City of Atlanta Launches Digital Newsroom to Engage Residents

The city of Atlanta announced the launch of its new digital newsroom, ATL.Direct, on Wednesday, reshaping residents’ experience by bringing them information through a centralized online platform.

Digital communications with citizens are essential for local governments, and officials are turning to technology to meet constituents where they are. Cities are increasingly adopting a “no-wrong-door” approach, letting residents choose their preferred channel to connect with government.

ATL.Direct is an example of this approach. On this platform, users can find information across city departments and offices, and shared stories of the city’s work behind the scenes. These range from celebrating local businesses, to highlighting new mural projects, to bringing attention to current campaigns and projects.

“ATL.Direct is about delivering information in a way that is accessible and innovative,” Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement.

The project was built by ShockTheory DLV in partnership with the city’s internal Atlanta Information Management team, as Rayna Plummer, the city's deputy press secretary, said via email.

Notably, this platform was built with considerations for AI integrations. Future updates will enable AI summaries and translations for increased accessibility, Plummer said.

One key feature on the platform is A Pathway Home, an acronym for housing, outreach, mobility and equity. It highlights resources for residents experiencing homelessness and shares personal stories of community members who have faced homelessness. It also highlights progress on the city’s effort to create 500 quick-delivery homes for residents experiencing homelessness. The project uses city-owned land.
Another feature, Progress in Action, displays real-time updates on infrastructure projects and initiatives that are part of the “Moving Atlanta Forward” agenda.
As cities prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ATL.Direct also offers a way for officials to communicate related updates, investments, preparations, and stories to residents.

Finally, ATL.Direct offers a way for the city to combat rising concerns about misinformation, an issue that is on the rise with the expanded use of generative AI. Funding cuts for public access information make it “imperative” that city officials “bridge that gap” to provide residents with accurate information, the city’s chief communications officer Allison Fouché said in a statement.

“This is our newsroom and our way to connect residents with the work happening across the city every day,” she said.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to clarify the entities responsible for building ATL.Direct.