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Commissioner Terry Introduces Resolution That Allocates Tax Revenue Generated by Data Centers to Support Direct Resident Equity and Environmental Restoration

The resolution establishes a “DeKalb for the People AI Tech Dividend Fund,” the mechanism in which tax revenues can be captured and dedicated towards qualifying expenditures.

*media interviews available*

DEKALB COUNTY – On January 6, 2026, Commissioner Terry introduced a resolution to “Establish aDeKalb For The People AI Tech Dividend Fund and Fiscal Stability Policy” which if approved will allocate 50% of ad valorem tax revenue generated specifically by High-Technology Data Centers to support direct resident equity and environmental restoration, 25% to bolster the “human touch” of county government, including Libraries, Senior & Youth Services, and Beautification, to forestall residential tax increases, and 25% towards a General Fund Reserves “Rainy Day Fund” until the County achieves a fiscally prudent 90-day operating fund balance.

“Data centers are here and knocking on DeKalb County’s door. I am proud DeKalb County has committed to developing strong regulations that will ensure community protections if one may be built,” said Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry. “But we can’t stop at regulations. One data center is estimated to bring in millions of dollars of tax revenue into the county. We must ensure these funds go directly back into the community that may be the most burdened by these facilities. That these funds purchase greenspace, build sidewalks, assist with energy burden through weatherization projects, provide job training infrastructure, and so much more the community may need. That is environmental justice for our DeKalb residents.”

The resolution also indicates the “For the People AI Tech Dividend Fund” shall prioritize those most directly affected by industrial growth and outlines “Primary Impact Zones [as] neighborhoods within a 3-mile radius of a data center or heavy industrial cluster shall receive priority for “Greenway” connectivity and energy relief” as well as “Equity Priority Areas [where] funding shall be targeted toward census tracts meeting Justice40 criteria and having high Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) burdens, ensuring the dividend reaches those with the greatest need.” Further, the resolution highlights “Humanity First” pillars that emphasize qualifying expenditures for funding. These pillars include:

  • “The Energy Equity Pillar: Direct residential utility assistance and grants for home solar/weatherization to shield families from industrial-driven grid inflation.
  • The AI Workforce Transition Pillar: Scholarships and retraining via WorkSource DeKalb to “future-proof” residents against AI-driven economic shifts.
  • The Digital-to-Green Trust: Funding of the County-wide Green Infrastructure Network—comprised of trails and sidewalks and buffer land acquisition—connecting neighborhoods to parks and schools, with an emphasis on creating physical forest buffers in industrial zones.”

This resolution will be deferred to the Finance and Budget (FAB) Committee, which is the committee of jurisdiction to vet before it is returned to the Board of Commission for approval.  FAB meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month from 3:30pm to 5:00pm and can be viewed live or at a later time on the DCTV website.

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ABOUT DeKalb County Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry:

In 2020, Commissioner Ted Terry was elected to serve as the Super District 6 Commissioner of DeKalb County. His district includes half of the County with portions of South, Central, and North DeKalb, totaling approximately 350,000 residents. He successfully was reelected and began his second term in January 2025.

Commissioner Terry’s policy priorities include the DeKalb Green New Deal and former President Biden’s Justice 40 initiatives, affordable housing, transit equity, protecting voting rights for DeKalb residents, and criminal justice reform. Commissioner Terry serves as the Chair of Finance and Budget (FAB) and is a member of the Planning, Economic Development and Community Service (PECS) committee. He previously served as the Chair of the Employee Relations and Public Safety committee (ERPS) and Chair of the Operations Committee (OPS) and as a member of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (PWI).

The Commissioner also serves as a member of the National Association of Counties (NACo) as a member of the Healthy Counties Advisory Board, International Economic Development Task Force, Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) Member, Resilient Counties Advisory Board Member, and Environment, Energy, and Land Use (EELU) Policy Steering Committee. Locally serves on theGeorgia Council for International Visitors Board of Trustees.

Prior to his election, Commissioner Terry served as the Mayor of the most ethnically diverse square mile in America: Clarkston, Georgia from January 2014 – March 2020, where he was the youngest Mayor in Clarkston’s 135-year history.

He resides in DeKalb County with his wife Andrea and 4-legged fur-babies.

