What is your name?

Eshé Collins

What office are you running for?

Atlanta City Council Post 3, At-Large

Are you the incumbent?

No

Upload a headshot/photo of yourself.

Attach your resume or CV.

Tell us more about yourself.

Eshé Collins is an Atlanta native, civil rights lawyer and school board member. She is a dedicated advocate, proven leader and passionate community member. She has served as past chair and vice-chair of the Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education, where her leadership played a pivotal role in raising the APS graduation rate from 52% to an impressive 86%, approving the largest teacher pay increase in history and strengthening partnerships with the city and community organizations. A former elementary school teacher, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she is a proud graduate of Spelman College (B.A.), Georgia State University (M.S.) and earned her law degree from the North Carolina Central University School of Law. Eshé brings a wealth of experience in addressing systemic disparities and improving outcomes for families and communities and brings a solid vision for a thriving future for all Atlantans.

Where did you go to school?

J.D., North Carolina Central University School of Law M.S., Georgia State University Bachelor of Arts, Spelman College Druid Hills High School, Atlanta

Campaign Website

www.collinsforatlanta.com

Social Media Links

FB: Eshé Collins for Atlanta City Council IG: collinsforatlanta X: collins4atlanta

Email

[email protected]

What is your job/occupation?

Civil rights attorney with the Southern Education Foundation

What city/neighborhood do you live in?

Princeton Lakes neighborhood in Atlanta

What is your top policy priority if elected? How would addressing this issue make a difference for the people you are seeking to represent and what skills or qualities do you possess that will make you an effective elected official?

My top policy priority as a Post 3 at-large representative on the Atlanta City Council will be affordable housing and equitable economic development. The rising cost of housing in Atlanta has displaced many residents, threatening the fabric of our communities. By focusing on policies that increase affordable housing options and preserve existing neighborhoods, we can ensure that long-time residents are not pushed out by development pressures. At the same time, I will advocate for smart economic development that creates jobs, supports local businesses and attracts new investment to underserved areas. Addressing these issues together will lead to more stable communities, reduce economic disparities, and create a more inclusive and thriving Atlanta for all. With my experience as the former chair of the Atlanta Board of Education and current work leading equity efforts as an attorney, I bring a deep understanding of policy, advocacy, and collaboration. My commitment to equity and proven leadership in shaping impactful initiatives, along with my ability to build coalitions, will ensure that I can effectively represent the diverse needs of Atlanta's residents and drive real, lasting change across the city.

What steps would you take to ensure that your constituents are protected from the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and rising energy costs?

To protect Atlantans from the impacts of climate change, I will focus on building climate resilience and expanding clean energy access. First, I will push for investments in resilient infrastructure, such as modernizing stormwater management to prevent flooding in vulnerable areas and reinforcing the energy grid to withstand extreme weather. This will safeguard our communities from the growing threats posed by climate change, like intense storms and heatwaves. Additionally, I will advocate for policies that promote energy efficiency and expand the use of renewable energy sources. By incentivizing solar energy and green building practices, we can help reduce energy costs for residents and lower our city’s carbon emissions. I will also support programs that make energy-efficient upgrades more accessible to low-income households, ensuring that the benefits of climate action are equitable. Collaborating with local businesses, environmental experts, and community organizations will ensure that Atlanta is prepared for future climate challenges while promoting economic growth through green jobs and innovations.

What long-term changes or reforms do you hope to achieve during your time in office? How will we know you’re successful?

As the Post 3 Atlanta City Council member, I aim to achieve long-term reforms in affordable housing, safe and healthy neighborhoods, and equitable economic development. My goal is to increase affordable housing options, ensuring that long-time residents are not displaced by rising costs. I will work to create policies that build and preserve housing that is accessible to all income levels. Additionally, I will focus on fostering safe and healthy neighborhoods by improving public safety, addressing environmental hazards, and enhancing infrastructure. Equitable economic development is key. I'll advocate for investment in underserved communities, supporting local businesses and creating jobs that benefit all Atlantans, not just a select few. Success will be measured by tangible results: increased affordable housing, safer, cleaner neighborhoods, thriving local economies, and visible, responsive representation. You’ll know I’m successful when I’m consistently present in the community, listening to concerns, and delivering results that uplift all residents. Success will be a thriving, inclusive Atlanta where everyone can live and prosper.

What steps would you take to increase transportation options for your constituents and how would you fund proposed projects or plans?

To increase transportation options for Atlantans, I would advocate for a comprehensive and inclusive transportation strategy that expands access to public transit, promotes alternative modes of transportation, and improves existing infrastructure. First, I will work to enhance MARTA services by expanding routes, increasing frequency, and improving reliability, particularly in underserved areas. Expanding access to public transit will reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions and provide more transportation options for residents who rely on public systems. In addition to improving public transit, I will promote alternative transportation options such as bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and rideshare incentives. By making biking and walking safer and more accessible, we can create more livable neighborhoods that reduce reliance on cars. I will also advocate for electric vehicle infrastructure to encourage greener transportation solutions. To fund these initiatives, I will explore a mix of local, state, and federal funding sources. I would leverage federal grants like those from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to secure funding for large-scale projects. Locally, I would support bond initiatives and public-private partnerships to share the costs of expansion. I will also advocate for the use of impact fees on new developments, ensuring that as Atlanta grows, developers contribute to the infrastructure needed to support transportation improvements. By creating a diverse funding plan and working with key stakeholders, we can make these transportation projects a reality, providing Atlantans with more sustainable, accessible, and reliable options.

Housing costs in many parts of Georgia continue to rise. What should be done to keep housing affordable? What zoning restrictions, if any, would you reform or eliminate to fuel more housing construction?

To keep housing affordable in Georgia, we need a comprehensive approach that includes both preserving existing affordable housing and increasing new housing construction. I will advocate for the expansion of affordable housing programs and the use of public-private partnerships to develop more affordable units, especially in high-demand areas. Additionally, offering tax incentives to developers who prioritize affordable housing will encourage the creation of more units at prices residents can afford. On zoning reform, I would support revising restrictive zoning laws that limit multi-family housing construction, particularly in areas that are well-connected to transit and jobs. By loosening zoning restrictions on duplexes, triplexes, and small apartment buildings, we can increase housing density and provide more affordable options. Eliminating or reducing minimum parking requirements can also help lower construction costs, making housing more accessible. These steps will help ensure housing remains affordable as our city continues to grow and ensure Atlanta remains livable for all.

How do you plan to ensure that public funds allocated to your office are used efficiently and effectively, and what specific measures would you implement to provide transparency in spending?

To ensure that public funds allocated to my City Council office are used efficiently and effectively, I will implement a transparent and accountable budgeting process. I will prioritize spending on programs and services that directly benefit Atlantans, ensuring that every dollar supports initiatives that improve the quality of life in our city, such as affordable housing, public safety, and infrastructure improvements. To provide transparency, I will advocate for real-time financial reporting on the City Council website, where constituents can easily track how funds are allocated and spent. Additionally, I will host regular public budget hearings and community forums to gather input on spending priorities and address concerns. I will also establish annual audits to review the use of funds and ensure compliance with budget goals. By making the budget process more accessible and engaging residents in decisions, I will ensure that public funds are managed with integrity, accountability, and efficiency.