City of Atlanta Advisory Roundtable with Liliana Bakhtiari, District 5 Councilmember, City of Atlanta

Liliana Bakhtiari
District 5 Councilmember
City of Atlanta
Liliana Bakhtiari is an Atlanta City Councilmember, lifelong advocate, and dedicated public servant committed to fostering inclusive, equitable communities. Elected in 2021 to represent District 5, Bakhtiari made history as the first queer Muslim elected official in Georgia and the first non-binary individual elected to a major office in the Southeastern United States.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Bakhtiari's passion for social justice was shaped by their family's deep roots in activism and community service. From an early age, they became involved in humanitarian efforts, working with organizations that supported underserved populations both locally and abroad. This dedication led to extensive work in over 20 countries, where Bakhtiari focused on issues ranging from refugee aid and human trafficking prevention to youth empowerment and access to education.

As a Councilmember, Bakhtiari has prioritized policies that address affordable housing, homelessness prevention, transportation equity, and public safety reforms. Their leadership has been instrumental in advancing initiatives like the City’s embedded case manager program to curb homelessness and ensuring City employees can use sick leave for reproductive healthcare needs. Bakhtiari has also been a champion for small businesses, working to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and support local entrepreneurs.

Bakhtiari's approach to governance is marked by a commitment to community engagement and collaboration. They have actively cultivated partnerships with neighborhood groups, advocacy organizations, and fellow leaders to ensure residents have a voice in shaping Atlanta's future.

Outside of City Hall, Bakhtiari is a proud advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, mental health awareness, and arts and culture. They continue to inspire with their unwavering dedication to social progress, equity, and human dignity.