To learn more about Commissioner Terry, his platforms and how to stay up to date on the latest from his office, visit www.commissionertedterry.com.

Follow the Commissioner on social media:

Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Opinion: Campaign slogans promising ‘all-or-nothing’ property tax relief are reckless

We can protect Georgia’s older residents without gutting public services for our communities. Let’s choose a targeted policy.

Re: “Stop using Georgia seniors as a piggy bank. Give them property tax relief.,” by state Rep. David Clark, R-Buford.

Rep. Clark and I agree on a fundamental truth: No Georgian who has spent a lifetime building a community should be forced out of it by a tax bill.

The anxiety of rising property assessments is real, and for seniors on fixed incomes, it is an existential threat to their ability to age in place.

However, acknowledging a problem is easy; solving it responsibly is the hard work of governance.


As a DeKalb County commissioner who must balance a nearly $2 billion budget every year — prioritizing public health, safety and core services — I know that catchy slogans like “taxes are un-American” do not pave roads, put out fires or staff ambulances.

Clark’s proposed “Seniors Security Act,” while well-intentioned, is a blunt instrument that threatens the very services our seniors rely on. We need a surgical approach, not a sledgehammer.

Clark’s plan to waive taxes on the first $500,000 of home value for all seniors, regardless of income, is fiscally reckless. Under his “all-or-nothing” approach, a wealthy retiree in a luxury estate would receive the same tax break as a retired teacher struggling to pay for groceries. Why should working families subsidize tax cuts for millionaires who can easily afford their fair share?

How DeKalb County helps older residents today


In DeKalb County, we already have a framework for senior exemptions — with escalators based on age and income up to 70 years old, that provide additional tax breaks.

Currently, our county-level exemptions — which apply to the maintenance and operations taxes that fund services like police, parks and roads — are tied to income limits that haven’t always kept pace with inflation.

Instead of abolishing this portion of the tax base entirely, we should aggressively expand targeted exemptions.

I’d suggest Clark focus first on raising the base income threshold for senior tax exemptions to $75,000 with increased income limits as residents age (in DeKalb, that is $110,568 federal adjusted gross for seniors age 70-plus). This would provide substantial relief to the working- and middle-class seniors who truly need it, ensuring they are not priced out of their homes, while maintaining the revenue necessary to run the county.

Clark tries to offset the massive cost of his plan by pointing to “waste,” citing $1.7 million in arts funding within a $37 billion state budget. This is a distraction.

That sum is a rounding error that wouldn’t cover a fraction of the deficit his plan would create. If we want to talk about “piggy banks,” let’s discuss the massive tax breaks Georgia hands out to billionaire tech giants and data centers that strain our power grid, and increase power bills while creating few permanent jobs.

Furthermore, if we truly want to help seniors’ pocketbooks, we must look beyond just property taxes to utility bills — often a senior’s second-largest expense. Many seniors live in older, poorly insulated homes. Yet, the state Legislature has dragged its feet on “energy freedom” policies that would allow homeowners to easily generate their own power via solar and invest in efficiency. Enabling seniors to lower their energy costs could save them thousands annually — permanent, structural relief that doesn’t bankrupt the local fire department.


Tackle housing and utility costs as a solution
We also cannot ignore the housing crisis itself. True “family values” means creating a housing cycle that works for every generation. Currently, restrictive state building codes and local zoning laws largely prevent the construction of “missing middle” housing — smaller cottages, duplexes and accessory dwelling units.

Many seniors want to downsize to more manageable, cost-efficient homes in their own neighborhoods, but those options simply don’t exist. By encouraging this type of housing, we allow seniors to cash out their equity and reduce their expenses, while freeing up larger family homes for young families just starting out. This is a free-market solution that supports aging in place without a government handout.

Finally, we must reject the cynical notion that funding our community is “un-American.” Investing in the places we live is the most American thing we do. Property taxes fund the “Core Four”: health, public safety, infrastructure and education. When a senior calls 911, they expect professionals to respond to their emergency with speed and care. When they drive to the pharmacy, they expect a safe road. These are not “government waste.” They are the bedrock of the freedom we cherish.

