Keisha Lance Bottoms

Keisha Lance Bottoms
Name	Keisha Lance Bottoms
Birth date	1970-01-18
Birth place	Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Occupation	Attorney, Politician
Office	60th Mayor of Atlanta
Term start	2018
Term end	2022
Party	Democratic Party

Keisha Lance Bottoms (born January 18, 1970) is an American attorney and politician who served as the 60th Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia. A former judge and city council member, she became a national figure during the protests following the killing of George Floyd and was considered for national office during the administration of President Joe Biden. Her career bridges municipal leadership, state politics, and federal appointments.

Early life and education

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, she was raised in the Cascade Heights neighborhood and attended Benjamin E. Mays High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Florida A&M University and a Juris Doctor from the Georgia State University College of Law. During her youth she was influenced by local leaders in Fulton County, Georgia and regional clergy in the African Methodist Episcopal Church community.

Legal and early career

She began her legal career as an assistant solicitor in the Municipal Court of Atlanta and later served as a judge pro tempore. She worked in the Fulton County District Attorney's office and in private practice, handling cases that brought her into contact with institutions such as the Atlanta Police Department, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and area public defenders. Her legal work included engagement with civil rights matters and municipal ordinance enforcement, linking her to local civic organizations and bar groups including the Georgia State Bar.

Political career

She was elected to the Atlanta City Council representing District 11, succeeding Jim Maddox and serving alongside other council members such as Yvonne Brill. On the council she worked with the Atlanta Housing Authority, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), and the Atlanta Public Schools system on neighborhood revitalization, public safety, and affordable housing initiatives. Her council tenure positioned her among Georgia Democrats including Stacey Abrams, Keystone figures in statewide races, and connected her to national figures through municipal conferences with the National League of Cities.

Tenure as Mayor of Atlanta

She was elected mayor in 2017 and took office in 2018, succeeding Kasim Reed. As mayor she confronted issues involving the Atlanta Police Department, responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia (2020–21), and economic development projects tied to corporations such as Delta Air Lines and Coca-Cola. Her administration worked with the Georgia Department of Transportation on infrastructure projects, partnered with philanthropic groups like the United Way of Greater Atlanta and engaged federal agencies including the Department of Housing and Urban Development on housing initiatives. Her tenure saw negotiations over the future of venues connected to Atlanta United FC and events at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, debates with the Georgia State Legislature over municipal authority, and collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions such as DeKalb County, Georgia and Cobb County, Georgia on regional planning.

2020 presidential campaign and national profile

During the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd she held public dialogues that brought national attention, leading to televised interviews on networks and appearances alongside figures such as Van Jones and commentators from outlets covering the protests in Minneapolis–Saint Paul. She was frequently mentioned in speculation about cabinet and vice presidential roles in the 2020 United States presidential election cycle and met with members of the Biden transition team; President Joe Biden later nominated other candidates for key roles. Her national profile included participation in panels with activists connected to movements like Black Lives Matter and meetings with faith leaders from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Post-mayoral roles and public service

After leaving office in 2022 she accepted roles that included service in advisory capacities and appointments engaging federal policy with connections to the White House and agencies such as the Department of Education and Department of Justice. She has spoken at events hosted by institutions including Harvard Kennedy School, Spelman College, and the Brookings Institution, and has been involved with nonprofit boards alongside leaders from organizations like the Kresge Foundation and Emory University affiliates. She also engaged in private sector work intersecting with urban policy firms and consulting groups connected to municipal governance.

Personal life and beliefs

She is married to Derek W. Bottoms, a pastor with ties to Tabernacle Baptist Church and community ministries connected to Atlanta congregations. They have children and are active in local faith communities; her faith influences her public statements and policy priorities, which have intersected with leaders from the Progressive Baptist Convention and civic coalitions. She has expressed support for criminal justice reform initiatives associated with advocates and elected officials including Cory Booker and Kamala Harris while aligning with policy goals championed by state and regional Democrats such as John Lewis's legacy advocates.

Category:1970 births Category:Living people Category:Mayors of Atlanta Category:Georgia (U.S. state) Democrats