Fiscal Research Center
About Dan E. Sweat
The Man
Once heralded as Atlanta’s “premier civic administrator” by the New York Times, Dan E. Sweat was one of Atlanta’s most respected public servants. During his career, he was tapped by mayors, governors and former President Jimmy Carter to tackle what seemed to be impossible tasks. His enormous community influence spans four decades. In addition to tireless work on behalf of Atlanta, he was a dedicated supporter and alumnus of Georgia State University. He was an educator who passed his knowledge and foresight on to many who continue the Sweat legacy to improve the lives of others.
The Legacy
As a memorial to visionary leadership and commitment to the community and to learning in all forms, Georgia State University has created the Dan E. Sweat Distinguished Scholar Chair in Educational Community Policy. (Click here for more information)
Dan was a bold, straightforward and inspiring leader who proved that public policy and humanity could be linked for the good of Atlanta and it’s people. He was the chief operating officer for the City of Atlanta and was the first executive director of the Atlanta Regional Commission. For 15 years, he served as president of Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) at a time when politicians, business leaders and civic activists were often at odds over the city’s growth. Under Dan’s leadership, CAP was instrumental in the planning and development of the Bedford Pine Urban Redevelopment Area, the formation of the Downtown Environmental Patrol (now the Atlanta Clean City Commission), the financing of the mounted Atlanta Police Patrol and the redevelopment of Underground Atlanta. One of the most significant efforts, and one that exemplifies Dan’s personal commitment, was the drive to rebuild the Bowen Homes Day Care Center, which had been destroyed by a boiler explosion. He went on to run The Atlanta Project at the request of former President, Jimmy Carter.
It has been said that Dan was both color- and gender-blind, and that he saw the potential in all people and encouraged their development. Dan dedicated himself full time to building a city where blacks and whites could work together politically, where businesses could flourish, and where compassion and community could grow.
He was central to local politics, though never elected. Dan Sweat was the consummate behind-the-scenes worker. He made things happen, but didn’t seek the credit.
As career high points, Dan cited his work as chief of the Atlanta Regional Commission (protecting the Chattahoochee River and the area’s water supply) as well as his role in the redevelopment at Bedford-Pine, near the Civic Center.