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<h2>December 2</h2>

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<h2 style="text-align: center">Nate Jester for Atlanta City Council, District 11</h2>WHAT VOTERS NEED TO KNOW Nate Jester’s roots in Southwest Atlanta run deep. He was born and raised in Ben Hill and attended Atlanta Public Schools: Fickett Elementary, Bunche Middle and Benjamin E. Mays High School. Nate left Southwest Atlanta with a nomination from Congressman John Lewis to the U.S. Naval Academy, served as an infantry officer in the Marines, and then got his law degree from Harvard before moving back to Southwest Atlanta with his wife.&nbsp; When Nate was young, with just a few forged signatures, scammers stole his mother’s home. It took years of court battles to win it back. Nate worked to protect families from illegal evictions and now he partners with churches and nonprofits to build homes and opportunities in our neighborhoods. Nate is committed to working with residents to continue building a thriving community in Southwest Atlanta—one where every family has access to quality housing, good jobs, safe streets, and the businesses they want right in their neighborhood. Reliable Democratic voters, especially those who voted in both of the two most recent off-year elections, need to hear on their phone about Nate’s deep roots in Southwest Atlanta, work he’s done to protect families from illegal evictions and make homes affordable for families, and his bold vision for the district.

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Nate Jester is a native of Southwest Atlanta, a graduate of Fickett Elementary, Bunche Middle and Mays High School, a Marine Corps veteran and a Harvard-trained attorney committed to building stronger communities—for us, by us.

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Nate Jester is a native of the SWATS, a proud product of APS, a Marine Corps veteran, and a Harvard-trained attorney committed to building stronger communities—by us, for us.<a href="/about" target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-primary)">Read more about Nate here</a>.

"I’m running to serve the neighborhoods that raised me and ensure every voice in District 11 is heard and valued.&nbsp;Southwest Atlanta deserves smart, bold, community-focused leadership that listens, builds, and delivers on home affordability, small business support, constituent services, and safety.&nbsp;We have something special in Southwest Atlanta, and together, we can build a future that reflects our strength, our legacy, and our shared vision."

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I’m running for City Council because I believe in a thriving District 11—one where everyone has access to reliable services, quality housing, safe streets, and the businesses they want right in their neighborhoods.If we prioritize smart investments and community-driven solutions, then we can win together!

Nate Jester's Campaign Priorities

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These groups and individuals believe in Nate’s vision for bold, new, accountable leadership in Southwest Atlanta. Their support reflects a growing movement to bring investment, opportunity, and equity to District 11!

