DEKALB COUNTY – August 26, 2026. DeKalb County District 2 Commissioner Michelle Long Spears and Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry will hold public DeKalb Tree Protection Ordinance Update Community Meetings throughout DeKalb County, ensuring a meeting in all Districts. Commissioners are inviting the public to attend and join the discussion.
“Our old growth trees are truly a precious commodity worth protecting,” said Commissioner Ted Terry. “For the first time in over two decades, the County is addressing a crucial ordinance that will ensure our tree canopy is protected. Trees are more than just beautiful to look at; they provide us with shade, offset heat island effects, aid in water dispersal, prevent erosion, and produce the very air we breathe. This tree ordinance update will ensure that we are protecting our trees today and for years to come.”
“Our tree canopy is part of what makes DeKalb County special, and it’s long overdue for an update that reflects how our community has grown,” said Commissioner Michelle Long Spears. “I’m proud to partner with Commissioner Terry on this rewrite, and I’m even prouder that residents will be the ones shaping it. I look forward to all of us working together in service of a safer, greener, and more prosperous District 2.”
These Community Meetings are sponsored by District 2 and Super District 6, but as all DeKalb County Commissioners have been invited to attend, notice is hereby provided that a quorum of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners or any of its committees may be present at these community meetings.
Dates and Locations:
- Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library (1282 McConnell Dr, Decatur, GA 30033)
- Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, Tobie Grant Recreation Center (593 Parkdale Dr, Scottdale, GA 30079)
- Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, Exchange Recreation Center (2771 Columbia Dr #2771, Decatur, GA 30034)
- Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, Lou Walker Senior Center (2538 Panola Rd, Lithonia, GA 30058)
- Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, Virtual via TEAMS (Meeting ID: 296 785 217 260 543, Passcode: 9fn937dD)
- Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library (5234 Lavista Rd, Tucker, GA 30084)
Tentative Agenda:
- 6:30 – 6:35 PM: Welcome and Greetings from Commissioners in attendance
- 6:35 – 6:45 PM: Introduction to the Tree Protection Ordinance
- 6:50 – 7:20 PM: Tree Protection Ordinance Discussion
- 7:20 – 7:45 PM: Questions and Answers
- 7:45 – 7:55 PM: Survey Questionnaire
- 7:55 PM – 8:00 PM: Closing
- 8:00 PM Community Meeting Ends
Find additional details and RSVP to a Community Meeting at this link.