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Residents urge funding for PAD and oppose limits on county town halls
Summary
Dozens of residents told the Fulton County commission they want continued funding for Policing Alternatives and Diversion (PAD) and opposed a proposal to cap or restrict commissioner town halls. Speakers described PAD's shelter and diversion work and warned that limiting town halls would reduce transparency.
During an extended public comment period at the Nov. 19 meeting, more than 20 speakers described community needs and urged the Board of Commissioners to maintain funding for diversion services and to preserve accessible public engagement.
Moki Macias, executive director of Policing Alternatives and Diversion (PAD), outlined services the group provides to people diverted from jail including emergency hotel stays, transportation assistance and food support. Macias said PAD provided hotel stays and temporary shelter to dozens of people and helped hundreds with food assistance this year. Speakers with lived experience and partner organizations, including clinicians and former clients, gave specific examples of cases where PAD prevented incarceration and connected people to housing and employment.
Multiple residents, including small business owners and nonprofit leaders, spoke against a proposed resolution that would limit commissioner town halls to a small annual number, restrict them to weekdays and county buildings, and bar many partnerships with outside venues. "This is our government, and we deserve a place in it," one commenter said, arguing the changes would make it harder for renters and working residents to participate.
Commissioners acknowledged the comments; several said they wanted to preserve public engagement while other commissioners defended procedural changes they said would reduce costs or prevent overuse of county staff. The commission later considered (and in some cases amended) related agenda items and motions moved up to be heard after public comment.
What comes next: Commissioners asked staff to consider how community input should guide policy on public engagement and the board’s funding decisions for PAD and similar providers. Several members asked for follow‑up materials from the Veterans Empowerment Commission and PAD to inform budget and grant decisions.
