A "People's Administration"
“The challenge before me, and before all black elected officials, is great, for we must serve effectively and meaningfully the needs of the people—all people, but especially the poor.”
—Morehouse College Founder’s Day Address, February 14, 1974
Maynard Jackson walking with a group of men and boys, circa 1978
Maynard Jackson signing a proclamation at his Desk with Children, 1975
Cabinet Members and Mayor Maynard Jackson, 1978
Cabinet Members and Mayor Maynard Jackson, 1978
Victorious in the election, Maynard Jackson noted that his next challenge would be to meet the expectations of those who elected him and to overcome the expectations of those who did not.
Jackson took office in 1974 as the new Atlanta city charter that he helped mold as vice mayor took effect. It gave the mayor greater powers which Jackson used to restructure city hall for a more open, representative, and responsive government. Jackson sought a fair and equal opportunity for everyone to work for or conduct business with the city. He also used his position to encourage diversity in the private sector and economic development on all sides of the city.
In his 1974 inaugural address, Jackson proclaimed that the pending reorganization “will be designed to open wide the doors of city hall to all Atlantans and to make our city government more responsive to ‘people needs’ and ‘people problems.’” Jackson earned a reputation as an outspoken and aggressive mayor who acted on his promise for a “people’s administration.”