Community updates, events, and resources across District 4

Community Connection: Mid-Year Progress Report

Flyer promoting Commissioner Chakira Johnson's Community Connection Quarterly Breakfast Meeting featuring a Special Mid-Year Progress Report. The event will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Clarkston Library, 951 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021. Attendees are invited to hear updates on District 4 accomplishments, ongoing initiatives, and future priorities, meet with County leaders, ask questions, and connect with representatives from DeKalb County service departments. Breakfast will be available while supplies last, and the meeting will also be livestreamed on the DeKalb County Government YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@DeKalbCountyGov/streams

The countdown is on! Our Community Connection Quarterly Breakfast is just around the corner. Join your neighbors for a special Mid-Year Progress Report highlighting the progress made across District 4 in 2026, updates on key initiatives, and what's ahead for the months to come. It's a great opportunity to hear directly from county leaders, ask questions, and stay connected to the work shaping our community.

DIRECTIONS TO CLARKSTON LIBRARY

We want to hear from you

Graphic reading “Click here to take our Prioritizing Support & Resources Survey.” Commissioner Chakira Johnson is seeking community input to help prioritize needs and guide resources toward programs and projects that matter most to residents. Click image to take the survey.

Commissioner Chakira Johnson is seeking your input to help prioritize community needs and ensure resources support the programs and projects that matter most to residents.

Board of Commissioners Summer Recess

A wooden gavel resting on a sound block, representing the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners' summer recess.

Please note that the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners is on summer recess from July 14 through August 10. Regular Board meetings will resume after the recess. County services will continue operating as normal throughout the recess period.

R2ISE Recovery

Two photos from

Display showcasing artwork and educational materials from R2ISE Recovery at the "Our Stories, Our Voices: The Village Speaks" event.

The District 4 Office was honored to attend "Our Stories, Our Voices: The Village Speaks," an inspiring event presented by Claratel Behavioral Health in partnership with R2ISE Recovery. Through storytelling, spoken word, and artistic expression, participants with lived experience shared powerful personal journeys highlighting the role creativity can play in healing, recovery, and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.

R2ISE Recovery empowers individuals through the arts, creating opportunities for self-expression, connection, and hope. We appreciate the organization's continued commitment to supporting recovery and strengthening our community through the power of creative expression.

Visit R2iseTheatre.org
Visit Claratel.org

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Approves Historic $155 Million Housing Investment Bond Program

Commissioner Chakira Johnson speaks at a podium during the

Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson speaks during the "DeKalb County Announces Housing and Community Investments" press conference, joined by Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, Commissioner Ted Terry, CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, and Chief Operating Officer Zach Williams. Still image from DCTV's YouTube broadcast.

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has approved a historic $155 million Housing Investment Bond Program designed to expand affordable housing, increase homeownership opportunities, revitalize neighborhoods, and strengthen services for residents experiencing homelessness. Commissioner Johnson called the investment "a transformational investment in the future of DeKalb County," saying it will help create stronger communities, expand opportunity, and improve quality of life for generations to come. Click the press release above to learn more about this landmark initiative.

Download the Official Press Release

Section header for Memorial Drive Updates featuring the title over a teal-tinted photograph of the Memorial Drive monument sign at a landscaped streetscape entrance.

Memorial Drive Revitalization Continues to Move Forward

Work continues on the Memorial Drive Revitalization initiative, with several projects advancing behind the scenes. During the July stakeholder meeting, county staff shared updates on the planned gateway features, corridor branding, and implementation of recommendations from the Memorial Drive Revitalization Study.

Design work for the corridor's new gateway monuments is preparing to move forward, with funding applications submitted to help support construction. Planning staff also shared that work continues on crosswalk improvements in coordination with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), while departments are reviewing and prioritizing the next phase of projects identified through the revitalization study.

The meeting also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with Memorial Drive businesses. County staff are exploring opportunities to support future business collaboration, engage property owners, and encourage redevelopment that aligns with the community's long-term vision for a vibrant, walkable corridor.

Department of Solid Waste Management Summer Collection Update

Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson extends her sincere appreciation to Director Eugene McKinnie and the dedicated men and women of the Department of Solid Waste Management for their unwavering commitment to serving DeKalb County residents.

Waste management professionals perform some of the most physically demanding and hazardous work in local government. Despite extreme summer temperatures, they continue to provide essential services that keep our neighborhoods clean, healthy, and safe.

Recently, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners recognized the Department of Solid Waste Management with a proclamation honoring the invaluable contributions of its employees. The department also continues to earn statewide recognition for excellence, receiving four top honors from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Georgia Chapter, including the 2026 Public Works Project of the Year award. Individual recognitions were also awarded to Thomas Buie, Gerald Freeman, and Omar Bolton for their outstanding leadership and service, while Residential Services Superintendent Thomas Watkins earned the nationally recognized Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Integrated Solid Waste Management Certification.

Close-up of the 2026 Project of the Year Award presented by the Georgia Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) to the DeKalb County Department of Solid Waste Management for its Illegal Tire Dump Community Initiative.

The DeKalb County Department of Solid Waste Management received the 2026 Project of the Year Award from the Georgia Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) for the Illegal Tire Dump Community Initiative. Photo courtesy of the DeKalb County CEO's Office.

Group photo of DeKalb County Department of Solid Waste Management employees gathered with CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Director Eugene McKinnie after receiving a proclamation during the July 7 Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting. The CEO and director stand at the front holding the framed proclamation while employees pose together in the background.

Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson along with CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Director Eugene McKinnie pose with DeKalb County Department of Solid Waste Management staff after receiving a proclamation during the July 7 Board of Commissioners regular meeting. Photo by DCTV.

