Atlanta City Council using social media to get residents involved in budget talks

Atlanta is taking the 2014 budget debate to the people by holding a combined public hearing and virtual town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, which will be broadcast live on City Channel 26 and allow for greater feedback from residents through traditional and social media means.

The Atlanta City Council is currently digging through Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s proposed $539 million budget for the 2014 fiscal year.

As part of the town hall format, questions can be submitted three ways: via email at atlantacouncil@atlantaga.gov; through Twitter using the @ATLCouncil and the hashtag #atlbudget; or by calling in at 404-330-6309.

Questions can also be submitted at the actual meeting, which will be held in the Council Chamber of Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave.

All questions will be answered during the live broadcast, which will also be streamed in the city’s website at www.atlanta.ga.gov. A digital copy of the proposed budget can also be viewed on the website. Under the “government” heading, click Department of Finance and scroll down to 2014 Proposed Budget Book.