meet the candidate
ROHIT
malhotra
A nationally recognized civic leader with deep roots in Atlanta and a background in community-centered research, data, and public policy— officially announced his candidacy for Atlanta City Council President.
Power Atlanta’s people‑first future
Leading with Experience
- 15+ years of policy experience- served as an Ash Innovation Fellow in the Obama administration
- Founder of the nationally-recognized Center for Civic Innovation
- Mentor for 200+ local small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits
- Advocate for community-based solutions for gun violence prevention
- Longtime champion for strengthening neighborhoods and NPUs
- Master in Public Policy from Harvard University
Investing in People
Rohit is a dedicated advocate for a more responsive and community-centered government in Atlanta, with over a decade of leadership in civic innovation, public policy, and social impact. He has co-led transformative efforts like the first comprehensive review of Atlanta’s Neighborhood Planning Unit system in 40 years, championed frontline service providers during the COVID-19 crisis, and supported grassroots strategies to reduce gun violence.
Rooted in a family of educators, Rohit has trained and invested in over 250 local social enterprises—the majority of which are women-led—and launched a pioneering fund offering 0% interest, character-based loans to majority Black entrepreneurs. His work, recognized by institutions like Harvard and Georgia Tech, earned him the title of “good troublemaker” from the late Congressman John Lewis—an ethos he continues to embody through data-driven, justice-focused advocacy.
Recognized leadership
Rohit has received national and local recognition for his leadership.
He’s served on several boards, helping shape policy and strategy in areas like affordable housing, democracy reform, and arts and culture.
Rohit’s Board experience includes HouseATL, where he co-authored affordable housing policy recommendations; ProGeorgia, where he helped shape statewide democracy strategy; the Foundation Center, where he helped make philanthropic trainings and resources more readily available to nonprofit leaders; A3C Action, supporting arts and social justice organizations; and the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club, where he contributed to their community engagement strategy.
A Story Rooted in Atlanta
Rohit Malhotra—or Roh, as his friends affectionately call him—is the son of Indian immigrant parents, who came to Atlanta to start their family’s small business. Rohit currently lives at the intersection of Summerhill and Grant Park. When he’s not diving into data or hosting a community meeting, you can probably find him debating the best slice of pizza—or DJing a playlist filled with ’90s R&B.
Malhotra enters the race with a bold vision to make local government in Atlanta more effective, transparent, and rooted in the needs of its residents. His candidacy is also a direct response to the harmful effects national politics have had on Atlanta communities.