Atlanta Activists Push Referendum to Stop Cop City Police Training Center

Activists in Atlanta are working to gather enough signatures to put a referendum on the ballot repealing the ordinance allowing construction of a $90 million police and firefighter training center they fear will lead to greater police militarization.
The Atlanta City Council approved $31 million in funding for the project despite opposition from activists who packed meetings and spoke for hours.
Supporters argue the facility will help recruit and retain police and firefighters, while replacing substandard training facilities.
Opponents have protested for two years, arguing the facility will destroy forest land in a poor, majority-Black neighborhood and cost taxpayers too much.
The arrests of three protest organizers on charges including domestic terrorism have raised additional concerns about overpolicing and police militarization.