DeKalb is a Diamond
Featuring Director of Planning & Sustainability, Juliana Njoku
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December 9, 2025 10 minute read |
As we close out 2025, I had the pleasure of speaking with Juliana Njoku, our new Director of Planning & Sustainability, for a truly inspiring conversation about how DeKalb grows, how decisions are made, and how her department is working to better serve our residents, businesses, and communities. This conversation was eye-opening — even for me — and I’m excited to share some of the highlights with you. |
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Clockwise from top left: Commissioner Chakira Johnson, Director Juliana Njoku, and Host, Matt Shedd |
Meet Director Njoku: A Lifetime of Service Rooted in Community Director Njoku comes from a long line of public servants and has spent her career helping communities grow and thrive. From the United Nations to Baltimore, Indianapolis, Atlanta Housing, Invest Atlanta, Rockdale County, and Mableton — she brings decades of experience in planning, development, and community revitalization. She has lived in DeKalb for many years, and now she’s bringing her expertise home. As she shared, it is a deep honor for her to serve the county she calls home. And I can tell you firsthand — we are lucky to have her. |
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What Planning & Sustainability Means for Our Community If you’ve ever wondered how parks, new businesses, housing developments, or revitalization projects come to life — this is the department behind it. Planning & Sustainability is our county’s regulatory backbone. They: Ensure zoning rules are applied fairly Review development proposals Manage business licenses Coordinate with Watershed, Transportation, Fire, GIS, and other partners Protect our land, water, and communities And help turn community vision into reality
I often describe this department as the guardrails for all the work we do on the Board of Commissioners. When I raise my hand to vote on a zoning issue, Planning & Sustainability is there to make sure we’re following the law, protecting safety, and keeping the long-term vision for DeKalb intact. They are partners in the truest sense. |
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Why Every Application Must Be Considered — Even the Ones We Don’t Want I hear it all the time:
“Commissioner, why are you even considering this application? We don’t want that here.” I get it — truly. But as Director Njoku explained, we are legally obligated to review every application. Applicants have property rights. Zoning requires due process. And our job is to evaluate: Safety Environmental impacts Traffic flow Community input Land use rules Long-term planning
This process is not about stifling businesses — it’s about making sure things are built in the right place, in the right way, and with the community’s wellbeing in mind. |
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Our Focus Right Now: Listening, Improving, and Modernizing Director Njoku has been in her role for six months, and her focus so far has been exactly what strong leadership should look like: Restructuring the department for smoother operations Listening to residents, developers, and staff Improving permitting processes Enhancing communication Investing in new technology, including AI Balancing consistency with innovation
She shared that her early months have been dedicated to listening — not rushing — so that the changes we implement are intentional and lasting. I deeply appreciate that approach. |
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Supporting Small Businesses Through Better Tools & Real Connections As commissioners, we hear often that businesses want a more streamlined process — better guidance, clearer steps, and better access to support. I’m excited to share that Planning & Sustainability is working toward: A true one-stop shop for small businesses Online appointments More training for business license staff Stronger partnerships with Small Business Development Centers Vendor connection opportunities Tools for inter-business networking Technology to support late-night or self-service business owners
Small businesses are the backbone of our county, and we want to support them in every way we can. |
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Community Academy 101 — Learn How Planning Really Works One of my favorite parts of this episode was learning about the new Community Academy 101. This program teaches residents: How zoning works What ordinances mean What a comprehensive plan is How to follow development proposals When and how residents can weigh in Who to contact for different concerns And—most importantly—why decisions are made the way they are
Two classes have already been held, and more are coming. I strongly believe an informed community is an empowered community, and this program is a fantastic step in that direction. |
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Permitting: What Really Causes Delays If there’s one topic that consistently frustrates residents and developers alike, it’s permitting. Here’s the truth: most delays come from missing or changed documents. The permitting process includes: A pre-application meeting (which should become mandatory) Creating an online account Submitting all required documents Multi-department review Approval + payment
If documents are incomplete or plans change midstream, delays happen. We’re working together to: Improve communication Strengthen the pre-application process Set realistic expectations And protect public safety and long-term community stability
Director Njoku put it best: “We want your project to succeed — but it must be safe, sound, and compliant.” |
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Looking Ahead: A Stronger, Unified, More Vibrant DeKalb We ended our conversation on a hopeful note. Director Njoku shared her vision for the next 5–10 years — and I share it wholeheartedly: A DeKalb that is recognized for its strengths A place where diversity is celebrated A county with strong processes and smooth systems A community known for excellence, not old stereotypes A county where residents feel informed, connected, and proud
DeKalb is a diamond — not in the rough, but in its many facets. And our job is to make sure all of those facets shine. I’m proud of the work we’re doing together, and I’m excited for the years ahead. |
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