Atlanta Councilmember Keisha Sean Waites on why she voted against funding 'Cop City'

Councilwoman Keisha Sean Waites listens during public comment on June 5, 2023 before voting no to funding the construction of a controversial public safety training center opponents call "Cop City." (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

Atlanta city councilwoman Keisha Sean Waites is one of four members who voted against funding millions in taxpayer money to build the controversial police training facility in unincorporated DeKalb County.

The final 11-4 vote came at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, after nearly 15 hours of public comment opposing the project.

$31 million will be paid upfront to the private non-profit Atlanta Police Foundation for construction of the center opponents call “Cop City.” Another $36 million will be paid by the city as part of a 30-year leaseback to the foundation.