Atlanta, Jan 4, 2022, Andre Dickens becoming the 61st Mayor of Atlanta during an inauguration ceremony at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium. He laid out his plans to tackle crime and other city issues.

Judge Patsy Y. Porter administered the oath of office to Dickens before a crowd at the stadium.

“I stand here before you today to usher in a new day in the City of Atlanta,” he said during his inaugural speech. In particular, Dickens reflected on the city’s ongoing crime problem. “The first 100 days of my administration will be laser-focused on reducing crime, with a particular emphasis on balancing safety and justice.”

Dickens also referenced his Safe Streets Atlanta Plan in his inaugural address. During his mayoral campaign, Dickens talked heavily about the plan, which includes hiring 250 police officers this year and training all officers during the first quarter in conflict resolution, de-escalation tactics, and community policing.

“They are here to serve and protect,” he said.

Judges and city council members also took the oath of office during the ceremony which took place under sunny skies, but with brisk winds at the football stadium. Former Mayors Shirley Franklin and Keisha Lance Bottoms weighed in on the next chapter.

“It is my hope that you will not only stand upon our shoulders, but you will take the best of what each who have come before you have had to offer our city, and my prayer is that you will soar,” said Bottoms.

Dickens also spelled out plans to add more street lights, provide more affordable housing and improve city roads and parks.

“Each mayor had their burden, and mine is to bring us together to form a safe, clean thriving city,” said Dickens.