We can protect our seniors without gutting our communities. Let’s choose a targeted policy that supports the vulnerable, demands fairness from the wealthy, and embraces energy and housing freedom. That is how we deliver real security — not with a slogan, but with a plan.

See Commissioner Terry’s Atlanta Journal Constitution here.

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Passes Resolution to Establish the Environmental Justice and Sustainability Resident Review Group

Recognizing the importance of equitable protection for the environment and residential health while giving community members a seat at the table to further environmental justice in DeKalb County.

*media interviews available*

DEKALB COUNTY – On December 16, 2025, The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution establishing an Environmental Justice and Sustainability Resident Review Group. The stated mission of the advisory group is to provide professional and resident advice to the Board of Commissioners for their use in policy decisions involving issues of sustainability, green jobs, energy initiatives and environmental justice as well as monitor the progress and make recommendations towards current environmental efforts such as the County’s 100% Clean Energy and Transportation Transition Plan. The resolution, introduced by Super District 6 Commissioner, Ted Terry, comes amid growing concerns by residents about the proliferation of data centers and their impact on the environment and public health.

“Today, environmental justice topics manifest in the form of data centers, energy burden, and pollution,” said Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry. “If we are to prioritize environmental justice and a clean energy transition, we must do so with the input of those who are directly affected and relevant professionals who can provide vital data to inform policy decisions. We cannot advocate for the community that we serve without centering community voice.”

The resolution charges the Review Group with an annual report, which would include a review of statutes, rules and policies related to DeKalb County’s siting and land use decisions, with a focus on sites which would pose a threat to human health. The report would also include a review and recommendation of potential policies and operating procedures that would highlight considerations of environmental equality, environmental justice, and protection of high-risk areas.

More details about the resolution can be found here.

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ABOUT DeKalb County Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry:

In 2020, Commissioner Ted Terry was elected to serve as the Super District 6 Commissioner of DeKalb County. His district includes half of the County with portions of South, Central, and North DeKalb, totaling approximately 350,000 residents. He successfully was reelected and began his second term in January 2025.

Commissioner Terry’s policy priorities include the DeKalb Green New Deal and former President Biden’s Justice 40 initiatives, affordable housing, transit equity, protecting voting rights for DeKalb residents, and criminal justice reform. Commissioner Terry serves as the Chair of Finance and Budget (FAB) and is a member of the Planning, Economic Development and Community Service (PECS) committee. He previously served as the Chair of the Employee Relations and Public Safety committee (ERPS) and Chair of the Operations Committee (OPS) and as a member of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (PWI).

The Commissioner also serves as a member of the National Association of Counties (NACo) as a member of the Healthy Counties Advisory Board, International Economic Development Task Force, Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) Member, Resilient Counties Advisory Board Member, and Environment, Energy, and Land Use (EELU) Policy Steering Committee. Locally serves on theGeorgia Council for International Visitors Board of Trustees.

Prior to his election, Commissioner Terry served as the Mayor of the most ethnically diverse square mile in America: Clarkston, Georgia from January 2014 – March 2020, where he was the youngest Mayor in Clarkston’s 135-year history.

He resides in DeKalb County with his wife Andrea and 4-legged fur-babies.

To learn more about Commissioner Terry, his platforms and how to stay up to date on the latest from his office, visit www.commissionertedterry.com.

Follow the Commissioner on social media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Commissioner Terry Advocates for an Extension of the Data Center Moratorium for 12 Months- Calls for Independent Environmental and Public Health Study

The motion fails by a 3-4 vote. The final vote on the item extended the moratorium for six months, to June 23, 2026.

*media interviews available*

DEKALB COUNTY – On December 16, 2025, Agenda Item 2025-1694: “Application of the Director of Planning and Sustainability to extend a moratorium on the permitting or other authorization of any new data centers, or the expansion of any existing data centers, in Unincorporated DeKalb County” was discussed to extend the data center moratorium to March 26, 2026.

Commissioner Ted Terry advocated instead the moratorium be extended for 12 months, to the last meeting in December 2026, to allow for additional time for DeKalb County to conduct an independent Environmental and Public Health Study.

