ATLANTA (AP) - Atlanta's mayor says about 450 city employees will get pay increases from a $800,000 fund set aside for that purpose

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports (http://bit.ly/vwWxtw) Mayor Kasim Reed said Monday that the increases will average $1,780 per employee.

In a speech, Reed outlined some policy goals for the second half of his first term. He said he plans to appoint a cabinet-level staff member to focus exclusively on homelessness.

Reed also promised to clear a backlog of 1,500 code violation cases within 180 days. He said he would like to help place first responders in foreclosed homes to help preserve neighborhoods.