DeKalb County Implements Senior Tree Removal Program

landscaper working

DEKALB COUNTY – DeKalb County recently implemented a Senior Tree Removal Program to assist seniors with removing dangerous trees at no cost. Modeled after DeKalb County’s Senior Home Repair Program, this initiative serves senior homeowners with a total household income of 60% or below the Area Median Income (as defined by HUD). Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry championed this initiative as a direct response to community requests for assistance.

“After years of requests from senior citizens unable to afford dangerous tree removals, this program will ensure that our most vulnerable seniors will have a way to protect themselves, their homes, and their neighbors from falling trees,” said Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry. “By proactively removing dead or dying trees, we can help keep our streets and sidewalks safer, and preserve the structural integrity of our neighborhoods throughout the community.”

Funding for this program was introduced as part of the 2024 DeKalb County Millage Rate and Budget Revisions the Board of Commissioners voted to approve on July 9, 2024.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, visit:
https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/community-development/senior-tree-removal-program

Commissioner Terry Celebrates Pride by Championing the Need for a DeKalb County LGBTQ+ Police Liaison Position

DeKalb County Commissioners

On August 12, 2025, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners celebrated Pride with an annual proclamation honoring the movement for LGBTQ+ rights, celebrating the beauty of LGBTQ+ culture, recognizing the community’s global impact, and reaffirming a commitment to equality and justice for all.

In celebration, Commissioner Ted Terry (D-Super District 6) introduced a resolution “Requesting The Administration Implement A DeKalb County Police Department LGBTQ+ Police Liaison Position, Require Hate Crimes Identification Training For Law Enforcement, And For Other Purposes.” Both actions outlined in the title of the resolution were recommendations in a DeKalb County Equality Progress Report conducted in 2023 by Georgia Equality.

LGBTQ+ Police Liaisons are established in several municipalities across the country, including in the City of Chamblee and the City of Atlanta, with the goal of building trust between the police department and the LGBTQ+ community. The resolution references a 2024 study conducted by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) titled “Policing Progress: Findings from a National Survey of LGBTQ+ People’s Experiences with Law Enforcement,” that found “LGBTQ+ people are less likely to report their victimization to the police, despite higher rates of victimization.”

“It is critical that the LGBTQ+ Community is heard, feels safe, and are supported, especially at a time when their community is facing both physical violence and harmful legislation that rolls back hard-won rights,” said Commissioner Ted Terry. “We must confront the reality that LGBTQ+ individuals are often less likely to report when they’ve been victimized. Implementing an LGBTQ+ police liaison is a meaningful step toward building trust and advancing a more just and equitable DeKalb.”

Trivia Hosted by the Aging in Placers

Trivia cottages

On Saturday, August 2 the Aging in Placers met at the Cottages on Vaughan to play a trivia game where they learned about DeKalb County. A byproduct, yet very important activity, is that they were able to mingle and get to know fellow Aging in Placers. This fun and educational event took place in the courtyard at the Cottages on Vaughan, a lovely, cottage community in Clarkston. Aging in Placers were also able to tour the cottage homes allowing them to learn more about this type of housing option and how it relates to Aging in Place.