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Tag: Jayden Williams

  • ‘Today isn’t about me, it’s about all of us’: Stockbridge Mayor Jayden Williams

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    A packed house full of family members, friends, elected officials, and residents all gathered for a swearing-in ceremony for the new mayor of Stockbridge, Jayden Williams (above). Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

    A new year, a new mayor for the city of Stockbridge has finally come. 2026 marks a new era for the city of Stockbridge.  

    A packed house full of family members, friends, elected officials, and residents all gathered for a swearing-in ceremony for the new mayor, Jayden Williams, in Stockbridge.

    Williams was also sworn in alongside newly elected City Councilwoman Lakeisha Gantt, representing District 1, and Councilman Antwan Cloud, representing District 2. 

    Following winning the mayoral race against a two-time incumbent in November, Jayden Williams, 22, officially became the youngest mayor ever in Stockbridge.

    Williams is also pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science at Clark Atlanta University. Following his election, Williams said his victory reflects a desire for change among Stockbridge residents.

    Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

    The swearing-in marks the start of a new term focused on growth, inclusivity, and addressing the needs of a changing community, according to city officials.

    “Today isn’t about me, but it’s about all of us. It’s about what happens when a community decides to believe and decides to do the work that is needed to back that belief,” Williams said. “We’ve knocked on doors, we’ve prayed, we’ve sent messages, but most importantly, you all have challenged me. You didn’t vote for the person, you voted for the promise.”

    That promise he says, is being “all in for Stockbridge.”

    “I’m all in for Stockbridge, all in for our neighborhoods, all in for our districts and all in for our people,” he said. “The future of Stockbridge will be built on transparency, physical responsibility, opportunity, and collaboration. The vision is not abstract, it’s intentional. We’re here to help build Stockbridge to higher heights.”

    Williams says this is why economic development and economic innovation is going to be their administration’s front and center priority because “a city cannot rise if its people are locked out of opportunities.”

    “We are committed to building clear paths to good jobs, supporting small businesses, and aligning education with the real demands of today’s economy, especially in healthcare, logistics industries, and the sectors that are driving our region,” he said. “It is why youth opportunities and community learning will be a priority because when we invest early and coordinate what already exists and truly listen to our young people, we change the outcomes of a lifetime.”

    Williams told the crowd he wants to build exposure and safe spaces where youth can learn, grow, and see themselves in the future of the city, which is why housing and holistic wellbeing is going to be addressed. He said building safe and stable homes are the foundation of healthy families and strong neighborhoods, which includes aligning housing with access to health care, mental health support, transportation, and the quality-of-life services.

    “We’ve got to also support the city as well. It’s why public safety and infrastructure matter because safety is not just about response, it is about prevention, not just enforcement, but trust,” he said. “It means modern infrastructure, coordinated services, well-lit streets, reliable utilities, and partnerships that ensure growth is smart, reliable, and every resident feels safe, seen, and supported.”

    Additionally, he said they will strengthen neighborhoods, promote responsible growth, support small businesses, invest in the youth, and respect the elders because the process that leaves behind is all the process Stockbridge needs.

    “No part of this city will be left behind under my administration, and that is my promise. We are facing some challenges, financial pressures, growth decisions, and in some places, trust can also be an appointment where we must rebuild it,” he said. “There are things that aren’t always going to go right, but there are also things that always will not be ignored. There are things we confront together because leadership is not pretending everything is perfect. Leadership is showing up anyway and doing the work.”

    Furthermore, Williams quoted Shirley Chisholm saying, “If you don’t have a seat at the table, bring a folding chair,” and to this, Williams says Stockbridge did something different.

    “We didn’t just bring the folding chair, we gathered the wood, we built the table, and now together, we’re going to make sure that table is strong enough, wide enough and welcoming enough for everyone,” he said. “This is our city. This is our moment, and together, we are all in for Stockbridge.

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    Donnell Suggs

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  • Incoming Stockbridge mayor Jayden Williams sits down with The Atlanta Voice

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    Jayden Williams, Stockbridge commissioner and soon-to-be graduate from Clark Atlanta University, makes history as Stockbridge’s youngest mayor at 22 years old.

