atlanta as directly and as frequently as any other city department.
Mayor Kasim Reed calls on all of us to move Atlanta forward, together. Whether by mentoring a child or by beautifying our neighborhoods, we can all use our talent and time to make Atlanta a great city. I Am Atlanta is a city-led initiative tasked with inspiring volunteerism and civic engagement.
The University System of Georgia, a part of the community in each of Georgia’s 159 counties, provides services across the state. The University System is composed of 29 public colleges and universities, the State Archives and the Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS). GPLS encompasses approximately 389 facilities in 61 library systems throughout Georgia.
The Georgia Film Academy is a collaborative effort of the University System of Georgia and Technical College System of Georgia supporting workforce needs of the film and digital entertainment industries. The academy will certify workforce ready employees in needed areas, connect students and prospective employees with employers, and offer a unique capstone experience for top students that will provide them a path to employment in Georgia. The Georgia Film Academy offers a two-course certification program specifically designed to provide students with a basic level of on-set film production skills, knowledge and experience with film-industry standard organizational structure, professional equipment and on-set procedures. Our courses offer you extensive hands-on experience. Students will have an opportunity to network, build resumes and learn to market themselves in order to become integrated into the film industry as entry-level workers. THE GFA Program will not only give you professional training in the film production crafts but an opportunity to earn credits towards your AA, AAS or BA degree!
Digital Georgia is funding projects in three areas: 1. State Capacity Building The Georgia Technology Authority provides consistent leadership for digital economic and broadband development in the state of Georgia. Program staff coordinate state-level digital economic and broadband activities by collaborating with regional and local governments, businesses and institutions to evaluate the digital economic and broadband needs of the state and identify resources to meet those needs. 2. Regional Planning Teams This project is funding the development of a Digital Economic Plan for each of Georgia’s 12 regions in partnership with the regional commissions. The program is providing coordination, information and technical assistance to Georgia’s 12 regional commissions to complete their plan development. 3. Data Development This projects purpose is to develop information resources that will be useful in the planning and implementation of broadband and information technologies to increase Georgia’s participation in the digital economy. For more information on the Digital Geogia please click link for Digital Georgia Program Information and Assistance Request Form
The state government creates and maintains databases containing data that is useful to constituents. Qualified customers are given access to these databases to carry out legitimate business transactions. By querying the state databases, authorized constituents obtain data records of importance to them. The state in turn charges for this data.
The State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) is a state-level, independent Authority created by the Georgia General Assembly to operate tolled transportation facilities within the State and act as the transportation financing arm for the State. Through SRTA, user fees have been successfully utilized to build the Sidney Lanier Bridge over the Brunswick River and the Torras Causeway, “the gateway” to the St. Simons community.