Future mayors of Atlanta will have access to up to $100,000 in city funding in the weeks before they take office to help facilitate their transition and inauguration.

The City Council on Monday unanimously approved the funds, which include $75,000 designated for transition services like paying staff, and $25,000 for an inauguration ceremony for the next mayor and Council. The next Atlanta mayor is set to take office on Jan. 3, 2022.

The legislation introduced on behalf of Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ office, which faced criticism in 2019 after an Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigation found some members of Bottoms’ campaign were hired and retroactively paid with taxpayer dollars for work performed before she took office in January 2018.

No city-backed transition fund existed when Bottoms took office; historically, inaugural and transition expenses for Atlanta’s incoming mayors have come from their campaign coffers.

The next mayor will also have access to City Hall office space and security from Atlanta police before they are sworn in. Former mayors will be able to receive security services for up to six months after they leave office.

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Candidates' supporters are seen holding signs outside the Wolf Creek Library in Atlanta on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. In addition to municipal races for mayors, city councils, and school board members, this year’s election will also decide two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

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A person exits the Wolf Creek Library in Atlanta after casting his ballot during election day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC