Atlanta City Council Convenes for Regular Session; New Waste and Building Policies Take Effect

Regular City Council Session Scheduled for This Afternoon

The Atlanta City Council is set to meet today, Monday, February 16, 2026, for its regularly scheduled session at 1:00 p.m. Despite the federal observance of Presidents' Day, the Council is moving forward with a full agenda as the city transitions into the second month of its new legislative term. The meeting, presided over by Council President Marci Collier Overstreet, is expected to address several organizational goals and finalize the strategic direction for the 2026 calendar year.

Adoption of 2026 Committee Goals

A primary item on today’s legislative agenda is the formal adoption of the 2026 Committee on Council Goals and Objectives. This follows discussions held during organizational sessions in January where committee chairs outlined priorities for the coming months. These goals typically serve as a roadmap for legislative focus, including initiatives related to housing affordability, infrastructure improvements, and public safety. Council members have emphasized that these objectives will prioritize the "Moving Atlanta Forward" initiative, ensuring that departmental activities align with the administration’s broader vision for the city's second-term agenda.

New Waste Collection and Building Policies Effective Today

Today marks the official implementation of several administrative shifts within city departments that will impact residents and developers alike:

• Bulk Waste Collection: The Office of Solid Waste Services has transitioned to a new scheduling system effective February 16. Residents are now required to schedule bulk collections on their regular weekly collection day, a move aimed at streamlining sanitation routes and improving neighborhood cleanliness throughout the city.
• Building Permit Suspension: The Office of Buildings has announced a temporary suspension of structural drawing reviews, also effective today. While all structural documents must still be submitted with permit applications, the responsibility for the immediate review of these documents will fall to the Engineer of Record. This change occurs as the department prepares to align with newly adopted state building codes.

Zoning Committee and Planning Matters

Earlier this morning, the Zoning Committee convened at 10:00 a.m. to review matters relating to the city's zoning ordinance and land use. The committee's recommendations are a critical component of the city’s Comprehensive Development Plan. Today's discussions focused on site plan amendments and special use permits that will be forwarded to the full Council for final approval in upcoming sessions. The committee is also tasked with reviewing Metropolitan River Protection Act compliance for new developments near the city's waterways.

Administrative Context

This session comes as Mayor Andre Dickens begins his second term, with an emphasis on inter-departmental cooperation and civic partnership. While Fulton County government offices and facilities are closed today in observance of the holiday, the City of Atlanta has maintained regular operations for essential services. Solid waste collections are proceeding on their normal schedule, and the City Council’s decision to meet ensures that legislative business remains on track for the current quarter.