🎥 Watch the Board of Commissioners Meeting

As summer temperatures continue to climb, Commissioner Johnson fully supports the department's early morning collection schedule. Beginning routes earlier in the day helps protect sanitation workers from dangerously high heat while allowing them to continue providing dependable service to residents.

Commissioner Johnson encourages residents to show their appreciation for sanitation crews. A simple wave, a kind word of thanks, or even offering a cold bottle of water or sports drink can make a meaningful difference to those working long hours in challenging conditions.

"These employees are the backbone of many of the essential services we rely on every day," Commissioner Johnson said. "Their dedication does not go unnoticed, and I thank each member of our Solid Waste Management team for their continued service to DeKalb County. Congratulations as well to this year's APWA award recipients and Superintendent Thomas Watkins on these well-deserved achievements. Your commitment to excellence reflects the very best of public service."

To help protect sanitation workers during periods of extreme summer heat, the Department of Solid Waste Management will temporarily begin residential collection routes at 6:00 a.m. from Monday, July 13, through Tuesday, September 1. Residents are encouraged to place garbage, recycling, and yard trimmings at the curb before 6:00 a.m. on their scheduled collection day.

📄 Read the Official Press Release

Visit DeKalbSanitation.com

Graphic with the headline

As temperatures continue to climb, DeKalb County has partnered with local service providers to open cooling centers for residents who need relief from the heat. The centers are available to assist seniors, unhoused individuals, and anyone without adequate air conditioning.

Cooling centers are available at:

  • South DeKalb Day Center at New Life Community Alliance – 3592 Flat Shoals Rd., Decatur GA 30034

  • Frontline Response – 2585 Gresham Rd., Atlanta, GA 30316

  • Peace Baptist Church Annex – 3999 Covington Highway, Decatur, GA 30032

  • Golden Door Event Center – 2944 Ember Drive, Decatur, GA 30034

All four locations will be open July 17–18 and July 20–22, while Frontline Response will also be open on Sunday, July 19. Free transportation is available through DeKalb's FAST Tac Transportation system, and group pickups can be arranged by calling 404-334-3610. Seniors needing additional assistance may contact the Senior Link Line at 770-322-2950.

Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, and never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.

DeKalb County Extreme Heat Response flyer outlining resources available during periods of extreme heat. Residents can cool off at designated cooling centers, including South DeKalb Day Center at New Life Community Alliance (3592 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur), Frontline Response International (2585 Gresham Road, Atlanta), Peace Baptist Church Annex (3999 Covington Highway, Decatur), and Golden Door Event Center (2944 Ember Drive, Decatur). Free admission is available at DeKalb County outdoor pools located at Gresham Park, Lithonia Park, Medlock Park, Tobie Grant Park, Kittredge Park, NH Scott Park, Midway Park, and the Exchange Park Splash Pad. Recreation centers throughout the county also serve as cooling centers with free hydration stations during normal operating hours, including East Central DeKalb Community Center, Exchange Recreation Center, Hamilton Recreation Center, Mason Mill Community Center, Midway Recreation Center, Redan Recreation Center, Tobie Grant Recreation Center & Library, Gresham Recreation Center, NH Scott Recreation Center, and Lucious Sanders Recreation Center. The flyer also highlights employee heat safety measures, including expanded remote work flexibility for eligible employees (July 1 through September 1), additional hydration breaks, earlier work schedules when feasible, and access to shaded or air-conditioned rest areas. Heat safety tips encourage drinking plenty of water, limiting outdoor activity between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., wearing lightweight clothing, checking on seniors and neighbors, never leaving children or pets in vehicles, and ensuring pets have water and shade. Seniors needing assistance may contact the Senior Link Line at 770-322-2950. For the latest updates and heat safety information, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov.
Visit DeKalbCountyGA.gov for More Resources
311 CITIZEN HELP CENTER

DeKalb County

1300 Commerce Drive

Decatur, GA 30030

Email: 311CCC@dekalbcountyga.gov

Phone: 404-371-2000

Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Monday - Friday

Flyer encouraging DeKalb County residents to share feedback about crime and safety in their community. The flyer features four smiling young adults standing together outdoors. Large text at the top reads “Share Your Views on Crime in Our Community.” Additional text states: “We want your feedback! Complete our survey about crime and safety in your neighborhood.” A QR code is included linking residents to the community survey. Survey link: https://bit.ly/4tBHMXo

🗣️ Share Your Views on Crime and Safety in DeKalb County

Community input is being gathered as part of DeKalb County’s Community Violence Intervention planning efforts, and residents are encouraged to participate in a public survey focused on crime and neighborhood safety.

The survey will help identify community concerns, better understand local needs, and support ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety initiatives across DeKalb County.

Residents from all areas of the county are encouraged to participate and share their perspectives.

🔗 Take the survey: https://bit.ly/4tBHMXo

Community feedback will continue to be collected through late summer.

“Get involved! Board Members Needed” graphic over a background of gold gift bags labeled “Difference Maker,” encouraging residents to apply for county boards.

Help Shape District 4 — Board Openings

District 4 has openings on several DeKalb County advisory boards. Residents interested in getting involved in local government are encouraged to apply.

Click the board names below to learn more and apply.

Community Council Board

Animal Services Advisory Board

Environmental Justice and Sustainability Resident Review Group

Please send your notice of interest to Alesia Brooks at adbrooks@dekalbcountyga.gov once you have completed your application.

Watch or listen to the Chakira's Corner Podcast

Stay Connected

📧 Email: chakira@dekalbcountyga.gov
📱 Facebook & Instagram: @CommissionerChakiraJohnson
🐦 Bluesky & X: @CommissionerCJJ

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Engineering Progress for DeKalb

Visit Commissioner Johnson's website
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