Commissioner Terry Board of Commissioners Announcements – 5/14/2024

Advanced Voting Ends Soon!
Friday, May 17th is the final day for Advanced Voting. Your voice, your vote is more important than ever! There is a link to the DeKalb Voter Registration and Election website on my Face Book Page that is pinned to the top.

Know before you go, sample ballots, precinct information, what you will need to bring and a GIS tracker for wait times.

You can also find this information at dekalbcountyga.gov/Voter-registration-elections

May 21st is Election Day!

2024 Earth Day Launch Successfully Is In The History Book!
The Super District 6 Team and I had a great time celebrating Earth Day and sincerely appreciate those who attended

Thank you again to all our friends that joined our District 6 Team and I for our 2024 Earth Day celebration! We kicked off the event with thoughtful discussions on climate solutions and Environmental Justice, spent the afternoon planting fruit trees and pollinator habitat at the Chamblee Library Productive Urban Landscape, and rounded out the day by enjoying the sunset at DeKalb County’s natural wonder, Arabia Mountain.

A heartfelt thank you to the DeKalb County Team because with you it would have been impossible to execute! And in this spirit, I want to recognize Commissioner Michelle Long Spears and the District 2 team, Planning and Sustainability, Public Works , Porter Sanford staff, Chamblee Library staff, Arabia National Heritage Alliance, and our Park Rangers and Naturalists for joining us in making the day extra awesome!

Team Terry Has Just Begun!
These discussions do not end after Earth Day, because EVERY DAY we should cherish and celebrate!!! And to keep the momentum going, mark your calendar with a Save the Date!

My office will be hosting another Environmental Justice event, 9 am on Saturday, June 29 at New Life Church and Community Center.
For more information on this event, the DeKalb Green New Deal, and what my office is doing to prioritize Environmental Justice in DeKalb County you can visit https://commissionertedterry.com/events

Stay In The Know
There is a lot going on that impacts District 6. In an effort to save time, I want to remind or invite you to connect with me on my website or either Facebook or Instagram. My handle is Commissioner Ted Terry.

  1. The GDOT North Druid Hills Bridge repairs are well underway.
    My office will continue to work with the Administration and commission district offices to share any information we receive, but for the quickest and newest, GDOT is encouraging you to sign up for alerts at dot.ga.gov.
  2. District 3 resident’s, I am coordinating a District 3 Town Hall with the Administration as an opportunity to hear your concerns and answer your questions on Thursday, June 13th at 6:30P at the South DeKalb Senior Center. This is for all District 3 constituents. Check your emails and Next-Door app for additional information in the next few weeks. I have contacts that will be helping to get the word out since I may not have your email address.

Will you please help spread the word!

  1. Our AWESOME PAL Plus program with the DeKalb County Police Department has a wonderful swimming program for youth. From scared of water to unstoppable is the goal with their swimming program. For information about this, please send an email to Amingo@dekalbcountyga.gov
  2. Decide DeKalb Development Authority, the leading economic development organization in DeKalb County, is launching a DeKalb County Black Business Guide and is actively accepting entries.

This comprehensive guide aims to celebrate and highlight the vibrant spectrum of Black-owned businesses throughout the county. If you are a Black Business in DeKalb County, visit my Facebook for the flyer with the QR Code to get started.

In closing a few “calls to action”
• I attended the annual DeKalb County Fallen Officers Memorial Service last Wednesday and the reality of the meaning and commitment of our Law Enforcement is something I never take for granted.

As a citizen of DeKalb County, elected Commissioner, and Chair of Employee Relations and Public Service, I sincerely and humbly appreciate our Law Enforcement and am dedicated to supporting and honoring our current, former, and fallen officers… those connected by the badge and committed to serving and protecting… us.

My deepest condolences to the families who have lost a hero and a heartfelt thank you to those who have and currently serve.

• I am excited to share an awesome opportunity for tech training and job placement assistance that was funded for DeKalb County residents by an appropriation from former Commissioner Lorrain Cochran Johnson and now launching.

The RefCode tech bootcamp, known as Bubble, is a new way to build complex and sophisticated web applications and is the future of web development and programming with Bubble is an alternative to traditional coding, and is the tool of choice for tech startups, small businesses and internal tooling at enterprise companies.

