Who Owns Cop City? Demand Truth, Not Secrecy

In Atlanta, a battle is playing out that should alarm anyone concerned with civil liberties, community investment, and the future of democracy. What began as a local controversy—around a proposed $90 million militarized police training facility dubbed “Cop City”—has become a symbol of a deeper crisis: the erosion of public accountability under the guise of “public-private partnerships.”

At the center of this fight is the Atlanta Police Foundation (APF), a nonprofit that has positioned itself as both financier and architect of Cop City. The project is being pushed forward despite widespread public opposition, violent crackdowns on protestors, and a ballooning budget increasingly funded by taxpayer dollars. Now, as investigative journalists try to shine a light on the foundation’s role, APF is fighting transparency in court—arguing that it isn’t subject to Georgia’s Open Records Act.

Their rationale? That publishing these records could “terrorize” the companies involved in construction. In other words: the public asking questions is being framed as the threat.

When Private Interests Control Public Power

This isn’t just a Georgia problem. Across the country, police foundations act as shadow funding mechanisms—funneling millions from corporate donors into law enforcement without democratic oversight. These dollars are used for everything from facial recognition technology and drones to lavish events and PR campaigns. Worse, they allow police departments to sidestep public budgeting processes and accountability altogether.

Cop City is a chilling example of this dangerous trend. Sold as a response to community concerns around crime, the facility will instead deepen the militarization of police, expand surveillance infrastructure, and physically displace communities from the Weelaunee Forest—all while silencing dissenters who dare to speak out.

Journalism Is Not Terrorism—It’s Democracy

The Atlanta Community Press Collective, a small nonprofit newsroom, is now being dragged through a legal battle simply for trying to access basic information: board meeting minutes, financial agreements, and internal planning documents. Their reporting has already exposed a secretive $51 million public funding increase for the facility—without their watchdog efforts, the public would still be in the dark.

But instead of rewarding transparency, the city and APF are working to block it. This isn’t just about one lawsuit—it’s about whether transparency will remain a pillar of democracy or be replaced by corporate confidentiality agreements.

The Militarization of Policing is a Peace Issue

At the Peace Economy Project, we believe that how we spend public funds is a reflection of what we value. What does it say about our society when we pour millions into weapons, surveillance, and riot gear—but not into housing, mental health services, or education?

Cop City doesn’t make communities safer. It entrenches systems of violence, criminalizes protest, and protects property over people. That’s not public safety—that’s corporate-backed repression.

What We Can Do

• Demand that police foundations be subject to public records laws.
• Call for the defunding of Cop City and the reinvestment of those resources into community care.
• Support local journalists and watchdog organizations like the Atlanta Community Press Collective.
• Join the national conversation on demilitarizing police and moving public money toward peace, not punishment.

Final Thought

This fight isn’t just about Atlanta. It’s about whether democracy can survive when public power is increasingly controlled by private interests. It’s about who gets to ask questions—and who gets silenced for asking.

At a time when federal defense budgets approach $1 trillion and militarization creeps into every facet of life—from borders to schools to city parks—Cop City stands as a warning. But it’s also a call. A call to reclaim our communities, our budgets, and our right to know.