From flooding and sewer overflows to tree loss, rising utility costs, and development pressures, residents identified an extensive list of critical environmental challenges facing DeKalb during our first Resilient DeKalb Steering Committee meeting on June 1. While the topics varied, a common theme emerged: many of these challenges are interconnected, reflect long standing environmental injustices, and require both resident leadership and policy action to address.
This meeting marked the launch of the Resilient DeKalb Steering Committee, a resident-led group created to keep community perspectives central to the work of Resilient DeKalb. Resilient DeKalb is Commissioner Ted Terry’s environmental justice initiative focused on strengthening community, political, and environmental resilience across DeKalb County. Through the Steering Committee, residents will help identify priorities that shape the future direction of Resilient DeKalb.
Twenty-seven residents representing local neighborhood associations, nonprofits, community organizations, and advocacy groups participated in the discussion. The conversation created an opportunity for residents to share their experiences, expertise, and provide input on the issues impacting their neighborhoods.
Rather than focusing on a single issue, participants repeatedly emphasized the importance of resident involvement in decision making and the need for stronger partnerships among local government, local organizations, educational institutions, and residents.
The discussion also reinforced a key principle of Resilient DeKalb: many of the challenges facing our communities do not exist in isolation. Development decisions, flooding, land use, tree loss, utility affordability, public health, and overall well-being are connected and therefore require coordinated solutions.
Below are several key priorities identified during our discussion:
Stormwater Management, Flooding & Infrastructure
Flooding, sewer overflows, and aging infrastructure were among the most frequently discussed challenges. Residents emphasized the need for greater investment in green infrastructure and nature-based solutions that can help manage stormwater while improving neighborhood resilience. Residents also discussed opportunities to use parks and open spaces as flood mitigation assets, strengthen flood-resistant development standards, and ensure future growth does not worsen the existing drainage and infrastructure challenges.
Composting, Waste Reduction & Circular Economy
Residents expressed strong interest in expanding composting, recycling, and food waste diversion efforts across DeKalb County. The discussion included opportunities to build on successful local programs such as the Avondale Estates Composting Pilot, improving access to composting for residents living in multifamily housing, and improving public education around recycling etiquette and waste reduction. Participants also highlighted the connection between food waste, soil health, regenerative agriculture, and local food systems.
Data Centers & Sustainable Development
There is growing interest in data centers and the importance of establishing safeguards to protect our communities and natural resources. Residents raised questions about water and energy consumption, infrastructure demands, land use impacts, and community protections. Residents also emphasized the need for public education and transparency as conversations around data center regulations continue. Learn about Commissioner Ted Terry’s stance on data centers here.
Sustainable Land Use, Trees, & Green Space
Residents repeatedly highlighted the importance of protecting and expanding green space throughout the county. For example, opportunities to better utilize our parks and public spaces as community assets, improving accessibility, expanding trail connectivity, increasing environmental education opportunities, and using parks and green spaces to support broader resilience goals, including flood mitigation, public health, and quality of life.
Tree Canopy Protection & Urban Heat
Tree loss and urban heat challenges were one of our more detailed conversations of the evening. There are significant, long-term impacts of development patterns that reduce tree canopy and replace green space with pavement. This includes rising temperatures, increased cooling costs, worsened air quality, and public health impacts associated with the urban heat island effect. Residents expressed interest in strengthening tree preservation policies,urban forestry efforts, and incorporating more trees into development and redevelopment projects.
Zoning, Land Use & Environmental Policy
Residents emphasized the importance of influencing policy before any decisions are finalized. The ongoing zoning ordinance rewrite was identified as a major opportunity to incorporate environmental priorities into future development standards. Discussion included sustainable land use practices, resilience focused development requirements, tree protection policies, and increasing community participation in planning processes.
Community Engagement & Advocacy
Our conversation concluded with a discussion about how the Steering Committee can support overall resident engagement and future action. There was a desire for more tailored educational resources, issue briefings, and advocacy tools that make it easier for residents to participate in county decision-making. Additional ideas included strengthening partnerships with nonprofits, universities, faith communities, and neighborhood organizations while improving communications to communities throughout DeKalb County overall.
Residents also expressed interest in creating working groups focused on specific issue areas. Here are the proposed working groups:
- Stormwater & Green Infrastructure
- Composting & Waste Reduction
- Sustainable Land Use, Trees, & Green Space
- Data Centers & Emerging Development
- Community Engagement & Advocacy
Final working group structure will be informed by Steering Committee interest and future discussions.
Looking Ahead
Perhaps the most notable outcome of the meeting was how quickly conversations shifted from identifying challenges to proposing solutions. Residents shared ideas, resources, partnerships, and opportunities for future collaborations. By the end of the meeting, participants were already beginning to organize around shared interests and priorities.
That spirit of collaboration reflects the vision behind Resilient DeKalb: connecting community priorities with county decision-making while creating more opportunities for residents to help shape the future of their neighborhoods.
The Steering Committee is only the beginning, but the first meeting made it clear that residents are ready to be active partners in building a healthier, more resilient DeKalb. If you’re interested in joining the conversation, or learning more about upcoming events, we encourage you to stay connected and get involved by joining the Resilient DeKalb movement.
Resources & Next Steps
Learn About Resilient DeKalb
- Resilient DeKalb Info Packet
- Important BOC Agenda Items Impacting Environmental Justice
- Resilient DeKalb Steering Committee Meeting Presentation
Data Center Resources
- What Commissioner Ted Terry is Advocating for in Data Center Regulations
- Data Center Update (June 9, 2026)
- History of the Data Center Conversation in DeKalb (2025)
Land Use & Zoning
Composting & Waste Reduction
Get Involved in County Government
- Find Your Commissioner
- Board of Commissioners Public Comment Information
- Board of Commissioners Meeting Calendar
- Commissioner District 6 Map