Born and raised in Stockbridge, Williams says he wants to bring fresh ideas to the community he’s called home.
Williams told The Atlanta Voice he is focused on making Stockbridge a model for growth and opportunity, prioritizing economic development, public safety, housing, and arts & youth programs, all while preserving the city’s close-knit spirit.
Furthermore, Williams said his win against incumbent Mayor Anthony Ford has not completely hit him yet, but he feels ready to work.
“Beating a two-time incumbent is huge, and it just shows that Stockbridge is ready for some change,” he said.
Additionally, Williams’ ties to public service started early. In high school, he served as the Youth Council Mayor, and during college, he held several leadership positions. After graduating, he says he felt called to come home and make a difference.
“I watched a few council meetings and said, ‘This is not the standard I left when I went to Clark Atlanta,’ Williams said. “I knew we needed some change, and I decided to jump in for mayor.”
As mayor-elect, Williams says his focus will be on growth, infrastructure, and inclusion — making sure all residents feel represented and heard.
“I really want to see us grow into something where every single resident feels accommodated,” he said. “That includes new residents, young professionals, working families, our teachers, and our seniors. I want everyone to feel like they’re home.”
Williams says his win carries deep personal meaning for his family, given Stockbridge’s past. He said he hopes this next era for the city shows a collaborative front, especially with Stockbridge being deemed as one of the fastest-growing cities in the state.
“I want us to show we’re in unison, we’re all one, and we can work collaboratively, especially with an all-black council,” he said. “We’re ready to serve every single generation in this community, and for so long we’ve lacked one generation over another, and so I want to show that differentiability, diversity, and inclusion right here in the city.”
Williams also says he wants to tackle infrastructure and housing.
“I want to see how we can work with our planning commission to bring some meaningful ordinances and policies to put some standard opportunities of affordable housing here in the city,” he said. “Just like I ran my platform on the 80-20 rule, 80% housing and 20% townhomes and apartments with the will of the Council.”
Williams said his administration is putting major developments on infrastructure in Stockbridge that haven’t been fixed in 30 or more years.
To people who may underestimate Williams due to his age, he says to go back and review what he’s done in the past in his political career thus far.
“I’m not new to politics, nor am I new to the game. They can ask former bosses of mine, Representative Lydia Glaze, when I worked in the state house, but I’ve also served right here and as the youth council mayor,” he said.
Also, Williams said, although he has several policies he wants to look at, he’s focused on ensuring he’s protecting the current residents while also bringing in new ones.
“I really do want to work in protecting the characteristic trait of Stockbridge. The people have something to look forward to,” he said.
As a message to his constituents, Williams says he’s here to work for you.
“The campaign was just the job interview, but now that I have the job, we’re here to serve our constituents, which to me, I call all 36,000 plus residents my neighbors,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working with all of them and hearing their voices and concerns so we can push Stockbridge into a new era.”
For his first year as Stockbridge Mayor, he says he wants residents to see change, not immediate, but progressive change, and going in the right direction.
“I want to see Stockbridge become an urban suburban city in a smart way. I don’t want to see a mini-Atlanta, nor do I want to see a mini–New York City,” he said. “I want to see something that’s urban, hip, and up with the times, but also have those suburban opportunities where you can feel your neighbor next door and still have breathing room for your kids to play.”
For advice to anyone who may want to run for a political office, Williams says not to let anyone tear you from your dream.
“I didn’t let anyone tell me what I couldn’t do. I prayed before the election, before voting, and at the end of the election,” he said. “They said I couldn’t do it; I tell them to have a good day because you’re trying to stop down and process that. You don’t know how far I’ve come to get here, and so just continue to fight for your dreams and don’t push back.”