Shirley Franklin

Shirley Franklin is an American politician who served as the mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, from 2002 to 2010. She was the first woman and the first African American to hold this position in the city’s history. During her tenure, she focused on economic development, public safety, and environmental initiatives, notably leading efforts to improve energy efficiency and sustainability. Franklin's leadership helped modernize Atlanta’s infrastructure and fostered community engagement. Her work has been recognized nationally for promoting progressive urban policies and advancing diversity in government.