Category: Announcements

Resilient DeKalb Launches a New Chapter for Environmental Justice in DeKalb County!

Resilient DeKalb" text with sunflower and wildflowers emphasizing local sustainability and environmental resilience.

On Saturday, March 14, DeKalb County residents joined the Super District 6 team at the Gresham Park Recreation Center for the introduction of Resilient DeKalb, a renewed effort by Commissioner Ted Terry to strengthen environmental justice and civic engagement across DeKalb County. Resilient DeKalb builds on the foundation of the DeKalb Green New Deal while reshaping the focus to emphasize community resilience, transparency, and stronger collaboration between residents and county leadership.

Why Resilient DeKalb?

Candidly, some of DeKalb’s greatest issues stem from environmental injustices, including failing water and sewer infrastructure, repeated sewage overflows into creeks and neighborhoods, rising utility costs, and the loss of safe green space, problems that disproportionately affect lower-income and historically marginalized communities.

Environmental justice means every resident, regardless of race, income, or background, deserves affordable energy, clean water, safe neighborhoods, and a voice in environmental decisions. It acknowledges that some communities have faced greater pollution burdens, higher utility bills, and fewer resources for decades, resulting in inequitable health outcomes. Building a Resilient DeKalb means creating healthier, resilient neighborhoods for all residents

What is Resilient DeKalb?

Resilient DeKalb is a people-powered initiative that aims to correct these imbalances to reduce environmental injustices by

advancing sustainable land-use practices including protecting green spaces, improving zoning and development practices, and promoting land use that supports healthy neighborhoods and long term environmental resilience.
advocating for clean, affordable, and reliable utilities and services to reduce energy burdens caused by environmental injustices
building community power for environmental justice by expanding access to county programs and resources that make it easier for residents to participate in critical decision making processes

How Can We Work Together to Achieve a More Resilient DeKalb?

The County Commissioner’s office plays a central role in addressing environmental justice challenges by setting local policies, allocating resources, and advocating for programs that protect residents’ health and the environment. By engaging with the office through attending town halls, submitting public comments, or joining community coalitions, residents can help guide decisions that reduce pollution, improve water and energy systems, and keep neighborhoods safe and resilient. To find out who represents you, visit the county’s website and enter your address in the Find My Commissioner tool. Your commissioner is your direct line to local policy that affects your home, your health, and your community.

Highlights From Our First Resilient DeKalb Meeting

Led by Commissioner Ted Terry, participants learned about how local government decisions affect environmental outcomes and why county policy plays such a critical role in shaping community resilience. To make the discussion interactive, attendees played a trivia game and created a world cloud describing what “Resilient DeKalb” meant to them. The responses highlighted themes like community, sustainability, equity, and long-term planning.

Participants raised several local concerns and ideas during the discussion portion of the event, including:

The need for clearer communication about BOC agendas and decisions, along with more accessible information to help residents stay informed and participate in county government.
Requests for information about composting programs, environmental plans, and local sustainability resources

What Happens Next?

We hope to address the concerns of residents collaboratively and with transparency. This begins with forming a Resilient DeKalb Steering Committee to help guide the progression of our initiative, followed by educational workshops and discussions.

We encourage you to:

Join the Resilient DeKalb Steering Committee
Attend our upcoming events
Fill out the Resilient DeKalb Interest form to stay updated and attend our important upcoming events

April 28 — Earth Day Proclamation at the Board of Commissioners Meeting

Celebrate Earth Day at the Board of Commissioners meeting on April 28! This year, we’re presenting a proclamation to the people of DeKalb for their tireless commitment to the Earth and environmental advocacy. We hope you can attend to be recognized and show DeKalb County residents want climate action now.

Click here to RSVP!

This is part of the Board of Commissioners regularly scheduled meetings and is open to the public.

May 1 — FREE Environmental Movie Night: The Tree Economy

Commissioner Terry and the Super District 6 Team are excited to present an environmental movie night featuring The Tree Economy directed by James Schroder.

Environmental films can turn complex issues into real stories that spark curiosity, build community, and invite us all to take action. We hope you will join us for this timely and thought-provoking film that explores local climate action and asks us to brainstorm next steps for DeKalb County.

The Tree Economy

The City of Atlanta has the largest urban tree canopy of any major city in North America. The Tree Economy follows the forces of development, economics, and politics threatening to erase the defining characteristic of one of America’s great cities.

Through the voices of tree activists, arborists, urban designers, elected officials, and developers, filmmaker James Schroeder documents a city at a crossroads.

