12 Months, 12 Milestones: Celebrating College Park’s 2024 Achievements
As we close out 2024, I’m proud to reflect on a year of progress, collaboration, and service to our community. Each month brought new challenges and opportunities, and I was honored to serve College Park every step of the way. From advocating for families and small businesses to securing transformative regional partnerships, these 12 highlights represent just some of what we’ve accomplished together this year.
Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited to build on this momentum and continue shaping a brighter future for our city. Thank you for the trust and partnership that make these achievements possible. Here's to an even greater year ahead!
Launch of Mayor Bianca’s Bulletin: Introduced a new newsletter and website to inform and inspire residents, ensuring transparency and accessible communication on city happenings, decisions, and opportunities for involvement.
Rock Climbing Wall Preservation: Advocated to retain the climbing wall at the Tracey Wyatt Recreation Center following community outcry and a petition to save it.
Supporting Families: Partnered with community organizations to provide essential resources such as food and gasoline.
Lead Pipeline Replacement Advocacy: Pursued federal funding to improve public health through critical infrastructure updates.
Promise Career Institute: Championed the construction of the new school, which opened in 2024.
Small Business Advocacy: Promoted local businesses through new initiatives, including my "Mayor & Me" video series.
Grants Manager Position: Initiated adding the position to the budget to optimize federal funding opportunities.
Railway Safety Advocacy: Supported legislation to improve train safety for our community.
Regional Collaboration: Worked alongside regional partners to drive transformative projects that enhance our community and the broader region. Key initiatives include the Aerotropolis Atlanta Blueprint 2.0 and the Flint River Nature Preserve, which focus on environmental restoration and connectivity. Together, we secured $64.9 million in federal funding to link the Atlanta BeltLine to the Flint River trail, advancing sustainable practices throughout the region. Additionally, I successfully advocated for re-engaging with MARTA to purchase a 7-acre tract for the Flint River Nature Preserve, ensuring College Park remains a key player in this legacy-building effort.
State & National Representation: Monitored and shaped legislation affecting College Park as the first vice president of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) and served in various leadership roles with the National League of Cities, including the Board of Directors.
Addressing EMS Challenges: As a member of GMA’s EMS Task Force, I worked to tackle statewide concerns about ambulance response times and service gaps. Locally, I supported legislative efforts that could empower Fire & Rescue personnel in College Park and South Fulton to transport patients, reducing wait times and improving emergency response.
Support for Doubling LMIG Funding: Advocated for Governor Kemp’s budget proposal to double Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant (LMIG) funding, a critical resource for paving roads and addressing infrastructure needs in College Park.
