Robert Z. Welsh, a native Atlantan and Peoplestown resident, announced Thursday that he plans to run for Atlanta City Council District 1, challenging Carla Smith, the incumbent.

In a statement, Welsh said he believed "it's time for fresh ideals, new energy, and real action on behalf of District 1 resident. Furthermore, I want to represent the interest of all District 1 residents, not just a handful."

Smith, who lives in Woodland Hills, has already announced her plans to seek re-election.

District 1 is comprised of several neighborhoods, including Summerhill, Peoplestown, Grant Park, Woodland Hills, Ormwood Park and Chosewood Park.

Welsh is a state budget official and has formerly worked for the Georgia Senate Budget Office and Georgia Budget and Policy Institute.

He also sits on several boards including the 303 Community Coalition/ Dirty Truth Campaign, Peoplestown Revitalization Corp., First Church Community Development Corp. and NeighborhoodNexus.