ATLANTA – The City of Atlanta has placed its human resources commissioner on administrative leave while it investigates accusations of nepotism.

Officials have confirmed an ongoing investigation by the city’s Law Department into Commissioner Tarlesha Smith.

According to a report obtained by FOX 5, the Office of the Inspector General investigation began in April 2023 over an allegation that Smith created a city position for her daughter and then tried to have her daughter’s supervisor terminated.

In the report, Smith is accused of creating a full-time position with the Office of the City Solicitor specifically for her daughter in the fall of 2022.

“City staff expedited the daughter’s onboarding process, skipping elements of her background check and disregarding her ineligibility,” the report reads. “She did not receive an employment or education verification. She was not interviewed. She did not meet the minimum qualifications of the position.”

When Smith’s daughter reportedly began to be late and absent from her work due to her supervisor, OCS Director of Administration Jennifer Johnson, denying her request to telework, officials say Johnson recommended that she be fired.

Instead, the report says the Department of Human Resources began to investigate Johnson, placed her on administrative leave, and told her department head that she would be terminated.

“The department head, who had worked with the supervisor for more than 25 years and who could not recall a single complaint against the supervisor, requested that DHR provide him with documentation to support this action — a copy of the complaint against the supervisor and a copy of DHR’s investigative findings,” the report reads. “DHR provided no documentation.”

The investigation also revealed additional concerns about Smith’s “unprofessionalism” and “deviation from human resources standards.”

Following the report, a City of Atlanta spokesperson said Smith was placed on administrative leave while City Law handles its independent investigation and interviews additional employees.

“We want to ensure we have a comprehensive review of the facts,” the spokesperson said.

The city has also asked the Law Department to develop an updated policy related to immediate family members.

Exhibit opening of Rhythm and Resilience: The Artistry of Sam Middleton
When: May 17, 6:30-9 p.m.
Where: Hammonds House Museum
Cost: $5-$10, free for museum members
Details: Middleton, a pioneering mixed-media artist who grew up amidst the Harlem Renaissance and took inspiration from living in the Netherlands, will get fresh consideration in a new exhibit at the Hammonds House Museum in West End. The exhibit, which runs through August, will kick off with an opening reception on Friday evening. Enjoy small bites and music while you peruse Middleton’s enlightened work.

Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals 
When: May 17-18
Where: Underground Atlanta
Cost: $20
Details: Atlanta will host the national finals for Red Bull’s street dance competition, featuring a face-off between sixteen finalists, some of the most talented street dancers in the country. The winner—decided by crowd vote—will head to the World Finals in India later this year. There will also be dance workshops in multiple styles, open to anyone, and a performance from hip-hop icon Soulja Boy. This high-octane event is open to all ages, so bring even the littlest dancers.

Marietta Greek Festival
When: May 17-19
Where: Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, Marietta
Cost: $5, kids under 12 free
Details: Opa! Enjoy all things Greek—notably food, but also music, dance, faith, art, and again, food—at this popular annual festival hosted by Marietta’s Greek Orthodox Church. All three days feature a lineup of dance performances showcasing traditional and contemporary Greek dance styles, as well as “learn to dance” classes open to anyone who wants to learn. There’s also an artist market and tours of the beautiful, Byzantine-style church. And, of course, food to delight the senses: dolmades, spanakopita, baklava, souvlaki . . . you may have to come back multiple days to enjoy the entire menu.

Virginia-Highland Porchfest
When: May 18, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Virginia-Highland
Cost: Free
Details: The leafy neighborhood of Virginia-Highland becomes the city’s most vibrant outdoor festival for this one-day-only event. Dozens of bands will play live music from porches around Virginia-Highland, most of them scattered along Barnett Street, Adair Avenue, and surrounding streets. There’s also a Kids Corner play area, a costume-filled 1k Rock n’ Run, and artist vendors, plus food and drinks from local food trucks.

Indie Craft Experience Summer Market 
When: May 19, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Monday Night Brewing Garage
Cost: $5, kids under 12 free
Details: Peruse a wide array of local artists and crafts makers at this market pop-up, located inside Monday Night Brewing Garage off the Westside BeltLine. Pick up everything from handmade cards and candles to jewelry, paintings, and local coffee—great gifts for graduates, teacher thank-yous, and anyone else in need of a thoughtful local gift. Come early for a free favor: the first 100 people in line get a custom Indie Craft Experience tote bag.

Sports corner: Atlanta home games

• The Braves host the San Diego Padres at Truist Park for a four-game matchup May 17-20. Info here.
• The Atlanta Dream host the Dallas Wings for their first home game of the 2024 season at Gateway Center Arena in College Park. Info here.

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