Nate Jester for Atlanta City Council

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<h3>Nate Jester is a native of Southwest Atlanta—a proud graduate of Atlanta Public Schools, a Marine Corps veteran, and a Harvard-trained, community-minded attorney who believes in building on the strength of our neighborhoods together.</h3><img src="https://run.imgix.net/259bbb56-2196-423d-9583-5a97f697f76f/66ddc49a-e4c5-412e-8c21-c1d2dc09922b/66ddc49a-e4c5-412e-8c21-c1d2dc09922b.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C678%2C535&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="32" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">Born and raised in the Ben Hill community, Nate’s story is rooted in the same neighborhoods he now hopes to serve.Raised by a family of educators, social workers, and public servants, Nate learned early that real change happens when we invest in people.That belief has guided every chapter of his life—from walking the halls of Atlanta Public Schools to leading Marines overseas, and now, to building new opportunities right here at home through his community development efforts and nonprofit leadership.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/259bbb56-2196-423d-9583-5a97f697f76f/100fe9b7-f1b0-4223-8e39-4e1b64b3ec69/100fe9b7-f1b0-4223-8e39-4e1b64b3ec69.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=71%2C77%2C400%2C322&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="32" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Nate attended Fickett Elementary, Bunche Middle, and Benjamin E. Mays High School—all in Southwest Atlanta—an experience he credits with laying the foundation for every opportunity that followed.With the support of his community and a nomination from Congressman John Lewis to represent Southwest Atlanta, Nate earned a scholarship to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in the top 5% of his class. He went on to serve as an infantry officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, leading Marines both at home and abroad.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/259bbb56-2196-423d-9583-5a97f697f76f/dd68cf7e-9a75-4932-b42e-fbb89d7c8cc2/dd68cf7e-9a75-4932-b42e-fbb89d7c8cc2.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C47%2C749%2C911&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">After completing his military service, Nate earned his law degree from Harvard, where he was recognized with the Dean’s Award for Community Leadership and completed over 1,000 hours of pro bono work—advocating for low-income clients facing eviction and fighting for fair pay in wage and overtime cases.<h4>Nate's commitment to public service didn’t end at graduation—it came home with him to Southwest Atlanta.</h4>Today, Nate practices real estate law, focusing on shaping cities—but his passion lies in shaping communities.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/259bbb56-2196-423d-9583-5a97f697f76f/74fbfaf1-a203-4e06-8c52-657eac956f36/74fbfaf1-a203-4e06-8c52-657eac956f36.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C303%2C766%2C828&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">That’s why he launched Cascade Centennial, a community-driven real estate firm that partners with churches and nonprofits to build what communities need—affordable homes, services, and opportunity—while preserving the character we all cherish.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/259bbb56-2196-423d-9583-5a97f697f76f/aff92bfd-ed19-42db-b2b0-b7573de58496/aff92bfd-ed19-42db-b2b0-b7573de58496.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3024%2C3683&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="27" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed"><h4>Nate’s approach to growth is simple: “for us, by us.”</h4>Nate believes in progress shaped by local voices, rooted in legacy, and delivering real value to longtime residents.Nate’s commitment to community extends beyond his work. He serves on the board of the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, an affordable housing nonprofit, and BLKHLTH, a public health equity nonprofit, and was chair of the Finance Subcommittee of the Atlanta BeltLine Tax Allocation District Advisory Committee.Nate also leads scholarship efforts through the Eta Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the Mays High School Alumni Association, and the Emerging 100 of Atlanta. This year alone, those efforts will award over $100,000 in scholarships—a cause deeply personal to Nate, who knows firsthand the doors scholarships can open.<h4>Nate is running for City Council because he believes in the strength of Southwest Atlanta—and in the power of public service to amplify that strength.</h4><img src="https://run.imgix.net/259bbb56-2196-423d-9583-5a97f697f76f/715f39b2-7482-43c0-96b2-ed01733a6f23/715f39b2-7482-43c0-96b2-ed01733a6f23.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C889%2C3357%2C4014&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">Nate is committed to working with residents to continue building a thriving community of choice in Southwest Atlanta—one where everyone has access to quality housing, good jobs, safe streets, and the businesses they want right in their neighborhood.Nate is a member of the LEAD Atlanta class of 2024, New Leaders Council class of 2024, United Way VIP class of 2021, and is a 2019 Pat Tillman Scholar. Nate serves as President of the Benjamin E. Mays High School Alumni Association, Vice President of the Martin's Park Homeowner's Association, and as a member of the Land Use and Zoning Committee of Neighborhood Planning Unit P.Nate lives in Southwest Atlanta with his wife Arabella, just a few miles away from where he grew up in Ben Hill.

FORMER DISTRICT 11 CANDIDATES:

Nate Jester for Atlanta City Council

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Toni Belin Ingram

Andre Burgin

Steven Dingle

Keith A. Lewis, Jr.

Reginald Rushin

Sherry B. Williams

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Nate Jester is a lifelong Atlanta resident, currently residing in Southwest Atlanta. Jester is running for the open city council seat in District 11 ... Jester believes revitalization should be done thoughtfully. His primary goal is supporting and preserving the current community.

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Nate Jester is aiming to address affordable housing in race for open ATL City Council seat

Nate Jester is the Kind of Leadership Southwest Atlanta Deserves ... He’s not running for a title; he’s running because he loves this community and knows what’s at stake ... Talking to Nate felt different. He’s not just talking change—he’s ready to do the work.

New Blood, Real Roots: A Call for Representative Leadership in District 11

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Strong local businesses are the bread and butter of a thriving community.As a small business owner who partners with churches, nonprofits, and community members in Southwest Atlanta, I know how important city support and access to capital are for growing and sustaining any venture.&nbsp;If we invest in local businesses and create more pathways to good jobs, then our community can grow and thrive from the inside out.&nbsp;I’ll push for funding that supports entrepreneurs, expands job opportunities, and keeps dollars circulating within our neighborhoods—building wealth and opportunity for everyone in District 11.

Wealth & Local Business

Voters in Atlanta’s historic District 11 will head back to the polls on December 2 for a runoff election. Nate Jester, a Marine Corps veteran and Harvard Law graduate, calls himself the underdog fighting for his Southwest Atlanta community.

