About
WAYNE
"I’m a son of Atlanta. I’m proof of what’s possible in Atlanta, and I’m running to ensure every resident has the same opportunity I was given – to build a bright future"
-Wayne Martin
A Life Transformed by Public Service
Wayne Martin is a lifelong Atlantan whose journey began in the neighborhoods he now seeks to serve. Raised in a working-class family that faced periods of homelessness, Wayne experienced firsthand the power of public resources to change lives.
With support from Atlanta Housing and APS, Wayne’s family transitioned from emergency shelters to permanent housing, and he was able to continue his education. These early experiences shaped his belief in the power of community investment and responsible leadership.
Education and Early Public Service
After graduating from D.M. Therrell High School, Wayne attended Morehouse College, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He later earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Arkansas State University.
Wayne began his public service career as the Community and Civic Outreach Coordinator for Atlanta City Council Post 1 At-Large. He later served in leadership roles with the Atlanta Housing Authority, where he managed intergovernmental relations and directed community affairs, and with Atlanta Public Schools, as executive director of the Board of Education..
Corporate Leadership and Community Impact
Wayne has spent more than two decades as an executive bridging government and business, including roles as:
● Senior Manager of External Affairs at Comcast Cable
● Regional Director of Government Affairs for Starbucks
● Vice President of Government Affairs at Morehouse School of Medicine
He has served on numerous nonprofit boards and founded mentorship and scholarship programs supporting Atlanta’s youth.
Waynes Record of Results
Revitalizing Westside Neighborhoods
Wayne worked alongside other leaders to secure a $40 million investment from HUD for Atlanta’s Westside through Atlanta Housing’s University Choice Neighborhood initiative. The project created mixed-income housing for students, families and seniors, a network of services for legacy and new residents, and redeveloped green spaces and retail amenities.
Led the policy-development and stakeholder-engagement efforts to create Atlanta Public Schools’ workforce housing initiative, which is driving the conversion of former school sites like Lakewood Heights and Peeples Street into housing developments, offering dignified affordable housing options to hundreds of families.
Coordinated with APD to place newly graduated officers on foot and bike patrols in District 11 neighborhoods, fostering trust and improving visibility.
Led efforts to raise $1.7 million during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide more than 6,000 Atlanta Public Schools students with laptops and low-cost internet access.