Hattie Portis-Jones in front of Fairburn City Hall

About Hattie Portis-Jones

The Honorable Hattie Portis-Jones is a third-term council member first elected 2013. She was unanimously elected Mayor Pro Tem in January 2022 and 2017. As a member of the City’s six member Legislative Branch, Councilwoman Portis-Jones develops policy, enacts laws for the wellbeing of its 18,000+ citizens, and ensures the proper stewardship of its resources. Her many accomplishments include the creation of an 88-unit active Senior Living Facility and other housing developments; Duncan Park Football and Water Park Complex; Downtown Amphitheater; expanding the Farmer’s Market to provide access to SNAP recipients; the award-winning Let’s Move initiative to encourage a healthy lifestyle and environment; City Employee Wellness Program; City Re-branding (Situated to Succeed); and major economic development projects for both downtown and its economic development corridor.

Hattie Portis-Jones in front of an American flag

Nationally Recognized Community Leader

Councilwoman Portis-Jones also represents Fairburn statewide and nationally through the Georgia Municipal Association, The National League of Cities, and WaterNow Alliance—serving in various leadership roles and shaping the agendas to benefit Fairburn. She is a recipient of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development’s Region 3 Economic and Leadership Development Program and awarded The Certificate of Distinction from the Georgia Municipal Association. Councilwoman Portis-Jones was twice appointed by President Biden’s U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan to the Local Government Advisory Council’s Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee.

Hattie Portis-Jones with a group of four women in T-shirts that say “Voter Registration”

Veteran Public Servant

Councilwoman Portis-Jones is a veteran public servant with extensive municipal government and non-profit experiences in administration, finance, public works and health. She served as a board of director for several non-profit organizations—locally, nationally and internationally. She has a Masters Degree in Public Administration from City University of New York-Baruch College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors including recognition as one of the National Urban Fellows 50 Icons, Woman of Courage in Government, and Who’s Who in Black Atlanta.

Key Accomplishments

  • Championed Smart Economic Development and Growth

    Supported smart economic development focused on revitalizing downtown and developing a designated economic corridor, maintaining neighborhood integrity and quality of life. Championed several projects that led to job creation and traffic relief, while also maintaining aggressive protection and stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

  • Improved Community Engagement and Quality of Life

    Prioritized quality of life for Fairburn residents through the creation of robust community facilities and improved programming, such as Duncan Park Football and Water Park Complex, Downtown Amphitheater, Fairburn Fall Festival, Third Fridays on Main, and Christmas Tree Lighting and Fireworks.  

  • Promoted a Healthier Lifestyle and Environment for All

    Expanded access to fresh, healthy foods for SNAP recipients through the Farmer’s Market, created an 88-unit active Senior Living Facility, and implemented the award-winning Let’s Move initiative, as well as the City Employee Wellness Program, which slowed rising health insurance costs.