Runoff Set for Atlanta's District 11 

Today, Southwest Atlanta is a majority-Black community where fewer than half the homes are owner occupied. We can protect the wealth we have, open new doors, and build a community where everyone has the power to stay, grow and thrive.

Homeownership in Southwest Atlanta should be attainable, not unreachable

<h3>Community-Led Development</h3>If we listen to residents about what businesses they want, then we build a district that reflects our needs and values. I will ensure that community voices drive business recruitment and development, not just outside investors.<h3>More Grocery Stores &amp; Shopping</h3>If we attract grocery stores and retail businesses to our district, then families won’t have to leave their neighborhoods to shop for fresh food and essentials. I will work with business leaders and offer incentives to bring high-quality grocery stores and retail options to District 11.<h3>Vibrant Commercial Corridors</h3>If we invest in revitalizing our business districts, then we can turn empty storefronts into thriving businesses. I will secure funding for business development, help local entrepreneurs open storefronts, and transform neglected areas into thriving business hubs.

We deserve more grocery stores, shopping, and services right in our neighborhoods. I’ll work to attract the businesses residents ask for—while keeping growth rooted in our values.

Growth: The Businesses & Amenities We Deserve

Nate Jester, a Marine Corps veteran, Harvard-educated attorney, small business owner and Southwest Atlanta native announced today his campaign for Atlanta City Council District 11 raised over 116,000 dollars in its first two months powered by over 300 individual contributors.

Southwest Atlanta Council Candidate Nate Jester Raises over 116,000 Dollars in First Two Months

Nate Jester is a proud native of Southwest Atlanta, a graduate of Atlanta Public Schools, a Marine Corps veteran, and a Harvard-trained attorney committed to building stronger communities—for us, by us.

Meet Nate Jester…Ivy League Educated, Marine Corp Officer and Candidate for Atlanta City Council

2019 Tillman Scholar Nate Jester has been heavily involved in the fight for systemic equity ... he is investing time and effort in small business development, affordable housing and student mentorship.

Tillman Scholar Voices: Creating Pathways for Progress with Nate Jester

As the local television, radio and newspaper advertising depicts, they are "the few, the proud" and if things work out November 4th, former U.S. Marine Nate Jester could become the newest member of the Atlanta City Council.

Nate Jester, Ex-Marine Takes Aim at Open Atlanta City Council Seat

<h3>Parks, Recreation, and Green Spaces</h3>If we maintain and expand parks, then our children and families have safe places to play and exercise. I will secure funding to upgrade our parks, build new recreational spaces, and expand community wellness programs.<h3>Healthcare Access for All</h3>If we expand local health clinics and services, then families can get the care they need close to home. I will fight for mobile health units, more clinics, and expanded Medicaid access to bring healthcare directly to our neighborhoods.<h3>Mental Health &amp; Addiction Support</h3>If we invest in mental health resources, then we reduce crime, homelessness, and suffering in our community. I will push for crisis response teams, addiction treatment programs, and community-based mental health services.

Health starts in our homes, schools, and neighborhoods. I’ll expand access to care, invest in mental health and wellness programs, and bring resources directly to the community.

 Health: A Stronger, Healthier Community

My commitment is simple: be present, work hard, and make sure every voice in District 11 is heard.I learned in the Marines that good leadership requires presence, communication, and a bias for action. If we want city government to truly serve the people, then leadership has to be transparent, accessible, and accountable.I’ll hold regular town halls, attend neighborhood meetings, and offer open office hours to residents. Each year, I’ll work with the community to build a shared agenda—and will use that shared agenda to guide legislation I introduce and the priorities I push for on Council.

Constituent Services and Responsive Leadership

Home is where community begins.&nbsp;My legal career started as a student at Harvard helping low-income residents who were being unfairly evicted. I saw first hand how rising home prices, rents and property taxes hurt families, especially the most vulnerable among us.&nbsp;If new housing and growth reflect our needs and preserve our character, then we can strengthen our neighborhoods without pushing people out.&nbsp;I’ll push for more paths to homeownership, quality and affordable housing, tax protection for longtime residents, and development that’s shaped by community input—so longtime residents can stay rooted and future generations can thrive here.