“Residents are worried about noise near homes, parks, and trails. They are worried about air quality and the health impacts of diesel generators and increased fossil-fuel generation. They are worried about water use, stormwater runoff, and potential impacts on local streams and drinking water systems. They are worried about grid reliability and whether massive energy users will strain neighborhood power systems. And they are worried about equity — about whether communities that have historically hosted landfills and heavy industrial uses are once again being asked to absorb the impacts of yet another speculative development with adverse outcomes.” Said Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry.

In a statement by Commissioner Terry, he indicated the study should examine but not be limited to noise, air quality, diesel emissions, water use, stormwater impacts, heat, grid strain, and climate implications. He also indicated it should evaluate how these impacts intersect with existing environmental burdens and health disparities across the county.

This motion failed by a 3-4 vote. The final vote on the item extended the moratorium for six months, to June 23, 2026, but did not include mention of the independent Environmental and Public Health Study.

Additionally, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted on Agenda Item 2025-0972 “Application of the Director of Planning and Sustainability to amend Chapter 27 to Establish a Definition, Regulatory Guidelines, and Development Standards for Data Centers in M (Industrial), M-2 (Heavy Industrial), O-I (Office-Institutional), and O-D (Office-Distribution) zoning districts. This text amendment is County-wide.” To better align with the moratorium and allow the regulations to include details from a possible independent Environmental and Public Health Study, Commissioner Terry advocated to defer to June. The final vote deferred the item to January 27, 2026.

A data center moratorium was originally introduced as Agenda Item 2025-0996 by Commissioner Ted Terry and approved on July 8, 2025. Agenda Item 2025-1694, voted on today, is the fourth data center moratorium introduced this year.

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ABOUT DeKalb County Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry:

In 2020, Commissioner Ted Terry was elected to serve as the Super District 6 Commissioner of DeKalb County. His district includes half of the County with portions of South, Central, and North DeKalb, totaling approximately 350,000 residents. He successfully was reelected and began his second term in January 2025.

Commissioner Terry’s policy priorities include the DeKalb Green New Deal and former President Biden’s Justice 40 initiatives, affordable housing, transit equity, protecting voting rights for DeKalb residents, and criminal justice reform. Commissioner Terry serves as the Chair of Finance and Budget (FAB) and is a member of the Planning, Economic Development and Community Service (PECS) committee. He previously served as the Chair of the Employee Relations and Public Safety committee (ERPS) and Chair of the Operations Committee (OPS) and as a member of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (PWI).

The Commissioner also serves as a member of the National Association of Counties (NACo) as a member of the Healthy Counties Advisory Board, International Economic Development Task Force, Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) Member, Resilient Counties Advisory Board Member, and Environment, Energy, and Land Use (EELU) Policy Steering Committee. Locally serves on theGeorgia Council for International Visitors Board of Trustees.

Prior to his election, Commissioner Terry served as the Mayor of the most ethnically diverse square mile in America: Clarkston, Georgia from January 2014 – March 2020, where he was the youngest Mayor in Clarkston’s 135-year history.

He resides in DeKalb County with his wife Andrea and 4-legged fur-babies.

To learn more about Commissioner Terry, his platforms and how to stay up to date on the latest from his office, visit www.commissionertedterry.com.

Follow the Commissioner on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Asks Public Service Commission to Defer December 19th Vote on Georgia Power All- Source RFP

Concerned additional electricity needs to power data centers across Georgia will be reliant on fossil fuels, despite municipalities’ 100% clean energy goals. 

*media interviews available*

DEKALB COUNTY – On November 18, 2025, The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution urging the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) to delay its vote on Dockets 56298 and 56310, Georgia Power Company’s Application for the Certification of the 2029-2031 All-Source Capacity RFP and for the Certification of Supplemental Resources for 2028-2031 Capacity, respectively. The resolution, which comes on the heels of the Public Hearing concerning the aforementioned dockets, was introduced by Super District 6 Commissioner, Ted Terry, and unanimously approved by the Board of Commissioners. 

In addition to affirming DeKalb County’s commitment to its adopted clean-energy, sustainability, and resilience goals, the resolution recognizes the need for collaboration from the Public Service Commission in realizing those goals. In passing the resolution, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners implores the PSC to ensure that all energy resource decisions are fully evaluated for potential long-term impacts on local governments. These impacts include grid reliability, customer costs, public health and environmental quality. 