    Born and raised in Stockbridge, Williams says he wants to bring fresh ideas to the community he’s called home.

    Williams told The Atlanta Voice he is focused on making Stockbridge a model for growth and opportunity, prioritizing economic development, public safety, housing, and arts & youth programs, all while preserving the city’s close-knit spirit.

    Furthermore, Williams said his win against incumbent Mayor Anthony Ford has not completely hit him yet, but he feels ready to work.

    “Beating a two-time incumbent is huge, and it just shows that Stockbridge is ready for some change,” he said.

    Jayden Williams, current commissioner of Stockbridge, and a student at Clark Atlanta University is just 21 years old. Williams, the youngest candidate to run for mayor in Stockbridge, hopes to bring fresh ideas to the community he’s called home. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

    Additionally, Williams’ ties to public service started early. In high school, he served as the Youth Council Mayor, and during college, he held several leadership positions. After graduating, he says he felt called to come home and make a difference.

    “I watched a few council meetings and said, ‘This is not the standard I left when I went to Clark Atlanta,’ Williams said. “I knew we needed some change, and I decided to jump in for mayor.”

    As mayor-elect, Williams says his focus will be on growth, infrastructure, and inclusion — making sure all residents feel represented and heard.

    “I really want to see us grow into something where every single resident feels accommodated,” he said. “That includes new residents, young professionals, working families, our teachers, and our seniors. I want everyone to feel like they’re home.”

    Williams says his win carries deep personal meaning for his family, given Stockbridge’s past. He said he hopes this next era for the city shows a collaborative front, especially with Stockbridge being deemed as one of the fastest-growing cities in the state.

    “I want us to show we’re in unison, we’re all one, and we can work collaboratively, especially with an all-black council,” he said. “We’re ready to serve every single generation in this community, and for so long we’ve lacked one generation over another, and so I want to show that differentiability, diversity, and inclusion right here in the city.”

    Williams also says he wants to tackle infrastructure and housing.

    “I want to see how we can work with our planning commission to bring some meaningful ordinances and policies to put some standard opportunities of affordable housing here in the city,” he said. “Just like I ran my platform on the 80-20 rule, 80% housing and 20% townhomes and apartments with the will of the Council.”

    Williams said his administration is putting major developments on infrastructure in Stockbridge that haven’t been fixed in 30 or more years.

    To people who may underestimate Williams due to his age, he says to go back and review what he’s done in the past in his political career thus far.

    “I’m not new to politics, nor am I new to the game. They can ask former bosses of mine, Representative Lydia Glaze, when I worked in the state house, but I’ve also served right here and as the youth council mayor,” he said.

    Also, Williams said, although he has several policies he wants to look at, he’s focused on ensuring he’s protecting the current residents while also bringing in new ones.

    “I really do want to work in protecting the characteristic trait of Stockbridge. The people have something to look forward to,” he said.

    As a message to his constituents, Williams says he’s here to work for you.

    “The campaign was just the job interview, but now that I have the job, we’re here to serve our constituents, which to me, I call all 36,000 plus residents my neighbors,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working with all of them and hearing their voices and concerns so we can push Stockbridge into a new era.”

    For his first year as Stockbridge Mayor, he says he wants residents to see change, not immediate, but progressive change, and going in the right direction.

    “I want to see Stockbridge become an urban suburban city in a smart way. I don’t want to see a mini-Atlanta, nor do I want to see a mini–New York City,” he said. “I want to see something that’s urban, hip, and up with the times, but also have those suburban opportunities where you can feel your neighbor next door and still have breathing room for your kids to play.”

    For advice to anyone who may want to run for a political office, Williams says not to let anyone tear you from your dream.

    “I didn’t let anyone tell me what I couldn’t do. I prayed before the election, before voting, and at the end of the election,” he said. “They said I couldn’t do it; I tell them to have a good day because you’re trying to stop down and process that. You don’t know how far I’ve come to get here, and so just continue to fight for your dreams and don’t push back.”

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    Isaiah Singleton

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