RefCode staff and experts will teach two cohorts with the first beginning June 2024 and the second in September 2024. Each cohort can accommodate 20 students and the training lasts 9 weeks. The class is free of charge and open to DeKalb County residents.

Applications are currently being accepted on the Refcode website at https://refcode.org/Bubble-Bootcamp.

• Reminding District 6 that the DeKalb County Animal Shelter is still seeking volunteers to walk shelter dogs. Pet families know how important it is to socialize and exercise dogs and for those who are stuck in shelters it is critical and can impact coveted adoption opportunities!!!

Email Brian Cooke- bcooke@deKalbanimalservices.com for additional information or visit my Facebook Commissioner Ted Terry for a QR code.

And lastly, emailing is the most efficient means of communications. I may not have an immediate answer or be able to make an immediate resolve, but I can promise that my office will forward your concerns to the respective department head for assistance.

My email address is easy… Ted@deKalbcountyga.gov . Phone calls are routed if you call my office number, 404-371-4909.

DeKalb commissioner proposes resident-led environmental justice commission

From the Saporta Report

by Mark Lannaman

Published: April 26, 2024 3:37 pm

Last week, Commissioner Ted Terry (DeKalb District 6) introduced a resolution to create a resident-led environmental justice commission that would enable citizens to more directly influence environmental policy in their communities.

The reason behind the introduced legislation and an increased focus on environmental justice is a simple matter of due diligence, Commissioner Terry said.

“DeKalb County residents have voiced their concerns to me loud and clear: They need to be at the heart of the decisions that affect their environment and health,” Commissioner Terry said in a press release. “The DeKalb Environmental Justice Commission will provide for collaboration, transparency and ensure accountability to those we serve so that we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for all of DeKalb County.” 

The commission is in line with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, ensuring that 40 percent of certain federal legislation makes its way into stressed communities who need it most.

“There’s eight or nine census tracts in DeKalb County that fit the criteria of having a combination of high pollution and other socioeconomic factors that really point to individuals and communities being on the front lines of a lot of environmental injustices,” Terry said. 

Terry said the commission is being modeled after similar proposals at the state level, although the state Environmental Justice Commission was not passed this past legislative session. Still, the necessity of environmental justice commissions remains a priority even on local scales.

Having served in DeKalb County as a commissioner since 2020, and before that as Mayor of Clarkston from 2013 to 2022, Terry said he’s become quite familiar with some of the environmental concerns around the community. 

These concerns include the Seminole Road Landfill which can produce unbearable odors for neighboring residents that were promised a small landfill decades ago. Other concerns include sewer overflow into the South River as well as the latest developments from the Public Service Commision and Georgia Power which has been steadily increasing rates, exacerbating energy burdens on stressed households.

The press release details what the commission would entail:

  • Organizational meetings and public hearings
  • Preparing budget considerations for the Board of Commissioners
  • Preparing model legislation for consideration by the Board of Commissioners
  • Monitoring progress and making recommendations toward DeKalb County’s current environmental efforts
  • Providing quarterly updates to the Board of Commissioners
  • Conduct scientific analyses and generate comprehensive reports on the state of environmental justice in DeKalb County

The legislation was added to the public agenda this past Tuesday and referred to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, where Terry and two other commissioners serve. There, lawmakers hope to refine the legislation with the hopes of another draft in June. If adopted, the commission would start in March of 2025 and have a five-year initial term.

Commissioner Ted Terry Introduces Resolution to Create a Resident-Led Environmental Justice Commission

The proposal for this Commission is in direct response to residents’ call for inclusion in decisions about environmental policies impacting their communities.

DEKALB COUNTY– Today, Commissioner Ted Terry (D-District 6) introduced a resolution that will give DeKalb County residents a voice in addressing environmental justice issues that have plagued their communities. This Commission will ensure DeKalb County prioritizes environmental justice initiatives and remains aligned with the Biden Administration’s Justice40 Initiative. 

Commissioner Terry’s call for the DeKalb Environmental Justice Commission is a direct response to residents’ call for greater transparency in current and ongoing environmental efforts, like DeKalb County’s consent decree, as well as greater inclusion and equity in environmental decision-making to ensure that all community members, especially those historically underserved and overburdened by pollution, are at the table.

