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In January 2025, Donald Trump executed a sweeping purge, firing 17 independent inspectors general across federal agencies — eliminating key watchdogs who were tasked with holding the government accountable. Now, Atlanta’s leadership is following the same playbook, targeting the very institution designed to ensure ethical governance in our city.
If there’s nothing to hide, why are Mayor Andre Dickens and a handful of City Council members trying to gut the Office of Inspector General (OIG) — the one agency dedicated to rooting out fraud, corruption, waste, and abuse?
Atlanta has seen this before. From Bill Campbell to Kasim Reed, history has shown us exactly what happens when no independent watchdog keeps our city leaders in check. That’s why the OIG was created in 2020 — to stop Atlanta from being run for the wealthy and well-connected instead of the people. And in just a few years, it has already uncovered millions in misconduct, including:
- $120,000 in improper spending by Mayor Dickens for the 2022 Senior Ball
- A Human Resources Commissioner abusing their position to create a role for a family member
- A campaign manager for Councilmember Michael Julian Bond failing to disclose financial ties before securing millions in city contracts
- City Planning employees accepting bribes to fast-track permits
Now, rather than strengthening accountability, Mayor Dickens and several City Council members are pushing Ordinance #25-O-1009, a bill designed to strip the OIG of its power, making it nearly impossible to hold city officials accountable.
The Atlanta Inspector General just resigned, recognizing that the proposed ordinance would turn the office into a toothless watchdog. The Association of Inspectors General has also warned that the bill would cripple oversight, erode public trust, and leave Atlanta vulnerable to even deeper corruption.
And the timing? Suspicious at best. This move to weaken accountability comes as city officials push to increase their own salaries by over 35%—a cash grab that raises serious questions about who they really serve.
They claim the OIG must be weakened to comply with state law. But the facts tell a different story:
- The OIG has followed the city charter as required.
- The city’s own attorney only recently “discovered” potential legal concerns after the OIG exposed corruption.
- State law should not be twisted to undermine independent oversight.
Trump’s purge of federal inspectors general was an attack on democracy, a blatant attempt to remove anyone who might hold the powerful accountable. What’s happening in Atlanta is no different. The people in charge are trying to rig the system in their favor while hardworking Atlantans struggle to afford rent, healthcare, and basic services.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely. So why is Mayor Dickens trying to grab more of it?
Atlanta deserves a government that works for us, not against us. The OIG must remain independent, fully funded, and empowered to do its job. We cannot allow politicians to strip away accountability just to protect themselves.
We won’t stand for this power grab. And we won’t stop fighting until our city leaders put people over politics.
Atlanta deserves better. Let’s demand it.
Fallon McClure is the Deputy Southeast Regional Director, Working Families Power
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