Atlanta ends $900K contract for unfinished project

City faces budget cuts and layoffs as it reviews financial oversight policies

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The city of Atlanta has ended a $900,000 contract with a former clerk who was paid to work on a project that never began, according to a report by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The payments were made while the city was facing a $33 million budget deficit and cuts and layoffs. The city's newly appointed attorney is now proposing new financial oversight measures, including spending caps on consultant agreements, reviews of active contracts, and fixed agreement terms with clear start and end dates.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about financial mismanagement and lack of oversight in the city of Atlanta, especially as it faces budget challenges and has to make difficult decisions about cuts and layoffs. The revelations from the AJC's reporting led to the city taking action to implement new policies to prevent similar situations in the future.

The details

According to the report, the city had a contract with a former clerk to help with the name verification process for a public safety training center referendum brought by critics. However, that verification process never moved forward. The payments to the former clerk totaled more than $900,000, even as the city was facing a $33 million budget deficit and having to make cuts and layoffs.

  • The AJC first reported on the issue last week.
  • The city has now ended the contract with the former clerk.

The players

Marquetta J. Bryan

The newly appointed City Attorney of Atlanta who is proposing new financial oversight measures.

Atlanta

The city that had the $900,000 contract with a former clerk for a project that never began, leading to new oversight policies being proposed.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The city is expected to implement the new financial oversight policies proposed by the City Attorney in the coming months.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong financial controls and oversight in local government, especially during challenging budget times. The revelations from the AJC's reporting led to positive changes that should help prevent similar issues in the future.