The Resilient DeKalb Launch event marks the beginning of a broader engagement effort for Resilient DeKalb. With continued collaboration between residents and local government, Resilient DeKalb aims to build a stronger and more sustainable future for all communities across the county.

Click here to RSVP

Resources

Tax Exemptions can Save Thousands. Are you eligible?

Wooden blocks spelling "TAX" on stacked coins beside a toy house, symbolizing property tax.

The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office recently began mailing over 19,700 homeowners who may be eligible for a new senior exemption or a basic homestead exemption for the current tax year.

Whether you’re a new homeowner, a senior, disabled resident, disabled veteran, homeowners should check their exemption status and apply before the April 1 deadline. Filing early minimizes confusion and avoids delays and when tax bills are mailed later in the year.”

Homestead exemption applications can be filed online until the April 1 deadline. Applications are also accepted in person year-round at all office locations during business hours. Special exemptions are available for eligible seniors, disabled residents, disabled veterans or surviving spouse, surviving spouse of a U.S. service member, and surviving spouse of a peace officer or firefighter. Age and income requirements must be met to qualify for senior exemptions.

Once an exemption is granted, it automatically renews as long as the owner resides at the property, or until a different exemption is filed and granted. DeKalb County homeowners who do not have a homestead exemption, or who may qualify for a senior, disabled veteran or disabled resident exemption, are encouraged to apply online before the April 1 deadline.

How to check your exemption status:

Access your property information at publicaccess.dekalbtax.org.
Look for the “Exemption Codes” field. If there is no code, look for the green button in the “Owner Information” area on the page and click “Apply for homestead exemption”.
If you’re a senior ages 62+ by January 1, and have an H1 exemption, you may apply online for a special exemption.
If your exemption status indicates an H3, H4, H9, H10 or A6, no further action is required.

For more information on how to check your homestead exemption status online or to apply, visit DeKalbTax.org or call 404-298-4000 for assistance. Follow @dekalbtaxga on Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and Bluesky for updates from the DeKalb County tax commissioner’s office.

In case you missed it: DeKalb Prepares to Launch Women-Owned Business Guide

DeKalb is shining a spotlight on local entrepreneurship with the launch of the DeKalb Women-Owned Business Guide, an initiative led by Decide DeKalb to celebrate and support our very own women business leaders. This effort is fitting as we bring in International Women’s History Month for 2026.

With more than 3,900 women-owned businesses operating in DeKalb County, this guide will connect residents with local businesses across industries including food, beauty, arts, professional services, education, and real estate.

Women-owned businesses based in DeKalb County are encouraged to apply. To qualify, businesses must have a valid business license, a website, and at least one active social media account.

Applications will be accepted throughout March, and the guide will be released May 4 to kick off Economic Development Week.

Scan the flyer’s QR code below to learn more and apply.

The DeKalb Women-Owned Business Guide_Flyer Download

Love Your Planet by Caring for your Community

February is a month centered on love and what better way to show it than by caring for the planet we all share. As part of our Love Your Planet: Recycle Campaign, Team Commissioner Ted Terry joins Keep DeKalb Beautiful to encourage residents, schools, and businesses to take simple, meaningful steps toward reducing waste and keeping our community clean.

As we move forward, we invite everyone to March Into a Cleaner Tomorrow by getting involved in local cleanup efforts. The Great American Cleanup officially kicked off nationally January 2026 and will continue through July 4, 2026, offering multiple opportunities to make a visible impact in our DeKalb neighborhoods.

Ready to make a difference?

Schedule a cleanup in your neighborhood, business, or school today. Contact Keep DeKalb Beautiful to reserve cleanup bags and litter sticks and once your cleanup is complete, DeKalb County’s Beautification Department will take care of picking up the filled garbage bags.

Interested in Making an Even Bigger Impact?
Organize a community cleanup in your neighborhood and join our efforts to promote a cleaner, greener DeKalb.

Schedule a Community Cleanup: Click here
Contact Keep DeKalb Beautiful: Click here
Learn more about Recycling & Waste Diversion: Click here

Together, we can keep our community clean, beautiful, and sustainable.

Sharing Planning & Sustainability Building A Greener, Stronger DeKalb Highlights

DeKalb Planning and Sustainability Front Yard Tree Program

The Front Yard Tree Program offers DeKalb County homeowners the opportunity to add shade and beauty to their yards at no cost.

Through a partnership with Trees Atlanta, homeowners receive expert guidance on tree species selection and proper placement. Trees Atlanta will also deliver and plant the tree, making the process easy and accessible.

For more information regarding Planning & Sustainability program click here.

DeKalb County Recognized as a 2025 Tree City USA

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. With a network of more than one million supporters and partners, the organization has helped plant over 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries.

