City Bulletin: MLK Day 2026 Service Schedules and Public Advisories
Official Holiday Observance and Administrative Closures
In observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday on Monday, January 19, 2026, all City of Atlanta government offices, including City Hall and municipal courts, are closed. Essential emergency services, including police and fire departments, remain fully operational. Due to the holiday, the Atlanta City Council has rescheduled its regular full council meeting to Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Marvin S. Arrington, Sr. Council Chamber.
Sanitation and Solid Waste Collection Adjustments
The Department of Public Works Office of Solid Waste Services has announced a modified collection schedule for the holiday week. There will be no curbside collection of garbage, recycling, yard trimmings, or bulk items today, January 19. All residential services will operate on a one-day delay. Residents typically serviced on Monday will have their items collected on Tuesday, with the 'slide' schedule continuing through the week. Friday routes will be serviced on Saturday, January 24. Regular collection schedules are set to resume on Monday, January 26.
MARTA Transit Operations
MARTA is operating on a modified service plan to accommodate holiday travelers and parade attendees. On Monday, January 19, all bus routes and the Atlanta Streetcar are operating on Saturday schedules. Rail service is following a Modified Saturday schedule, with trains beginning service at 4:30 AM and running at a frequency of 15 to 20 minutes across the Gold, Red, Blue, and Green lines. The Customer Information Center is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though administrative offices, the Lost & Found, and Reduced Fare offices are closed today.
Public Health and Weather Advisories
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued a widespread flu advisory for the metro Atlanta area, reporting severe infection rates and a spike in hospitalizations following the winter break. Health officials strongly urge residents to utilize local clinics for vaccinations. Additionally, due to sub-freezing overnight temperatures, emergency warming centers remain active across the region. Notable locations open through Tuesday morning include the Frontline Response International site at 2585 Gresham Rd SE and the Exchange Park Intergenerational Center.
Traffic and Event Impact Notice
Significant traffic disruptions are expected in Downtown and the Sweet Auburn district today due to the 2026 MLK Day Parade and commemorative events. Rolling road closures will affect Auburn Avenue and Peachtree Street between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Motorists should also expect heavy pedestrian congestion near State Farm Arena for the 1:00 PM Atlanta Hawks holiday tribute game. The MLK Day 5K Drum Run is also impacting local traffic on New Peachtree Road through the early afternoon hours.