“DeKalb County residents have voiced their concerns to me loud and clear: they need to be at the heart of the decisions that affect their environment and health,” said Commissioner Terry. “The DeKalb Environmental Justice Commission will provide for collaboration, transparency and ensure accountability to those we serve so that we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for all of DeKalb County.” 

The responsibilities of the proposed Environmental Commission include holding organizational meetings and public hearings, preparing budget considerations for the Board of Commissioners, preparing model legislation for consideration by the Board of Commissioners, monitoring progress and making recommendations towards DeKalb County’s current environmental efforts, and providing quarterly updates to the Board of Commissioners. They will also conduct scientific analyses and generate comprehensive reports on the state of environmental justice in DeKalb County. 

First Term Report Telephone Town Hall Recording 2/27/2024

Nearly 4,000 DeKalb County residents joined Commissioner Ted Terry’s Tele-Town Hall. Team Terry fielded questions from community members while Commissioner Terry was interviewed by Nemiah Plant about the efforts he has spearheaded to increase environmental sustainability, housing accessibility and equity within DeKalb County.
The tele-town hall took place on February 27th and was one of six town halls hosted by Team Terry to connect with residents and share his recently released First Term Report.

Telephone Town Hall Part 1

  • Introduction
  • Overview of the First Term Report

Telephone Town Hall Part 2

  • Poll Question 1: Which issue is the highest priority for DeKalb County?
  • Participant Question 1: Regarding County Improvements and Safety
  • Poll Question 1 Results
  • Follow Up Question: What policies have you championed that helped DeKalb County earn “GOLD” status on the Atlanta Regional Commission “Green Communities” score card?
  • Participant Question 2: Regarding Environmental Protection and Redevelopment of Areas

Telephone Town Hall Part 3

  • Poll Question 2: What community enhancement would mean the most to your family?
  • Participant Question 3: Regarding Transparency and Accountability
  • Poll Question 2 Results
  • Follow Up Question: You have been finding some innovative solutions to address this [housing crisis] problem, please tell us more about your Cottage Court ordinance.
  • Participant Question 4: Regarding Maintenance Repairs on Apartment Complexes

Telephone Town Hall Part 4

  • Poll Question 3: What element of the DeKalb Green New Deal interests you the most?
  • Follow Up Question: Can you elaborate on a key component of the DeKalb Green New Deal? And what steps have you already taken?
  • Participant Question 5: Regarding Zoning and Stormwater Drains

Telephone Town Hall Part 5

  • Participant Question 6: Regarding Affordable Housing
  • Poll Question 4: Which area of economic development needs the most attention?
  • Participant Question 7: Regarding Economic Development in South DeKalb
  • Poll Question 4 Results
  • Follow Up Question: As Commissioner, what have you done to help our neighbors find jobs to provide for their families?
  • Participant Question 8: Regarding Noise Pollution from Aircrafts
  • Closing: What are the top 3 priorities you have for 2024?

Thousands of DeKalb County Residents Tuned in to Commissioner Ted Terry’s Tele-Town Hall Event, Highlighting First Term Report

Community members had an opportunity to ask questions and engage with Commissioner Terry during the virtual event

DEKALB COUNTY– Last week, nearly 4,000 DeKalb County residents joined Commissioner Ted Terry’s Tele-Town Hall. Team Terry fielded questions from community members while Commissioner Terry was interviewed by Nemiah Plant about the efforts he has spearheaded to increase environmental sustainability, housing accessibility and equity within DeKalb County. 

The tele-town hall took place on February 27th and was one of five town halls hosted by Team Terry to connect with residents and share his recently released First Term Report. 

“It was incredibly exciting to have so many community members join me for my tele-town hall event,” said Commissioner Terry. “The achievements we’ve celebrated together over the past three years are a testament to the power of our collective effort and community collaboration. It was imperative for me to share this progress report with the residents of DeKalb—to highlight our shared victories and engage in a meaningful dialogue about our continued journey towards a more sustainable and equitable DeKalb.” 

