District 3 Commissioner
706-372-3382
melissa.link@accgov.com
Melissa Link’s Facebook page
Melissa is the strongest commissioner by far when it comes to combating the power that big developers and landlords have in our town. She speaks out clearly and loudly on those issues, attempting to get the rest of the local government to hold developers like Landmark Properties accountable for the impact that they have on the environment, rents, historic preservation and more. She is often outvoted, but we trust her judgment on this issue and on many others.
We are disappointed in her caving to the demands of Taylor Saulters’ lawyers to pay him $250,000, and we believe she could be more proactive than reactive in her proposed legislation. There is no question, however, that she has been and continues to be a firm voice and solid vote for progressive change in our town (as with her support of the Linnentown Resolution without reservations), as well as someone who is willing to pore over easement agreements to represent her constituents’ interests.
Professional / Civic ExperienceAthens Cultural Affairs Commission (2011-2014)
Board of Directors, GC3
Advertorial Editor, Athens Banner-Herald (2000-02)
Writer, Calendar Editor, Flagpole (1997-2000)
Boulevard Neighborhood Association (steering committee, Preservation/Environment chair)
Donations: Donated to Bernie Sanders in 2016.
Inferred Party: Democrat

Athens Elected Official of 2017!
Athens for Everyone has named Melissa Link the Athens Elected Official of 2017.
Issues: Living Wages
“I have a hard time justifying a raise across the board benefiting those at the top of the pay scale, while we’re not making a commitment to do the right thing and at the very least pay our year-round part-time employees a living wage.”
Melissa Link, May 17, 2016 Agenda-Setting Session
“Not only is it the right thing to do from a moral and economic standpoint, but it is the way things are going [nationwide]. We need to lay out the groundwork to get everybody in this community to a living wage.”
Melissa Link, June 7, 2016 Voting Session
Issues: Fare-Free Transit for K-12 students
“If there is any entitlement going on, it’s not on the struggling youth in our community who rely on this service. I am extremely excited about this program.”
Melissa Link, August 2, 2016 Voting Session
Issues: Complete Streets
Melissa has been named “Complete Streets Champion” for 2016 by Complete Streets Athens.
Voting Record
Moving Work Sessions to City Hall: YES
Redesigning the Chase Street Corridor: NO
Updating County Anti-Discrimination Policy: YES
Reject Concept Maps for Athens in Motion: NO
Athens in Motion plan: YES
Bike Lanes on Barnett Shoals: YES
Delay Designating SPLOST Projects: YES
(More information about 2018 votes)
Progress on Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan: YES
TSPLOST project list and referendum: YES
Re-zoning Mitchell Street: NO
(More information about 2017 votes)
Complete Streets Improvements for Chase: YES
Allow Sale of Growlers in Brewpubs: YES
Fare-Free Bus Rides for K-12 Students: YES
Bar Admittance and Civil Rights Committee: abstain
(More information about 2016 votes)
FY 2016 Budget: YES
Removing Wetland Buffers: NO
Delay repaving of Chase Street: YES
Adopt Securus Tech Contract: NO
Allow Food Trucks: YES
Keep Domestic Partnership Benefits: YES
(More information about 2015 votes)
2018 Questionnaire Responses
Transportation
- Do you support fare-free bus service?: YES
“Yes. Anything we can do to increase ridership & get cars off the road.”
- Do you support expansion of transit service (e.g. increased frequency, more locations, longer service hours)? YES
“See above.”
- Do you support increasing the budget for bike and pedestrian infrastructure from the general fund? YES
“Bike & ped infrastructure improvements should be at the forefront of consideration for all capital improvement projects.”
Criminal Justice Reform
- Do you support marijuana decriminalization? YES
“We should follow the lead of Georgia cities including Clarkson & Atlanta as well as many entire states across the US.”
Environmental Sustainability
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- Do you support a ban or fee on single-use plastic bags? YES
“Our landfill is rapidly filling up. We need to act quickly to reduce our waste stream or face costly consequences.”
Racial Justice
- Do you support an Athens Civil Rights Committee established through the county government? YES
“Racial inequality is a scourge in our community. It’s not just about bar access but housing, education, social, & financial access. “
- Do you believe that Athens-Clarke County should move forward with comprehensive non-discrimination legislation? YES
“Discrimination can not be tolerated in a free society.” Q: White people still hold a hugely disproportionate amount of economic and social power in Athens-Clarke County. If elected, what will you do to help fight this structural imbalance, increase the economic security of, and ensure the equal treatment of Athenians of color; especially black Athenians who continue to be most targeted by past and present systems of oppression? A: (click to read)
Affordable Housing
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- Do you support repealing the single-family ordinance? YES
“The government should not define “family”. Instead property owners should be more accountable for tenant infractions.” Q: Rising rents and the proliferation of luxury student apartment complexes has been a major issue in town for the past several years. What will you do to promote affordable housing in Athens for its current residents? A: (click to read)