One year later, public safety training center referendum at legal standstill

The Atlanta Public Safety Training Center is almost built and a legal battle opposing it is in limbo, but opponents aren't ready to back down yet.

Why it matters: Despite the legal standstill, the city is pressing ahead with construction and plans to open the training center by the end of the year.

The latest: "Everything is on hold" until the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals rules on whether organizers should have more time to collect signatures for the petition, said Jeff Filipovits, the attorney representing the plaintiffs.

• The deadline has already passed for the referendum to appear on the Nov. 5 ballot.
• The earliest Atlanta voters could weigh in would be in 2025.

What they're saying : Dozens of people spoke at the City Council's Monday meeting to mark one year since signatures were turned in for the verification process.

• Jacqueline Echols, board president of the South River Watershed Alliance , told Council members that "it is never too late to do the right thing" and allow the public to vote on a referendum.
• "The will of the people has been cast aside in favor of the will of the rich few," she said.
• Resident Sarah Balch said she'd spoken with petition signers whose views on policing differed from hers, but she said they all agreed that residents should have the opportunity to vote on the referendum.
• "I can't believe I'm here a full year later, with [the] referendum signature boxes collecting dust somewhere in this building still uncounted," she said.

The intrigue: Ping pong balls were tossed around the Council chambers by training center opponents, who shouted "you have dropped the ball" after about two hours of public comment, according to the AJC .

The other side : Atlanta Police Department public affairs executive director Chata Spikes said the city is "pleased with the significant progress" made on the training center, saying several buildings have already been constructed.

• A ribbon cutting is planned for December to mark its opening, she said.

State of play: Regular updates are posted on the Atlanta Police Department's website , and video footage showcasing the progress is shared to the city's social media accounts.

• The most recent footage included an overview of the planned 58,000-square-foot academic building, a 2.1-mile public trail and space where firefighters can learn how to drive fire trucks.

Between the lines: This is uncharted territory for the city and opponents of the public safety training center. Atlanta aims to open the training center by the end of the year, but residents would not be able to vote on a referendum until as early as next year.

• If a judge rules in the plaintiff's favor, the city could file another appeal, dragging out the fight with opponents well past the occupancy date of the facility.

Catch up quick: "Stop Cop City" organizers announced last year plans to launch a petition drive following council's vote on the use of public funding.

• They also filed a federal complaint, arguing that non-Atlanta residents should be allowed to collect signatures for the petition.
• A federal judge granted that request, extending the deadline for organizers to collect the signatures after the city's ordinance originally did not allow non-residents to circulate the petition.
• The city appealed that ruling to the 11th Circuit, where the case has languished for more than a year.

What's next: Kamau Franklin, a community activist advocating for the referendum, told Axios they will continue to advocate for a referendum as well as "working still against the opening of the Cop City center."