Atlanta's Wealthiest Suburb Eyeing Secession From Crime-Ridden City

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Georgia’s Republican-controlled state Senate and Local Government Operations Committee passed two bills on Monday that would allow a public referendum on the proposed City of Buckhead.

Buckhead is known for its high-end retail and wealthy residents, including music legend Elton John, who keeps a condo on Peachtree Road. In the last few years, many Buckhead locals have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Atlanta leadership for not controlling crime and not providing enough city services for the northside taxpayers' money.

March 02, 2023

Buckhead City supporter Kelly Rodts recently complained to the committee, "Buckhead is a target. We're a target for criminals in the city, and Atlanta has not been able to protect us."

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Local statistics show that, except for shoplifting, all crimes decreased in Buckhead in 2022, according to 11ALIVE. Nonetheless, homicides in Atlanta overall continue to rise. Despite Buckhead's secession having the support of Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, it faces resistance from Atlanta business owners and lawmakers, who contend that the split could compromise the city's economy and disrupt the school system.

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If the bills are approved by both chambers and signed by Gov. Brian Kemp, Buckhead residents can vote on seceding from Atlanta in the November 2024 elections. The legislation would allow the new city to purchase the assets owned by the city in the region--such as parks, public schools, and sewer lines--at a reduced cost, asserting that the citizens of Buckhead have already paid for them through their taxes.

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The Buckhead City push stalled out last year, but after Monday's vote, the bills will be scheduled for a Senate vote by the Rules Committee, according to 11ALIVE. The Democratic senators representing Buckhead voted against the bills. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens was "disappointed" by Monday's vote, calling the legislation "short-sighted" with "disastrous consequences."

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Republican Senator and sponsor Randy Robertson, however, remained undaunted following Monday's vote. "All we're asking for is to vote," said Bill White, Volunteer CEO of the Buckhead City Committee. White recalled moving to Buckhead to be closer to his husband's family, only to find an explosion of "crime, home invasions, [and] murders" in the neighborhood he called "the Beverly Hills of the South." He argued, "We feel that it's taxation without representation. We want a smaller, more responsive government closer to the people."

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While Buckhead's fate remains in legislative limbo, it is uncertain whether area residents would support secession if given the opportunity. In June 2022, the Committee for a United Atlanta reported that only 30% of residents wanted to leave Atlanta, with 61% saying they would opt to remain.