If you get most of your political news from Twitter it might look like the public is wildly against the construction of the proposed Atlanta public safety training center. But a new poll from Chris Huttman of 20-20 Polling shows that the facility has widespread support from both sides of the aisle statewide.
According to the poll 60% of likely Georgia voters support the facility, while only 12% are opposed. For Democratic voters support drops to 43%, but that number still comes in well above the 20% of Dems opposed.
The numbers paint a picture of broad support for the $90 million project, which will train police officers, firefighters, and 911 operators when complete. They also tell the story of why Democratic leaders have been largely supportive of the facility – or at least reluctant to take a hard stance against it.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has been one of the most vocal supporters of the project, and while critics have called for opposition to run against him in 2025’s mayoral race they may find that difficult, the poll shows him with a 4-1 favorability ranking.
Former U.S. Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux penned an op-ed in the AJC recently voicing “a centrist view” of the facility, saying it is much needed to improve police training techniques. She writes:
“One of the major proposals coming out of the Black Lives Matter protests was improved training for police in techniques like de-escalation and simulations to help police respond effectively and appropriately in high-stress, high-stakes situations. This kind of training for police should lead to better, more thoughtful policing – not worse.”
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff offered tacit support for the training center but hedged his bets by stopping short of naming it – with a spokesman stating: ”Senator Ossoff fully supports new, world-class training facilities for Atlanta law enforcement and first responders. Where those facilities are located is a decision for Atlanta.”
That referenced “decision” has turned into a game of political football in recent months, as petitions gathered by opponents of the facility that would put the issue on ballots have been collected, submitted, frozen and most recently scanned and uploaded to the Atlanta Municipal Clerk’s Office website. The next step on whether those petitions will be allowed to move forward will be decided once the 11th Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals provides legal guidance to the city, which should happen in coming weeks.
Other notes of interest from the poll:
- Gov. Brian Kemp boasts a favorable rating overall at 51% to 43% unfavorable.
- 52% of likely Democratic voters polled said they thought Stacey Abrams should mount a third gubernatorial campaign in 2026.
- On the topic of 2026, U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, up for re-election that year, has a 44% favorable rating to 36% unfavorable.
- 33% of respondents said the economy and inflation were their top priorities, followed by “threats to democracy” at 23% and immigration at 12%.