“It has been stated by Georgia Power Company that 60% of the energy sourced in this RFP would come from fossil fuels – either coal or natural gas-fired power, for the purpose of meeting Data Center power demands,” said Commissioner Terry. “That means that any Data Center applying to be built in DeKalb County in the next 2-3 years would be powered by those 10,000 megawatts of fossil fuel energy. This is harmful for our environment, our health, and the power bills of DeKalb residents. This is important because this decision will impact future decisions that we make here, at the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners. It deserves careful and informed deliberation.”

The DeKalb County resolution also emphasizes the fact that two new Commissioners have been elected to the PSC; and that the vote takes place just before they are seated, which precludes their participation in the deliberation. 

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution in April 2025 adopting a Clean Energy Transition Plan, with the goal of 100% Clean Energy by 2050.

DeKalb County has intervened before in 2023 and 2025 alongside the city of Decatur, Atlanta, Savannah, and Athens Clarke-County to form the Local Government Coalition. This intervening took place during the Georgia Power Integrated Resource Plan process advocating, again, for polices that support the municipalities’ clean energy goals on behalf of residents.

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ABOUT DeKalb County Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry:

In 2020, Commissioner Ted Terry was elected to serve as the Super District 6 Commissioner of DeKalb County. His district includes half of the County with portions of South, Central, and North DeKalb, totaling approximately 350,000 residents. He successfully was reelected and began his second term in January 2025.

Commissioner Terry’s policy priorities include the DeKalb Green New Deal and former President Biden’s Justice 40 initiatives, affordable housing, transit equity, protecting voting rights for DeKalb residents, and criminal justice reform. Commissioner Terry serves as the Chair of Finance and Budget (FAB) and is a member of the Planning, Economic Development and Community Service (PECS) committee. He previously served as the Chair of the Employee Relations and Public Safety committee (ERPS) and Chair of the Operations Committee (OPS) and as a member of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (PWI).

The Commissioner also serves as a member of the National Association of Counties (NACo) as a member of the Healthy Counties Advisory Board, International Economic Development Task Force, Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) Member, Resilient Counties Advisory Board Member, and Environment, Energy, and Land Use (EELU) Policy Steering Committee. Locally serves on theGeorgia Council for International Visitors Board of Trustees.

Prior to his election, Commissioner Terry served as the Mayor of the most ethnically diverse square mile in America: Clarkston, Georgia from January 2014 – March 2020, where he was the youngest Mayor in Clarkston’s 135-year history.

He resides in DeKalb County with his wife Andrea and 4-legged fur-babies.

To learn more about Commissioner Terry, his platforms and how to stay up to date on the latest from his office, visit www.commissionertedterry.com.

Follow the Commissioner on social media:

Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

DeKalb County Commissioners Ted Terry and Dr. LaDena Bolton Call for Extension of Community Programs to Cover the “SNAP- Gap”: Launches Mobile Farmer’s Market in DeKalb

*media interviews available*

DEKALB COUNTY – DeKalb County Commissioner Ted Terry and Commissioner LaDena Bolton are calling on state leadership to cover the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program “SNAP” benefits during the federal shutdown, “Our state has 1.4 million people who rely on SNAP to put food on the table. Here in DeKalb, 14% of our residents use food stamps. That’s over 100,000 people. They’re seniors, grandparents, working moms and children who need that money to buy groceries,” Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry said. “Georgia has a $14.9 billion budget surplus – a HUGE amount of money – where some could be spared to make sure every Georgian has enough food in their belly. And other Republican governors have already committed to this! Virginia and Louisiana’s governors have already agreed to use state funds – Georgia can too!”

“Food insecurity is a public health crisis, and we cannot wait for federal solutions when our neighbors are going hungry. Georgia has the resources—and the moral obligation—to step in
and protect our most vulnerable residents,” said Super District 7 Commissioner Dr. LaDena Bolton.

The Commissioners will be joined at the 4pm October 30th press conference by DeKalb residents who receive SNAP benefits and by laid off federal workers, who say the field has been leveled for Georgians with high food prices, layoffs and furloughs, the federal shutdown now, the end of SNAP benefits – making it hard for everyone to make ends meet.

