Mayor Dickens to Address Atlanta During MLK Day Commemorative Service; Council Meeting Moved to Tuesday

Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Government Holiday Closure

Today, Monday, January 19, 2026, the City of Atlanta observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a significant federal and local holiday. In honor of the legacy of Dr. King, Atlanta City Hall and most non-emergency government offices are closed. This closure includes a modification to the standard legislative calendar. The Atlanta City Council, which typically meets on the first and third Mondays of the month, has officially rescheduled its regular session to Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. to accommodate the holiday observances.

Official Commemorative Service at Ebenezer Baptist Church

Mayor Andre Dickens is scheduled to participate in the primary official government activity of the day: the annual MLK Jr. Beloved Community Commemorative Service. Held at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, the service begins at 10:00 a.m. and serves as a major platform for city and state leaders to address the public. Mayor Dickens, currently in the beginning of his second term, is expected to offer a greeting and remarks focused on his "Moving Atlanta Forward" agenda, emphasizing equity, community service, and his vision for the city’s next four years. The keynote speaker for this year's service is Rev. A. R. Bernard, Sr., and the event is being broadcast live on the city’s public channel, ATL26.

MLK Day Parade and Public Engagement

Following the commemorative service, city officials will participate in the annual MLK Day March and Parade, which is scheduled to begin at 1:45 p.m. This event is a key component of the city’s official holiday celebrations, drawing thousands of residents and civic leaders to the streets of downtown Atlanta and the Sweet Auburn district. The parade serves as a public demonstration of the city’s commitment to the principles of civil rights and nonviolence championed by Dr. King, and it represents one of the largest official public engagements for the Mayor’s office during the month of January.

Emergency Operations: Warming Centers and City Services

While standard administrative offices are closed, the City of Atlanta remains active in managing public safety and health operations. Due to forecasted low temperatures, the Mayor’s Office of Communications has announced the continued activation of emergency warming centers. These facilities are an official government response to protect vulnerable residents during the holiday weekend. The following centers are open today:

• Central Park Recreation Center (400 Merritts Ave. NE)
• Selena S. Butler Park and Recreation Center (98 William Holmes Borders Dr. NE) – reserved for women and children
• Old Adamsville Recreation Center (3404 Delmar Ln. NW) – designated for overflow capacity

The city has also announced a modified solid waste collection schedule. Sanitation services are suspended today and will operate on a one-day delay for the remainder of the week. Transportation for those seeking warming centers is being provided from the Gateway Center as part of the city’s emergency coordination with Fulton County.

Looking Ahead: Tuesday’s Rescheduled Council Meeting

With today’s holiday, the Atlanta City Council will reconvene tomorrow. Agenda items for Tuesday's session include the official announcement of 2026 committee chairs by Council President Marci Collier Overstreet and several significant legislative items regarding city infrastructure and public safety. Residents interested in participating in the rescheduled meeting can attend in person at City Hall or view the proceedings virtually starting at 1:00 p.m.