Meet the Atlanta City Council candidates: Dustin Hillis for District 9

This November, the entire Atlanta City Council is up for election, including the District 9 position, which council member Dustin Hillis is defending, seeking a third term. This article focuses on Hillis, who transitioned from nurse to council member with considerable community involvement along the way. His answers to Atlanta Community Press Collective questions about his background, District 9 and objectives if elected are below.

Answers are condensed for space.

How would you describe District 9 in its qualities and challenges?

District 9 is one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of Atlanta, most representative of our city as a whole. It’s home to long-established neighborhoods with deep community roots, as well as growing areas that reflect the city’s evolution, including industrial areas that continue to transform to mixed-use. We have incredible residents—hardworking, civically engaged and proud of their communities.

That said, District 9 also faces serious challenges, not unlike the rest of the city: aging infrastructure, flooding and stormwater issues, and concerns about public safety. Balancing growth while protecting the character of our neighborhoods and improving quality of life remains our central focus.

What would you highlight from your experience with Atlanta City Council and elsewhere in politics?

Over the past eight years on the Atlanta City Council, I’ve focused on pragmatic, results-driven leadership. I’ve sat on every committee, including appointments as chair or vice chair of the Public Safety Committee each year, helping guide major reforms in policing, fire services and emergency preparedness.

Before Council, I became deeply involved in my neighborhood, serving on its board for six years, working for my prior council member for two years and earning my master’s in public administration. Each of those experiences grounded me in listening first and acting based on real needs. I’ve built a reputation for being accessible, data-driven and dedicated to the residents of Northwest Atlanta. My proudest accomplishments include leading the first successful mayoral veto override in around a decade to get a safer Hollowell Parkway, saving the ecologically important and historic Chattahoochee Brick site from becoming a massive fuel/rail terminal, stopping a massive concrete plant from being built in the Blandtown neighborhood, opening our city’s largest park—Westside (now Shirley Clarke Franklin) Park and numerous other infrastructure improvements across the district.

Infrastructure remains a dire issue for Atlanta and prominent in your campaign. What is your vision for Atlanta’s infrastructure?

My vision is a city where infrastructure works for residents—not against them. That means modernizing our stormwater systems, improving roads and sidewalks, and ensuring that every neighborhood benefits from capital investments.

We’ve made progress securing millions for projects in District 9 (more than any other district in the Moving Atlanta Forward program), but Atlanta must do better on infrastructure. I’m advocating for a short-, medium- and long-term infrastructure management plan that uses smart technology, transparent reporting and dedicated funding to maintain what we build. We cannot continue to pretend basic maintenance of current infrastructure are “capital projects,” relying on a few million from state grants to resurface a few roads each year, for example. It is past time for smoother, safer roads for all users, as well as critical to bring our water, sewer and stormwater systems into the 21st century.

How do you see your experience in health care informing your campaign and policy?

My background in health care as an ICU and serious communicable disease unit nurse has given me a deep understanding of how systems affect people’s daily lives. It’s reinforced the importance of prevention, coordination and data-driven decision-making—principles that translate directly to city governance.

Whether addressing public safety, infrastructure or housing, I approach issues holistically. Health and well-being are at the core of every policy decision, from reducing environmental hazards to ensuring residents have safe streets and emergency services they can rely on. 

What are your thoughts on the attack website against your opponent?

I’ve briefly looked over the website, and while some content and history it references about my opponent is certainly concerning, my focus remains on my campaign and the work we’ve accomplished—and will continue to accomplish—in District 9.

The residents of Northwest Atlanta deserve a council member focused on progress, not distraction. I’m committed to continuing my record of service, transparency and results for the people I represent.

Why is public safety the issue area and committee you’ve focused on most in eight years on city council?

Public safety is foundational—without it, nothing else works. From day 1, I’ve made it a priority because residents consistently tell me they want safe neighborhoods, effective policing and strong emergency response.

Over the past two terms, I’ve worked to modernize our police and fire departments with new buildings and fleet replacement, improve officer recruitment and retention, and ensure accountability and transparency. I’m proud of the strides we’ve made, but I know there’s more work ahead to build trust and safety across every Atlanta neighborhood.

For more information on Hillis and his platform, visit votedustinhillis.com.