

REAL CONVERSATIONS LEAD TO
REAL CHANGE
College Park residents gathered in an open forum to voice concerns, meet with city leaders, and connect with neighbors to share ideas that will drive Real Change.
Mayor Bianca Motley-Broom, Councilwoman Jamelle McKenzie, Councilman Joe Carn, and Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat attended. They answered residents’ questions about operations, the city charter, meeting protocols, finances, development, and crime.
We’ve compiled these concerns to present to College Park’s city leaders for review and discussion during a public workshop. Our voices matter. Real conversations lead to Real Change.

CITIZEN CONCERN: RECRUITMENT & RETENTION
If College Park is using a 3rd party firm to attract talent, should we consider contracting a different firm? We are not getting a good ROI based on high turnover.
Who is responsible for vetting the next City Manager?
What are the credentials and expectations? Will there be a probationary period?
CITIZEN CONCERN: FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY
We would like transparency as a practice. Financial questions go unanswered during council meetings. $40K+ was approved without discussion. $15K was approved for a 2nd inauguration.
Where is the money being spent and where is it coming from?
How are budget increases approved?
(i.e. Rugby bathrooms increasing exponentially in cost, due to an oversight in planning)
CITIZEN CONCERN: DEVELOPMENT
What are the concrete objectives? What is the timeline for plans being operationalized? Promises have been made for 9 years. Are demographics considered during development planning? (i.e. splashpad was built in a ward comprised of residents aged 40+)
CITIZEN CONCERN: COMMUNICATION AND OPERATIONS
Residents cannot reach city offices. Website links, calendar, and contact methods are incorrect or function poorly.
All departments, post office, and the pool have limited hours and restricted access. Who is responsible for monitoring bathrooms and parks? Is there a staffing issue in these departments?
CITIZEN CONCERN: BRANDING AND IMAGE
College Park is home to an airport considered a “gateway to the world”. Broadcast and social media channels have shown the unprofessional behavior of our city leaders worldwide. We all play a role in the brand of the city. We need leadership that reflects our true value. Our city is synonymous with crime and the clear lines drawn between wards, races, and class. Our brand image ultimately affects who we attract to our city (residents and business development), resulting in either financial growth or loss.
CITIZEN CONCERN: MEETING PROTOCOL
City Council currently functions under Roberts Rules of Order.
Why does College Park use Roberts Rules? How can we change this?
Do bylaws or the city charter take precedence over Roberts Rules?
There appears to be more focus on “parliamentary order” than there is on general order and decorum. The rules diminish functionality.
We voted for each city official and would like to have each of them heard in-turn.
Chaos and disorder still ensue under current practices.