Former mayors Kasim Reed, Andrew Young congratulate Mayor-elect Andre Dickens

Reed made his own historic bid for a third term after Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced in May that she would not seek reelection. But Dickens defeated Reed by 600 votes in the Nov. 2 general election.

Dickens’ momentum heading into the runoff attracted a flood of campaign funds and new notable endorsements, including Bottoms and former mayor Andrew Young.

Former U.S. Ambassador Young — who previously endorsed Reed’s comeback — told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday that he’s always liked Dickens. He said Dickens will “learn on the job very quickly” due to his roots as an Adamsville native.

Young said he relied on guidance from a “de facto civil service” compromised of veteran city employees when he needed assistance as mayor. He said his administration met directly with the AJC and the community on a monthly basis to address “troubles in City Hall.”

“What used to make Atlanta different is that you had generational wisdom,” said Young, who acknowledged his administration did eventually train new employees. Young said he’s “afraid we’re gonna have to do that again” in the Dickens administration.

Young urged Dickens to rely on every relationship he’s formed — ranging from Dickens’ alma mater to Dickens’ girlfriend’s background in the school system — to repair the relationship between city leadership and the community.

“I think he’s got the connections on a broad basis in Atlanta,” said Young.