A Shakespeare Happening Series Returns to Avondale Estates with the Bard Appearing in Real Life

A Shakespeare Happening Spring Series 2026 by The Atlanta Shakespeare Company at Avondale Estates, featuring free performance
A Shakespeare Happening Spring Series 2026 by The Atlanta Shakespeare Company at Avondale Estates, featuring free performance

Event Highlights

Each performance includes:

• Live music at 2 p.m.
• Interactive children’s programming at 2:30 p.m.
• Headline performance at 4 p.m.
• Audience Q&A following the performance

Admission is free and open to the public, rain or shine. Chairs and picnics are welcome.

Event Details

Avondale Estates Town Green | 64 N Avondale Rd, Avondale Estates, GA 30002
March 21, April 18 and May 23
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Free and open to the public

2026 Spring Series Schedule

March 21 — Much Ado About Nothing | Wit, romance and mischief

April 18 — A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Love potions, fairies and moonlit mayhem

May 23 — Romeo and Juliet | Young love, fate and family brought to life

AVONDALE ESTATES, GA (March 7, 2026) Free, outdoor Shakespeare returns to the Avondale Estates Town Green on March 21 with the expansion of A Shakespeare Happening Series. Presented by DeKalb County Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry and the City of Avondale Estates, the 2026 season is produced by Bard x Sage PR and introduces a bold new element for audiences.

This spring, a live actor portraying William Shakespeare will narrate, guide and interact with audiences throughout each performance. The immersive format invites children and families directly into the world of Shakespeare through storytelling, audience participation and theatrical highlights performed by the acclaimed Atlanta Shakespeare Company.

The series blends music, performance and interactive education, transforming classical theatre into a dynamic community experience that makes Shakespeare accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

“Cultural arts play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the heritage of communities around the world,” said Commissioner Terry. “Through music, dance, visual arts and theater, the arts help maintain our traditions while giving young people and families opportunities to explore, learn and express their creativity. That is why I strongly advocated for both a spring and fall season so programs like A Shakespeare Happening Series can serve our community year round.”

Nicole Sage, longtime DeKalb County resident and founder of Sage PR Consulting, developed the initiative under her creative moniker Bard x Sage PR and partnered with Commissioner Terry to bring cultural educational enrichment and family friendly programming to Avondale Estates.

“We live in a digital world where so much of life happens through screens,” said Sage. “Bringing Shakespeare to life in real time with a living, breathing Shakespeare walking among the audience transforms the experience. When children can ask questions, laugh and interact directly with Shakespeare, it stops being literature on a page and becomes something alive and personal. The City of Avondale Estates provides a space where people can experience the magic of Shakespeare together outside and for free.”

Atlanta Shakespeare Company leadership, Associate Managing Director Katie Grace Kirby and Associate Producer and Community Engagement Manager O’Neil Delapenha, say they are excited to bring the performances outdoors in a more interactive format.

“We are honored and enthusiastic that the Atlanta Shakespeare Company will once again share the genius of William Shakespeare with the residents of Avondale Estates, this time featuring the Bard himself live and direct from Verona,” said Delapenha. “Shakespeare’s work resonates across generations because it speaks to the full spectrum of human experience. Bringing these works to Avondale Estates is a celebration of community, education and the transformative power of live performance.”

City Manager Patrick Bryant said the series reflects the city’s commitment to accessible arts programming.

“Cultural events like the Shakespeare series enrich the quality of life in Avondale Estates and draw visitors to experience our city. Hosting this production on the Town Green highlights both our Stratford on Avon roots and our commitment to community centered arts.”

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.
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

Road with colorful wildflowers, surrounded by trees, with text promoting resilient neighborhoods in DeKalb.

What is Resilient DeKalb?

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

  1. 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.
  2. advocating for clean, affordable, and reliable utilities and services to reduce energy burdens caused by environmental injustices
  3. 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
Resilient DeKalb initiative highlights sustainable land use, clean energy, and community building for environmental justice.

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
Community meeting in a gymnasium with a presentation on environmental justice, attendees seated in a circle.
Word cloud featuring "strong" and "sustainability" about "Resilient Dekalb".

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:

  1. Join the Resilient DeKalb Steering Committee
  2. Attend our upcoming events
  3. 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

Helpful Links

Commissioner Terry’s Website

Upcoming Programs

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

couple reviewing paperwork

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

Data Center image

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

GA Power truck

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

Mobile Markets image

*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.


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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.