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A Legacy of Partnership and Progress
2003
With early leadership from Board Chair Cal Darden and startup support from Central Atlanta Progress, the Buckhead Coalition, and Midtown Alliance, the Atlanta Police Foundation was formally established as an independent 501(c)(3) public-private partnership to support public safety in Atlanta through private-sector and philanthropic investment.
2004
APF hosted its inaugural Crime is Toast breakfast, establishing what would become one of the Foundation’s signature annual convenings for business and civic leaders.
2005
Dave Wilkinson joined the Atlanta Police Foundation as President & CEO, and APF expanded its early impact through officer housing initiatives and the restoration of APD’s Mounted Patrol Unit.
2007
APF launched Operation Shield and Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta, marking a major expansion of its role in public safety technology and anonymous tip-based crime-solving across metro Atlanta.
2011
APF formally launched its officer housing initiative, expanding its long-term investment in officer recruitment, retention, and neighborhood-based public safety.
2012
APF launched the Atlanta Police Leadership Institute (APLI), expanding its investment in leadership development and professional growth within the Atlanta Police Department.
2014
The Atlanta Repeat Offender Commission was established to improve the judicial handling of repeat offenders and strengthen accountability across the justice system.
2015
Atlanta was recognized as a model city by President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing—one of only 15 jurisdictions selected nationwide out of approximately 18,000 reviewed—reflecting national recognition for the city’s innovative and collaborative approach to public safety.
2016
APF launched the Cutting Edge, Cutting Crime campaign, chaired by Jeff Sprecher, and opened the Video Integration Center, marking a major expansion in both strategic fundraising and public safety technology.
2017
APF launched the @Promise Youth Initiative and opened the first @Promise Center in Atlanta’s English Avenue neighborhood, introducing a new model built around prevention, intervention, and diversion to help young people avoid or exit justice-system involvement.
2018
APF completed the Cutting Edge, Cutting Crime campaign, doubling its $12 million goal by raising $24 million.
2019
APF launched the Vision Safe Atlanta campaign, chaired by James Quincey, and opened the @Promise Center at Thomasville Heights, marking continued growth in both strategic public safety investment and youth intervention in Atlanta.
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2020
APF opened the @Promise Center in the Pittsburgh community, continuing to expand the @Promise model in neighborhoods with high need and high opportunity for impact.
2021
APF completed the Vision Safe Atlanta campaign, surpassing its $42 million goal by raising $50 million, and advanced two major infrastructure investments by announcing the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center initiative and breaking ground on Unity Place.
2022
APF launched the Public Safety First campaign, with Alex Taylor and Michael Russell Sr. serving as Co-Chairs, and expanded its officer housing strategy through Secure Neighborhoods, advancing both long-term public safety investment and neighborhood-based officer support across Atlanta.
2024
APF launched the Child Care Incentive Program to help reduce the financial burden of child care for Atlanta police officers and completed the Public Safety First campaign, exceeding its $90 million goal by raising $166 million.
Present
APF launched the Safest City $100,000,000 Campaign, chaired by Tommy Holder, to address the continued need to recruit, retain, equip, and deploy officers, while strengthening community and safety outcomes citywide through strategic investments and partnerships. Chaired by Tommy Holder. Through bold investments in officer support, youth engagement, technology, officer housing, and community programs, this campaign represents a long-term commitment aiming to make Atlanta the “Safest large city in America by 2028.
