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Doug Shipman
Doug Shipman is running for Atlanta City Council President.
Personal background
Doug was born in Bull, Shoals, Arkansas. He graduated from Emory University with a bachelor's dress in political science, has a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School, and has a Master of Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He lives in Old Fourth Ward with his wife, Dr. Bijal Shah, and their two daughters.
Professional background
Doug was the CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center from July 2017 until August 2020. He was CEO of BrightHouse Consulting for two years. He also founded the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, where he was CEO for eight years. Before founding the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, he worked for Boston Consulting Group for five years.
Political background
Doug Shipman's campaign for city council president is his first entry into politics.
ON THE ISSUES
CAMPAIGN FINANCE
Public Services
Wants to grow Atlanta more equitably, as well as encourage economic growth.
Plans to support "small and micro businesses" and invest in the arts, culture and public spaces such as public parks.
Wants to invest in green energy and water conservation.
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COVID
Said, "we will have some big changes and unique opportunities as we come out of COVID. There's also a broad reckoning involving equity and inclusion."
Plans to "continue to educate and persuade greater vaccine adoption by our citizens and work with our public health experts to increase vaccine availability."
Wants to make sure the evictions do not increase "substantially" and wants the city to do a better job distributing federal COVID relief.
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City Budget
Wants to give small businesses greater incentives and funding and focus economic activity "in long neglected neighborhoods."
Plans to invest in more long term planning, infrastructure improvements, sustainability projects and parks.
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Housing & Urban Development
Wants to provide "more low-barrier to entry options" for the homeless population and county and state resources for more substance abuse and mental health treatment.
Plans to use more city-owned property, allow accessory dwelling unit construction and conversion, create short-term rental regulations, increase funding to subsidize development near public transit, expand use of land banking initiatives and consider lengthening affordability incentives for more affordable units.
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Public Safety
Wants to built police-community relationships, hire more police and make sure the police and fire department have staff, training, and resources.
Plans to expand the mental health and domestic violence units.
Wants to give police officers housing and education benefits, including housing subsidies.
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Transportation & Infrastructure
Promises to work for every neighborhood to have trails and parks nearby with playgrounds and ballfields.
Plans to upgrade and expand Atlanta's transit system to make the city more livable and affordable.
Wants to prioritize transit on the BeltLine, invest in green energy and spend more on maintenance and repair of basic infrastructure like roads, sidewalks and water management.
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Zoning
Wants to "be far more aggressive on anti-displacement policing including longer and greater tax abatements for long term owners and far more extensive use of land banks for long term rental residents."
Plans to lower parking minimums and increase accessory dwelling unit development.
Wants to use city-owned property for affordable housing development.
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