DeKalb County has been named a 2025 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of the County’s ongoing commitment to planting, growing, and maintaining trees that enhance and benefit the community.

Zoning Ordinance Revisions Supporting A Resileint DeKalb!

The DeKalb County Planning & Sustainability Department is updating its zoning ordinance for the first time in a decade and its sign ordinance for the first time in 20 years to ensure the ordinances support the needs and priorities of the community.

This update aims to better align the Zoning Ordinance with the 2050 Unified Plan and existing development patterns, reflecting the values of DeKalb County residents and businesses. The project will take place over the next two years, with adoption targeted by the end of 2027. Opportunities for community input are integrated throughout the planning process and will be available through both in-person and online engagement.

For more information click here to visit Planning & Sustainability website.

2/3/2026 COW Commissioner Terry Comments

Happy Black History Month

This month, we honor the brilliance, resilience, and lasting contributions of Black leaders, artists, and communities who have shaped history and continue to shape our future with Black History Month. I look forward to attending and am happy to invite you to the Tobie Grant Recreation Center’s A CENTURY OF BLACK HISTORY COMMEMORATION on Wednesday, February 25 starting at 10:00 AM. I hope you will join with me in celebrating.

Aging in Placers Update

The Aging in Placers kicked off 2026 as the “Year of Action” by detailing its strategic plan for advocating for housing options in DeKalb County. Critical actions include continuing in step with the DeKalb Zoning Update Project and advocating for specific zoning changes to expand housing options that support aging in place, whether that means staying put in current homes or moving to ones that are a better fit. Parallel actions will focus on helping older adults tap into available support and services for aging in place.

In January, the Aging in Placers Initiative was featured on The Crossroads Public Affairs News Hour on WRFG 89.3FM Atlanta. Bonnie Davis, leader of the Aging in Placers Initiative, was interviewed and shared what it means to age in place with dignity, and how we help to shape policies that are inclusive of all. There are several important items that impact our Seniors this 1st quarter and we are gearing up to educate and advocate. You can catch up by listening to the interview here.

Environmental Justice

Super District 6 Staff, along with several community members participated in Environmental Justice Day at the Capitol on January 29, 2026. Senior Environmental Policy Aide, Keyanna Jones Moore represented Super District 6 as a part of the Georgians Organized to Survive and Thrive (GOST) Network, and spoke with State Legislators about bills in regards to Data Centers; the reappointment of a Consumer Utilities Counsel and a regulation that would require mandatory reporting on the presence of forever chemicals to wastewater treatment facilities.

Super District 6 Community Outreach

Our Outreach Team has been busy in January attending neighborhood meetings all over Super District 6.

We saw a new President named for Neighbors of Gresham Park and a huge cleanup happened along the Michelle Obama trail for Martin Luther King Day where a whole section of the South River was cleaned up from illegal dumping. Girl scouts, community and church members pitched in.

In Decatur, the Downtown Decatur Neighbors activated their group to help get a downtown park named as a historic site.

At Greystone Park, we attended their 2nd ever neighborhood meeting and heard from residents that crime has gone way down since October of last year. Our Outreach team helped to connect neighbors by knocking doors and inviting residents to a neighborhood meeting. DeKalb Police, Park police, and adjacent neighborhood groups came together to create a network of people talking to each other on the REGULAR. It helped shut down the break-ins happening and now neighbors are focused on getting speed bumps, cleaning up illegal dump sites and advocating for sidewalks and better lighting.

The residents of Longdale Park are on the final phase of a master plan on their neighborhood park. And Morningside Lenox Park Association is working on getting a new roundabout installed in coordination with the City of Atlanta and DeKalb County.

This month, we’re pitching in to canvass neighborhoods around Bouldercrest, Cedar Grove and Moreland Ave for the small area plan. Neighbors have submitted their ideas via survey. Now there are several meetings this month that will take place in person and online so residents can dig into the details on what they want to see built in their community.

The Super District 6 Outreach team welcomes any requests for neighborhoods that would like our help in boosting attendance at monthly meetings and getting neighbors activated to being involved to make their communities better. We’ll come and knock doors with you and invite folks to turn out.

How to Stay Up To Date

You can always stay up to date with all things in the Super District 6 Office by visiting the website, https://commissionertedterry.com/ or COMMISSIONER TED TERRY on Facebook and Instagram. If you would like to text, the office you can do so at: 470 735 7804. Message and data rates may apply. To learn more about texting the Super District 6 office, click here.

Additionally, we have done a great job ensuring we are sharing County Resources that may be available to you. Programs such as the Water Bill Assistance Program, various electric bill assistance programs, and home repair resources. Be sure to click here for more information.