DeKalb County will also unveil a new project called “Mobile Market Mondays” where fresh farmer’s market produce will be available across DeKalb County, including 3 sites in South DeKalb that have been previously identified as food deserts. Through a new partnership with “Retaaza” a mobile farmer’s market will run on Mondays starting Nov. 3. The mobile market van will be on site at the press conference fully stocked with fresh fruit and veggies for DeKalb residents to purchase at a greatly affordable price.

Check out Atlanta First News’ Coverage of the event here.


PRESS CONFERENCE
4pm Thursday, October 30, 2025
Belvedere Shopping Plaza
3479 Memorial Dr, Decatur, GA 30032

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ABOUT DeKalb County Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry:


In 2020, Commissioner Ted Terry was elected to serve as the Super District 6 Commissioner of DeKalb County. His district includes half of the County with portions of South, Central, and North DeKalb, totaling approximately 350,000 residents. He successfully was reelected and began his second term in January 2025.

Commissioner Terry’s policy priorities include the DeKalb Green New Deal and former President Biden’s Justice 40 initiatives, affordable housing, transit equity, protecting voting rights for DeKalb residents, and criminal justice reform. Commissioner Terry serves as the Chair of Finance and Budget (FAB) and is a member of the Planning, Economic Development and Community Service (PECS) committee. He previously served as the Chair of the Employee Relations and Public Safety committee (ERPS) and Chair of the Operations Committee (OPS) and as a member of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (PWI).

The Commissioner also serves as a member of the National Association of Counties (NACo) as a member of the Healthy Counties Advisory Board, International Economic Development Task Force, Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) Member, Resilient Counties Advisory Board Member, and Environment, Energy, and Land Use (EELU) Policy Steering Committee. Locally serves on the Georgia Council for International Visitors Board of Trustees.

Prior to his election, Commissioner Terry served as the mayor of the most ethnically diverse square mile in America: Clarkston, Georgia from January 2014 – March 2020, where he was the youngest Mayor in Clarkston’s 135-year history.

He resides in DeKalb County with his wife Andrea and 4-legged fur-babies. To learn more about Commissioner Terry, his platforms and how to stay up to date on the latest from his
office, visit www.commissionertedterry.com.


Follow the Commissioner on social media:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn


ABOUT DeKalb County Super District 7 Commissioner Dr. LaDena Bolton


Commissioner Dr. LaDena Bolton — affectionately known throughout the community as Dr. B — is a dynamic leader, accomplished chemist, and lifelong advocate for equity, safety, and opportunity in DeKalb County. Elected to represent Super District 7 in December 2024, she brings a bold, compassionate, and collaborative approach to governance, rooted in her deep ties to the community she was raised in, is raising her family and continues to serve.


Under her leadership, District 7 has been proudly branded as the district of bee pollinators—a symbol of collective purpose, productivity, and care. Just as pollinators sustain ecosystems, Dr. B’s mission is to create an environment where every resident is valued, and every resident is healthy, safe, and thriving. She chairs the Employee Relations & Public Safety Committee, where she champions constituent services, crisis response, and interdepartmental coordination. Her district motto — “Growing Businesses. Empowering Families.”— guides her work to uplift legacy communities, support small businesses, and ensure equitable access to resources.


Dr. Bolton holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Clark Atlanta University and a B.S. from Savannah State University. Her global career as an analytical forensic chemist has supported national security, energy sustainability, and health equity across the county, state and world.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. B is a dedicated civic leader: She was elected Vice President of the DeKalb Young Democrats Benefit Corporation in 2021, Chair of the DeKalb Dems’ House District 85 in 2023, and served as a DeKalb County Poll Manager since 2020, recruiting over 50 fair election champions.


In 2017, together with her husband, Dr. Clement J. Bolton II, she co-founded Bolton Legacy, a scholarship and advocacy initiative supporting students pursuing college or technical careers with a focus on restoring underserved communities.


Commissioner Dr. LaDena Bolton leads with empathy, excellence, and a deep respect for the voices of DeKalb County. Her vision is clear: to build legacies from the inside out—where every family, every business, and every resident can flourish.