Affordable Homes & Development

<h3>Prevention &amp; Intervention</h3>If we fund programs that address the root causes of crime, then we create safer neighborhoods. I will expand youth programs, conflict resolution initiatives, and job training opportunities to prevent crime before it happens.<h3>Better Street Lighting &amp; Surveillance</h3>If we improve lighting and install cameras in priority areas, then we reduce crime and make our streets safer. I will secure funding for better lighting, improved security infrastructure, and safer public spaces.<h3>Community Policing That Works</h3>If we build stronger relationships between law enforcement and residents, then we foster trust and improve public safety. I will push for better police training, increased community patrols, and real accountability measures.

Wealth &amp; Local Business

My core belief is that every child can learn and achieve when given a fair shot, and that our seniors deserve to age with dignity, safety, and support.Atlanta Public Schools is the foundation of my success, and public schools are the foundation of a successful local economy.&nbsp;But thriving neighborhoods also depend on how we care for those who came before us. If we invest in families, students, seniors, and the schools and services that serve them, we strengthen our neighborhoods and build long-term stability.I'll push for greater investment in educational resources, youth programs, senior services, and community partnerships that expand opportunity, promote safety, and protect every generation in District 11.

Youth &amp; Seniors

Everyone should feel safe to live, work, and play in our neighborhoods.If we invest in smart, community-focused strategies, then we can make our neighborhoods safer and stronger. That means building trust, focusing on prevention, and making sure emergency response is timely and reliable.&nbsp;I’ll support community-led safety efforts, youth programs, and the infrastructure that makes our streets safer—with a focus on smart investment, efficiency, and accountability.

Public Safety

<h3>Housing That Works for Us</h3>If we expand housing and homeownership opportunities, then families can build generational wealth and stay in the communities they love. I will push for policies that develop more housing options for all residents, support first-time homebuyers, and hold developers accountable for fair, inclusive growth.<h3>Stronger Infrastructure</h3>If we fix our roads, sidewalks, and public transit, then we create a connected and accessible city. I will fight for more city investment in road improvements and repairs, expanded bus routes and transit options, and modernized infrastructure to improve daily life in our district.<h3>Responsible Development</h3>If we ensure developers invest in our neighborhoods and build responsibly, then we can grow without displacement. I will demand developers consult with community institutions and stakeholders so that new development meets our vision. I will demand community benefits agreements that guarantee jobs, workforce and affordable housing, and local hiring for all major projects.

Community starts at home! We need housing and infrastructure that serve our communities—not push us out. I’ll champion development that reflects our needs, preserves our character, and keeps residents rooted.

Home: Resilient Neighborhoods of Choice

<h3>Support for Local Businesses</h3>If we help local businesses access funding and resources, then we create jobs and boost our local economy. I will advocate for grants, tax incentives, and city contracts that prioritize local businesses and entrepreneurs.<h3>Fair Share of City &amp; State Funding</h3>If we fight for equitable funding, then Southwest Atlanta gets the resources it deserves. I will work to redirect city and state dollars into District 11, ensuring we get our fair share of investment in schools, businesses, and community services.<h3>Pathways to Good-Paying Jobs</h3>If we invest in workforce training and apprenticeship programs, then more residents can secure stable careers. I will expand partnerships with trade schools, unions, and businesses to create job pipelines that put our community to work.

We deserve our fair share of funding, jobs, and business growth. I’ll fight for city investment in local entrepreneurs, job pipelines, and economic development that works for us.

Wealth: More Opportunity, More Prosperity

“I definitely appreciate what the Naval Academy taught me and how it made me better. One thing, it made me into a really hard worker and really disciplined,” he says, qualities that his five years in the military developed further.

Military experience provides “a level of discipline and willingness to work hard even when it’s uncomfortable,” says Nathan Jester

Everyone in District 11 deserves safe streets, walkable sidewalks, and reliable public transit.&nbsp;I grew up walking around Ben Hill, taking MARTA, and driving Cascade, Campbellton, and Fairburn Road. Our streets and services are clear signs of whether our government is working for us—and in too many areas, our neighborhoods have been under-prioritized for too long.If we want our communities to thrive, our infrastructure should connect us—to each other, to opportunity, and to the businesses that serve us.&nbsp;I’ll push for better infrastructure and fair investment in city services across every part of our community.

Streets & City Services

A grassroots campaign focused on bold, community-rooted leadership for Southwest Atlanta. Learn how Nate is working with residents to deliver progress on affordable housing, public safety, youth opportunity, and local business support.

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