In response to recent incidents along Edgewood Avenue, including a night of extreme violence that saw one killed and 10 shot, the City of Atlanta has implemented a series of immediate and long-term actions to enhance safety, enforce compliance, support local businesses, and ensure a thriving nightlife district for residents and visitors.
You can watch the Mayor and members of the Administration—including the Atlanta Police Department and Mayor’s Office of Film, Entertainment and Nightlife—visit with Edgewood District businesses owner, public safety personnel at role calls and staff at Grady EMS here.
“Edgewood Avenue is one of Atlanta’s most iconic cultural and nightlife destinations, and one night will not define one of the most popular areas on the Eastside. We are taking a balanced approach—providing immediate safety measures while working toward long-term solutions that protect businesses, patrons, and residents alike,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “This is about ensuring that everyone can enjoy the energy and creativity of this corridor without fear or disruption.”
Through policing and non-policing efforts, crime is down across the city and much progress has been made specifically in the Edgewood District and surrounding area.
Citywide, as of August 2, 2025: Homicides are down 25 percent from 2024, motor vehicle theft is down 38 percent from 2024 and crime overall is down 8 percent from 2024.
There were no major incidents in the Edgewood District or the city over this weekend.
“The Edgewood District is an essential part of Atlanta’s culture and, working with the Dickens Administration and my colleagues in City Council, we will enact short-term solutions and explore long-term solutions to ensure residents, visitors and businesses have the safe and vibrant environment they deserve,” said District 5 City Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari
“The Atlanta Police Department is committed to working alongside the community to enhance safety and quality of life in the Edgewood Corridor. Residents will notice increased patrols during peak business hours, targeted enforcement of key regulations in partnership with external agencies and coordinated efforts to ease late-night traffic and safety concerns. Looking ahead, the City is focusing on longer-term solutions like improving lighting, strengthening zoning enforcement and expanding camera network tools to help keep Edgewood safe, vibrant, and enjoyable for all,” said Atlanta Police Department Chief Darin Schierbaum
The City encourages residents and businesses to continue participating in the Connect Atlanta program. Visit this link for more information: connectatlanta.org
Through a whole-of-government approach, the City has identified key areas where the area can be improved with more lighting, infrastructure needs and a visible police presence to deter criminal activity.
Short-Term Mitigation Plan (Immediate Actions)
Effective immediately, the City has increased its public safety presence and introduced targeted measures to address crime and safety concerns along the Edgewood corridor:
- A taskforce convened by the Dickens Administration and Councilmember Bakhtiari is being planned, with legislation being introduced as early as today.
- Increased Police Presence: Directed patrol units and supplemental officers are deployed on key nights and during peak business hours to enhance visibility and deter crime. Staffing levels are adjusted based on real-time operational assessments.
- Targeted Enforcement & Interagency Coordination: APD is working with external agencies to focus on surrounding streets during weekends. Joint teams are conducting licensing and compliance checks for after-hours alcohol sales, occupancy limits, and food vending regulations.
- Legal Support: The City Solicitor’s Office has prioritized Edgewood-area offenses to strengthen prosecution and accountability in Municipal Court.
- Traffic & Mobility Adjustments: Transportation officials are improving late-night traffic flow and pedestrian safety at high-volume intersections near the corridor.
Long-Term Mitigation Plan (Strategic Measures)
To create sustainable improvements in the area, the City is advancing several initiatives:
- Zoning & Code Enforcement: Efforts are underway to address unregulated gatherings on vacant lots and enforce commercial zoning and parking permit compliance.
- Infrastructure Enhancements: Plans are being evaluated to convert temporary bike lanes into permanent infrastructure, improving pedestrian safety and reducing congestion.
- Expanded Camera Network: Additional cameras will be installed to support ongoing monitoring and investigations.
- Legislative Solutions: The City is exploring policy changes to strengthen proactive enforcement and support long-term safety enhancements in the corridor.
Compliance and Enforcement Findings
The City’s Department of Finance (DOF) Office of Revenue has intensified enforcement efforts to ensure business compliance in the corridor:
- Seven businesses were cited for failure to comply with tax-by-the-drink reporting requirements.
- A recent compliance review revealed that:
- 85 businesses are currently compliant with occupational tax certificate requirements, while 29 are non-compliant.
- 27 businesses are compliant with alcohol licensing regulations, while 6 are non-compliant.
These findings will inform ongoing enforcement actions and support fair business practices across the corridor.
Direct Outreach to Businesses
The Mayor’s Office Nightlife Division recently conducted on-the-ground outreach to connect directly with Edgewood business owners, assess their needs, and reaffirm the City’s commitment to a safe, vibrant nightlife scene.
- Staff visited businesses and provided contacts for city support on safety, permitting, and operational concerns.
- Meetings with property and business owners highlighted rising security costs and persistent safety challenges. The City is working collaboratively with stakeholders to address these issues while keeping Edgewood a hub for culture and community.
Watch the Mayor’s community visit in the Edgewood District at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHf6K4DquVU
