Atlanta City Council backs jail diversion program’s contract extension
Advocates for an Atlanta nonprofit that works to keep some of the city’s most vulnerable residents out of jail are celebrating after the city council pushed back on an attempt by the mayor’s office to not extend its contract. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)
Advocates for an Atlanta nonprofit that works to keep some of the city’s most vulnerable residents out of jail are celebrating after the city council pushed back on an attempt by the mayor’s office to not extend its contract.
Moki Macias, executive director of the Policing Alternatives and Diversion Initiative, or PAD, said she’s relieved by the Atlanta City Council’s decision to extend its contract for another two years and $5 million.
“We’re really looking forward to continue serving our community and to continue growing this effort throughout the city so that more people who are struggling to survive out on the street are responded to with care instead of with punishment,” Macias said.
Since 2017, PAD has helped connect those living in extreme poverty or in the midst of a mental health or substance use crisis with community-based services. However, its future appeared to be in jeopardy when just a few weeks ago Mayor Andre Dickens’ office initiated a secret, invite-only bidding process for diversion services after the city had already awarded the contract to PAD and then didn’t invite the group to participate.
Dozens of concerned citizens descended on city hall again on Monday, Nov. 18, to support the nonprofit. Michael Taylor said PAD has helped him navigate his probation requirements and post-traumatic stress disorder he developed after being inside the Fulton County Jail.
“The chances of me going back to jail are very high, but I do plan on beating the odds and I do believe PAD has been the difference in me not going back to jail,” Taylor said.
While the city’s chief operating officer and police chief claim they’re concerned about PAD’s effectiveness, Alex Wan and several other council members called the way the administration went about addressing them “troubling.”
“All of a sudden there’s a special procurement,” Wan said. “That’s when things started smelling funny, and I’m not convinced that they haven’t stopped smelling funny.”
The contract was approved 11-2, with council members Howard Shook and Mary Norwood voting against. It will now go to the mayor’s desk for his approval.
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