Erik Coleman, an environmental health professional and community advocate, announced his candidacy for the East Point City Council, Ward D At-Large, in the upcoming election on Tuesday, November 4.
A resident of East Point since 2018, Coleman is running to bring new energy, transparency, and results-oriented leadership to City Hall.
Coleman says his platform is about delivering real progress and not more failed promises. He also says being East Point Proud means building a city where everyone can thrive in a safe, empowered, and united environment.
Additionally, he said he wants to transform East Point’s Downtown Commons into a “vibrant, mixed-use destination.” He told The Atlanta Voice that it is just one example of how the city can turn potential into progress and bring lasting value to the community.
With over 20 years of public service, Coleman currently serves as a Health Scientist (Informatics) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where he focuses on preventing environmental health hazards and enhancing community health outcomes. He brings extensive expertise in public health, community revitalization, and grassroots engagement.
Coleman’s top priorities include:
- Economic Empowerment for All: In partnership with the City Council, Coleman will work to grow East Point’s local economy by attracting businesses, creating good-paying jobs, and supporting entrepreneurs so that opportunity is within reach for every resident.
- Healthy, Educated, and Connected Communities: In partnership with City Council, Coleman will champion access to quality healthcare, strong public schools, and community programs that support residents of all ages—because healthy, informed, and engaged neighbors strengthen the city.
- Safe and Livable Neighborhoods: In partnership with City Council, Coleman will invest in public safety, increase housing options, and support walkable streets, clean public spaces, and vibrant parks—so families can thrive, and seniors can age with dignity.
Coleman sat down with The Atlanta Voice to discuss why he chose to run for city council.
The Atlanta Voice: What makes you the best candidate for the East Point City Council for Ward D At-large?
Erik Coleman: I’m the best candidate because I am a long-time public servant. I have dedicated my life to community service. I am a public health professional, community advocate, and a proud East Point resident. I’m proud of what we’ve done in East Point, and even more excited about where we’re headed. I bring data-driven decisions and solutions to issues we have in East Point and lived, personal, and professional experiences. I am deeply committed to building an East Point that is more empowered, safe, and united.
AV: Why choose to run for city council now?
EC: If not now, when? If not me, who? I think it’s always the right time to do the right thing. Martin Luther King said that before, and I think it’s my time. I have always been interested in community advocacy and ensuring my community thrives in important ways to elevate society. It just seems like the right time for me now. I have several years of experience and knowledge that have prepared me for this moment, and I am equipped for this opportunity and all the challenges that await me.
AV: What does the city of East Point mean to you?
EC: East Point is home. When I think about East Point, I think of the wonderful opportunity that has provided me to become a first-time home buyer and owner. I think about the ability it has given me to begin creating generational wealth, which is so important, especially for our communities. East Point has just given me the tools to move up in the world.
AV: What kind of issues are you seeing in East Point that you want to address, if elected?
EV: I have many opportunities to hear from residents about their thoughts and concerns on things happening across the city, and safety is a top thing we hear often. People want to live in safe neighborhoods. They want to be able to park their cars in their driveways and ensure that it’s not broken into or that things are not taken from their vehicles. Residents are concerned about walkability in East Point. My neighborhood is walkable, but several other communities and neighborhoods across the city need basic things like sidewalks. Sidewalks are extremely important when you think about allowing people to come outside to exercise and walk up and down the street safely. People want development across the city, and we have a nice opportunity to transform our downtown commons area into a mixed-use area that could be ripe and a vibrant space for mixed-use development, business, retail, and residential.
AV: How will you hold yourself accountable for pushing for the community of East Point?
EC: I will lead with transparency and ensure I’m always readily available as much as possible. I like to do that through face-to-face conversations, community meetings, and town halls, just ensuring that I understand the collective needs and work towards addressing those needs and priorities.
AV: Why should people vote for you in November?
EC: East Point residents should vote for me because I’m the best candidate. I have a proven history of being a leader and serving my community in impactful and important ways, and I have a heart for people. Much of the work I have done throughout my life has been centered around dedicating and focusing on people first, and that’s what people are really interested in right now. They’re interested in their needs being put first and having a government that works to meet those needs and that works for them. I am dedicated and focused on ensuring we do our best to make government work for people.
For more information, visit https://www.lifteveryvoteandrise.com/2025-vote-east-point/.
