Community updates, events, and resources across District 4

THIS SATURDAY!

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

Join us for our Community Connection Quarterly Breakfast this Saturday, July 25, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Clarkston Library
951 North Indian Creek Drive
Clarkston, GA 30021

Hear a special Mid-Year Progress Report highlighting the progress made across District 4 in 2026, receive updates on key initiatives, and learn what's ahead for the months to come. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast while supplies last, connect with your neighbors, and hear directly from county leaders during this community conversation.

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 of Commissioners meetings will resume following the recess.

County services will continue to operate as normal throughout the recess period.

Although the Board is in recess, Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson's Office remains open and available to assist constituents with questions, concerns, and service requests. Please do not hesitate to contact the office if we may be of assistance.

United Education Institute Stone Mountain Class of 2026

Collage celebrating the United Education Institute Stone Mountain Class of 2026 commencement ceremony. The images include graduates seated before the ceremony, a United Education Institute diploma cover, graduates assembled in the auditorium, a decorated graduation cap, the graduating class gathered on stage, and rolled diplomas.

Congratulations to the graduates of United Education Institute's Stone Mountain Campus on reaching this important milestone! During the Class of 2026 commencement ceremony, Commissioner Johnson shared a special video message recognizing the graduates' hard work, perseverance, and dedication as they prepare to enter high-demand careers serving communities across DeKalb County and beyond.

From healthcare and skilled trades to technical professions, these graduates represent the next generation of essential workers helping strengthen our local workforce. We wish each member of the Class of 2026 continued success in the exciting journey ahead.

Banner featuring the DeKalb County Animal Enforcement logo alongside the LifeLine Animal Project at DeKalb County Animal Services logo.

Adoptable Pet of the Month

Clyde, the DeKalb County Animal Services Adoptable Pet of the Month, is a black dog with a white chest wearing a red harness, standing outdoors and looking happily toward the camera.
Meet Clyde

We can't hide our love for Clyde. He's a good boy, about 50 pounds, over a year old and as cute as can be with his short little nose. He's just plain adorable and a total sweetheart. He may be young but he acts like an old soul. He's calm, loving and friendly, seems housetrained and takes treats gently. He tends to be shy and timid and sometimes needs to be persuaded to walk. He's just scared and overwhelmed in the shelter environment but once he's outside he's a lovebug. With Clyde at your side, you're guaranteed a loving companion for life. Nothing better than that!!

Meet Clyde and hundreds of other adoptable pets at DeKalb County Animal Services today - no appointment needed! They're located at 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Chamblee, GA 30340. You can also email adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com or call 404.294.2165 for more information. They look forward to helping you find your new best friend!

Pets Available for Adoption

DeKalb Police Citizens Academy Accepting Applications

Flyer promoting the DeKalb County Police Department's 12-week Citizens Academy beginning Aug. 27, 2026. The program offers residents a behind-the-scenes look at police operations, investigations, crime prevention, and community engagement. Applications are due Aug. 7, 2026. Participants must be at least 21 years old, live or work in DeKalb County, have no prior felony convictions, and consent to a background check. Weekly classes are held Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. Download the application (PDF) using the button below, or contact Andrea Hunter at ahunter@dekalbcountyga.gov or (770) 482-0336 to request an application.

Go Behind the Badge with the DeKalb County Police Citizens Academy!

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the DeKalb County Police Department? The Citizens Academy offers residents a unique opportunity to learn directly from law enforcement professionals about policing, criminal investigations, crisis intervention, crime prevention, and specialized police operations while building stronger relationships with the department and the community. See flyer above for details and link below for the application.

This FREE 12-week program begins Thursday, August 27, with classes held weekly from 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Application Deadline: August 7

Space is limited, so interested residents are encouraged to apply early!

Download the Application

PDK Good Neighbor Day Air Show & Open House

Two vintage propeller aircraft perform an aerial maneuver against a blue sky, with one plane leaving a trail of white smoke.

After a one-year hiatus, the PDK Good Neighbor Day Air Show and Open House is returning on Saturday, Sept. 19, with an expanded lineup of activities celebrating America's 250th anniversary. The free community event will feature aerial demonstrations, a new STEM Expo, a night air show, a drone light show, fireworks, and family-friendly activities throughout the day.

A longtime Atlanta tradition, the event showcases aviation while inspiring future pilots, engineers, and aviation professionals through hands-on educational experiences. Gates open at 1 p.m., with festivities continuing through 9 p.m.

Learn More & Plan Your Visit at PDKAirShow.org

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 Government
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
Link to Commissioner Johnson's Facebook page
Link to Commissioner Johnson's YouTube channel
Link to Commissioner Johnson's Instagram page
Link to Commissioner Johnson's X.com, formerly Twitter, page

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