DeKalb County Super District 6 Commission Office Advocates for Clean Energy at Public Service Commission Public Hearing

Concerned additional electricity needs to power data centers across Georgia will be reliant on fossil fuels, despite municipalities’ 100% clean energy goals

DEKALB COUNTY – On October 21, 2025, DeKalb County Super District 6 Commission Office attended a Public Hearing by the Georgia Public Service Commission on Dockets 56298 and 56310, Georgia Power Company’s Application for the Certification of the 2029-2031 All-Source Capacity RFP and for the Certification of Supplemental Resources for 2028-2031 Capacity, respectively. The Super District 6 Commission office was present to advocate for clean energy use that aligns with the county’s clean energy goals established in 2021.

“Georgia Power is preparing to meet the energy needs of a growing Georgia. It is no secret that data centers are booming in Georgia, which will require significant amounts of energy,” said Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry. “In this moment, DeKalb County is balancing decreasing our carbon emissions to reach our 100% clean energy goals community wide by 2050 and developing our own data center regulations to protect community members. DeKalb County can’t require data centers to use clean energy, but the Public Service Commission can require Georgia Power use a specific energy mix. For DeKalb County to reach our goals, we all must work together and prioritize reducing Georgia’s reliance on fossil fuels.”

In 2021, Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry introduced the DeKalb County resolution committing the county to reaching 100% clean energy by 2050, which the Board passed that same year. This resolution launched a plan development process by the Southface Institute. The final plan was adopted by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners on Earth Day 2025.

“I ask that you consider the environmental effects of expanded use of methane gas and nuclear energy, in deciding whether or not you will approve these applications. Methane gas is a potent greenhouse gas that has 80 times more warming power than carbon dioxide during its first twenty years in the atmosphere. Burning methane gas also releases deadly fine particulate matter and smog-forming nitrogen oxides, as well as volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde that can cause cancer and respiratory problems,” stated the statement prepared by the Super District 6 office. “We serve many in communities that are already overly burdened with poor air quality and the addition of these toxins into the atmosphere would only serve to exacerbate already adverse health conditions. In addition, the Dekalb County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution adopting a Clean Energy Transition Plan, with the goal of 100% Clean Energy by 2050. In order for us to achieve that goal, we are counting on your partnership in prioritizing renewable energy use and acquisition.”

DeKalb County has intervened before in 2023 and 2025 alongside the city of Decatur, Atlanta, Savannah, and Athens Clarke-County to form the Local Government Coalition. This intervening took place during the Georgia Power Integrated Resource Plan process advocating, again, for polices that support the municipalities’ clean energy goals on behalf of residents.

DeKalb Behavioral Health Coalition to Host Pathways Forward: A DeKalb County Community Town Hall on Homelessness 

Honoring World Homeless Day and providing the public an opportunity to provide their input on the DeKalb County Unhoused Support and Services Plan.

DEKALB COUNTY – On October 11, 2025, the DeKalb County Behavioral Health Coalition will host Pathways Forward: A DeKalb County Community Town Hall on Homelessness at 178 Sams St, Decatur, GA 30030 offering the public an opportunity to share their voice during the development of the DeKalb County Unhoused Support and Services Plan, a plan being developed through a collaborative effort among DeKalb County nonprofit organizations, county agencies, and community members.

Funding for the DeKalb County Unhoused Support and Services Plan was approved in 2024 by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners.This nine-month initiative will conclude in January 2026 with the presentation of a comprehensive plan to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners. The plan will include recommendations for strengthening the County’s support systems and services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Pathways Forward: A DeKalb County Community Town Hall on Homelessness will feature a presentation highlighting the key recommendation areas currently in development. Resident input and feedback are encouraged.

“I was proud the Board of Commissioners took a meaningful step forward by approving funding to support this vital plan,” said DeKalb County Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry, who will be present on the program’s panel. “The experience of being unhoused varies greatly. It includes working community members, families living in extended-stay motels, and seniors who cannot afford housing throughout an entire month. This plan will provide DeKalb County with the tools to better understand where we stand today and how we can pursue solutions that reflect the diverse realities of our residents. By centering the voices and needs of our community, we can build a future where every DeKalb resident has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.”