1/13/2026 BOC Commissioner Terry Comments

Happy New Year

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year! As we welcome in 2026, I want to thank you for a great 2025. While 2025 did have challenges, it was also a year of community and resilience. You showed up this year. Whether you made your voice heard on key decisions or volunteered to serve DeKalb County, we couldn’t have done it without you. We will be sharing an End of Year Report shortly on my website and social media so we may all reflect on the hard work accomplished in Super District 6 as we look to the future ahead. I truly believe we are leaving 2025 better than we found it and are ready for what awaits us in 2026. The Super District 6 Team and I remain committed to another year of working towards a safer, greener and more prosperous DeKalb.

Welcome Tamar

The Super District 6 Team has grown, and we are happy to welcome Tamar! She is the new Super District 6 Administrative Coordinator and will be joining me out in the field to ensure all notes and action items are captured. If you see her be sure to say hi!

End of Compost Program

As you may know, over the past year, our neighbors in Avondale Estates have had the opportunity to participate in the free Avondale Estates Curbside Composting Pilot Program and divert their food scraps from the DeKalb County landfill. Using a method that mimics the standard curbside trash collection, participants simply separated out their food waste from their trash and hauled their food scraps bin to the curb weekly. This part of the program has officially come to a close resulting in 136,415 pounds of food waste being diverted. This much food waste results in 14,000 pounds of methane in our atmosphere. Thanks to this program that has been avoided. The next phase of this program will deliver compost to BIPOC farmers in DeKalb County and our public libraries that feature a climate resilient landscape, such as the Clarkston and Chamblee libraries. This will provide healing properties to our soil across DeKalb County and have incredible impacts such as a greater ability to manage stormwater, grow food, and sequester carbon. Keep your eyes open for Compost educational programs my office will be sharing in the Spring to celebrate the awesome powers of compost.

2026 Homestead Exemption Information

I’m happy to share a reminder that applications for the 2026 Homestead Exemption are officially open as of January 1. For eligibility requirements, required documents, city-related taxes, and more, you can visit the Tax Office website. Homestead exemptions provide a significant reduction in annual property taxes and are available to individuals who own and reside in a home in DeKalb County. Additionally, you may qualify for further exemptions such as a senior exemption or a disability exemption. The Deadline to apply for an exemption is April 1st for the current tax year. Applications received after the deadline will be applied to the following year. You can contact the Tax Commissioner’s Office by email at PROPTAX@DeKalbCountyGA.gov or by phone at 404 298 4000

How to Stay Up To Date

Anne Isenhower

Before we close, I would like to also take a moment to acknowledge the passing of a pioneer in the Public Relations field, DeKalb County community leader and great advocate, Anne Isenhower. I along with my staff join the many people in sharing this loss, and reflecting on her ability to inspire and build communities- but most of all her caring heart. My deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.

Call for Applicants: DeKalb County Women’s Commission

Update as of 1/26/2026: We are no longer taking applications at this time. Thank you to everyone who took the time to apply in hopes of serving DeKalb County.

DeKalb County has officially established the DeKalb County Women’s Commission, and Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry is seeking one passionate and engaged woman to serve as his appointed representative! This is a meaningful opportunity to step into civic leadership, help shape county policy, and advance opportunities for women across DeKalb County.

What You’ll Do

Commission members advise and make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, and county department directors on issues impacting the wellbeing and advancement of women, including:

Healthcare access and disparities
Wage equity and employment issues
Community safety and security
Quality of life initiatives
Access to federal, state, and local funding
Identifying emerging issues affecting women in DeKalb County

Commission members will also study assigned topics and report at least annually to the Board of Commissioners.

Time Commitment

A minimum of four meetings per year, with additional special meetings as needed
Meetings require preparation, discussion, and collaboration

Term of Service

Four year term with staggered start dates to ensure continuity
Members continue serving until a successor is appointed

Who Should Apply

Applicants must:

Be a resident of DeKalb County and Super District 6, Click here to find out what district you live in!
Bring lived experience, professional expertise, or strong community insight
Reflect and support diversity across race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, and professional background
Be excited to collaborate and lead with purpose

Compensation

This is an unpaid volunteer position
County employees may serve while continuing to receive regular compensation

If you are energized by women’s issues, driven by service, and ready to make county level impact, we want to hear from you.

Please submit your home address, a brief statement of interest, and background to Kelly Cato, Commissioner Ted Terry’s Chief of Staff at KECATO@DeKalbCountyGA.Gov

Thank you for your interest in serving DeKalb County.

Text the Super District 6 Office at 470-735-7804