Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed appoints Duriya Farooqui as city's chief operating officer

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed on Monday appointed Duriya Farooqui as the city's chief operating officer, a position that encompasses oversight and management of the city's operating departments including Aviation, Fire, Police, Corrections, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, Planning and Community Development, Public Works, and Watershed Management. Farooqui had served as interim COO since December 2011. Reed said he was confident Farooqui would continue to focus on public safety, balanced budgets and improving customer service.

Get the news faster! Follow the AJC's coverage of Atlanta on Twitter.