Atlanta City Council approves Google Fiber franchise agreement for broadband expansion

The Atlanta City Council's City Utilities Committee convened on July 15, 2025, to address several key ordinances and resolutions aimed at improving the city's utility infrastructure and services. The meeting began with the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the mayor to accept a grant of up to $124,500 from the U.S. Department of Energy. This grant will fund research into building performance standards in Atlanta, with the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance serving as the subrecipient.

The committee then discussed an ordinance to ratify services performed by DuraClean of Atlanta LLC, which provided cleaning and restoration services in response to water and sewer infrastructure failures. The ordinance authorizes payment of up to $69,293.16 for these services.

Next, the committee reviewed an ordinance to amend the fiscal year 2026 budget, allocating $5.5 million for the small meter installation project. This was followed by a second reading of an ordinance to amend the FY 2025 water and wastewater budget, transferring $17.4 million for improvements to the Chattahoochee Water Treatment Plant.

A significant topic of discussion was a proposed nonexclusive franchise agreement with Google Fiber, allowing the company to lay fiber optic cables in the public right-of-way for broadband services. The agreement includes a 2% franchise fee, which is projected to generate approximately $2 million for the city. Council members expressed concerns about the performance of subcontractors working for Google Fiber, emphasizing the need for better oversight and communication regarding infrastructure repairs and notifications to residents.

The committee also addressed several resolutions, including authorizing the mayor to apply for $37 million in funding from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority for wastewater and drinking water capital improvements. This funding aims to support critical infrastructure upgrades while minimizing the financial impact on ratepayers.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the committee's commitment to enhancing Atlanta's utility services and infrastructure while addressing the challenges posed by ongoing projects and contractor performance. The next committee meeting is scheduled for August, where further discussions and updates on these initiatives will continue.