Our AJC colleague Katie Leslie sends this report from City Hall:
Atlanta politicos have long described an icy relationship between the former allies, a split that many say began around the time that Reed – Franklin's former campaign manager – was elected in 2009. And let's not forget the 2013 Atlanta municipal election, a proxy war of sorts as the mayors backed opposing candidates for the city council seat now occupied by Franklin's choice, Andre Dickens.
While neither Franklin nor Reed have confirmed the breach, they haven't done much to deny the obvious friction. And that's why we're so intrigued by a federal housing policy event this November, when Reed and Franklin will share the stage at the Center for Civil and Human Rights. It may be the first time the two have made a joint appearance since the opening of the museum in mid-2014.
Reed and Franklin are among the panelists who will join U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro, who is already being spoken of as a potential running mate for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Discussions will also include globalization and the growing income gap.
Reed is sure to mention that Atlanta just scored a $30 million federal housing grant, and Franklin was invited to speak about her work with Purpose Built Communities.
Also among the speakers for the Nov. 4 event: Former Atlanta Housing Authority executive director Renee Glover, a Franklin ally who resigned from the AHA in 2013; former HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros; Atlanta developer and Fannie Mae board Chairman Egbert Perry and Drew Gilpin Faust, the 28th president of Harvard University.
Franklin wasn't much for comment about her relationship with Reed when reached this week, saying, "Politics isn't my top priority and I don't expect it to be."
Reed's camp had little to say about the matter, simply noting, "We wish her the best."
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