The program will also include a presentation by DeKalb’s Texas Delegation Trip, a delegation of attendees from DeKalb County, Georgia, who traveled to Texas in July, visiting San Antonio and Houston to explore innovative approaches to homelessness, and a panel discussion with DeKalb County leaders. The DeKalb Texas Delegation Trip Presentation will outline the best practice findings and key learnings from the trip while the panel discussion will provide residents an opportunity to ask questions on the topic overall.

Those interested in attending can RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/g/GcmsU78Kdi

Pathways Forward: A DeKalb County Community Town Hall on Homelessness
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: 178 Sams Street, Decatur, GA 30030 (Multipurpose Room A1201)

DeKalb County Becomes the First County in Georgia to Allocate Money Towards Reproductive Healthcare

Approving $200,000 to organizations who will provide DeKalb County residents with comprehensive reproductive care and access to Plan B

On August 26, 2025, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved an allocation to the Feminist Women’s Health Center (FWHC) and ARC-Southeast, with amounts not to exceed $150,000 and $50,000, respectively. These funds will go toward critical and comprehensive reproductive health care including testing for sexually transmitted infections, pap smears, family planning services, and providing Plan B.

According to the CDC, Georgia has the second highest maternal mortality rate in the United States, with non-Hispanic Black women experiencing a significantly higher mortality rate.

“Reproductive healthcare services being reduced in many communities nationwide has a direct impact to our DeKalb County residents seeking essential care,” said Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry. “Healthcare is a human right and far too many women are struggling to access vital reproductive, prenatal, and postnatal care services that are essential to ensuring healthy pregnancies and helping to mitigate Georgia’s alarming maternal mortality rate. This funding will go directly to independent, local clinics that tackle these critical challenges and represents a vital investment in the health and well-being of families throughout DeKalb County.”

“I am so glad to see another locality in metro Atlanta, and the first county in Georgia, allocate funds to support Reproductive Justice and healthcare access. In a state where residents struggle to access reproductive health services, local governments play a crucial role in helping people get the care they need. And in a state with a near-total abortion ban and high maternal mortality and morbidity rates, having access to emergency contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancies and support for postpartum care is more important than ever,” said Desirrae Thomas, Local Campaign Manager with Amplify Georgia Collaborative. “I am grateful to have been a part of this effort, and I truly appreciate Commissioner Terry and the commission for seeing this work through to completion. I look forward to continuing our partnership in ensuring DeKalb residents have full reproductive freedom.”

“DeKalb County is making history as the first county in Georgia to allocate funding for reproductive access, and the first locality to do so since the City of Atlanta in 2022. This bold step demonstrates what it looks like to invest real resources in reproductive justice, and we hope it inspires a wave of counties and cities across Georgia to do the same,” said Danielle Rodriguez, Executive Director of Amplify Georgia Collaborative. “Our communities deserve tangible investment in health, dignity, and freedom. We are especially grateful to Desirrae Thomas, Local Campaign Manager at Amplify Georgia Collaborative, for her tireless advocacy and leadership in making this moment possible. This is a victory for everyone who believes in a Georgia where we can all thrive.”

“These funds will provide essential care—like cervical cancer screenings, birth control, and post-partum care—to DeKalb County residents in a time when Georgia is experiencing unprecedented levels of need for reproductive health services,” said Kwajelyn Jackson, Executive Director of Feminist Center for Reproductive Liberation. “As our federal reproductive health infrastructure continues to crumble, let this be a shining example of what people power can accomplish on the local level. Feminist Center will steward these funds with the love and care that communities in DeKalb deserve, and we look forward to working with the county to deepen our impact for years to come.”

“Of the Southern states we serve, a vast majority of over 43 percent came from Georgia last year, with DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties needing the most support,” said Alexia Rice-Henry, Co-Executive Director of ARC-Southeast. “This funding is for direct services, and we hope it can be an opportunity for Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, Clayton, the City of Atlanta, and others to step up and help provide their residents with a lifeline.”

“This critical funding will help us continue to provide Southerners with their fundamental human right to reproductive health services, at a time when our rights are being targeted across the board,” said Angel Whaley, Co-Executive Director of ARC-Southeast. “At the same time, much more work is essential for us to collectively meet the needs of Southerners experiencing an attack on their right to access reproductive healthcare, including abortion. Let this be the first among many steps in the right direction.”