Questions submitted by community members focused on the following:

  • Road improvements and other county improvements that impact public safety 
  • Preservation of green space and redeveloping spaces
  • Plans for continued investment in Southwest DeKalb
  • Property maintenance and zoning regulations
  • Stormwater policies
  • Development in South DeKalb and  South DeKalb Mall
  • Noise pollution from aircrafts

Commissioner Terry’s key accomplishments and future plans are detailed in his first term report, including: the development of sustainable housing projects, the promotion of green policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing community welfare and inclusivity. The report also includes a timeline of events and outlines how discretionary funds and funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) were distributed. 

Commissioner Ted Terry, Advocates Volunteer at DeKalb Animal Shelter, Call for More Volunteers and Adoptions

Dogs at The DeKalb Animal Shelter are not being walked for days due to being overcrowded and understaffed

DEKALB COUNTY– Last week, Commissioner Ted Terry (D-District 6) and advocates volunteered to walk dogs at the DeKalb County shelter, providing relief to animals that haven’t been walked in days due to a lack of volunteers. 

There are more than 500 dogs at the DeKalb animal shelter that are only walked every five to seven days. Commissioner Ted Terry and community advocates are calling for more volunteers and encouraging community members to adopt or foster.

“Whether you are volunteering an hour or two a week to walk dogs or choose to foster or adopt, you can help save the lives of the dogs at the DeKalb County animal shelter,” said Commissioner Ted Terry. “Through our collaborative action, we can improve the quality of care at the DeKalb County shelter and help transform it into a role model of care for the region.” 

Millie, a pit-bull mix, is a rescue and she has been an integral member of Commissioner Terry’s family since 2013. Our DeKalb County Animal Shelter has dogs of all sizes and breeds in need of love and ready to find their forever home. 

“The dogs at the DeKalb County animal shelter are deserving of dignity and love,” said Michelle Schretter, advocate and volunteer. “There have been many improvements at the shelter and the staff is doing all they can with the resources they have, but we need more volunteers so that these dogs can get more exercise and human interaction. We need these animals to be adopted or fostered. ” 

The DeKalb animal shelter is operated by Lifeline Animal Project, which has made significant changes to increase their staff and track daily progress at the shelter. Their goal is to reduce the number of dogs to 450 so that they can better serve them and ensure proper care and attention. Community members are encouraged to visit lifelineanimalproject.org to find the perfect fit for their lifestyle and home.


  Those interested in volunteering can contact Brian Cooke at bcooke@dekalbanimalservices.com

Commissioner Ted Terry Kicks Off Series of Town Halls to Share His Newly Released First Term Report 

Team Terry launching six virtual and in-person community town hall events 

DEKALB COUNTY– Commissioner Ted Terry (D-District 6) has kicked off his town hall series to share his new first-term report and connect with his more than 300,000 constituents. The report highlights the strides made in environmental sustainability, housing accessibility and equity within DeKalb County since Commissioner Terry came into office in 2021. 

To ensure all residents have an opportunity to connect with him, Commissioner Terry will hold five in person town halls and one tele-town hall moderated by Nemiah Plant, Professor of Political Science for Middle Georgia State University. During the tele-town hall on February 27th at 6:30 p.m., 65,000 community members will receive a call and have the opportunity to ask questions and listen to Commissioner Terry and Plant’s discussion about his first term and his goals for the future.  

“Sharing our progress and vision through my first term report is crucial for transparency and collaboration,” said Commissioner Terry. “I am prioritizing reaching all residents because I want to hear from the people I serve and I firmly believe that together, we can shape a DeKalb County that truly reflects our shared values of sustainability, equity, and inclusivity.”

Commissioner Terry’s key accomplishments and future plans are detailed in his report, including the development of sustainable housing projects, the promotion of green policies, and initiatives aimed at enhancing community welfare and inclusivity. The report also includes a timeline of events and outlines how district discretionary funds and funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) were appropriated.  You can view the full list of town halls here. If you are interested in joining the tele-town hall, you can rsvp here.

Commissioner Terry Advances DeKalb Green New Deal Agenda, Paving the Way for Sustainable Cottage Communities During Nationwide Housing Crisis

Cottage Court Ordinance changes zoning laws to allow for micro-homes to be built in DeKalb County

DEKALB COUNTY– Commissioner Ted Terry (D-District 6) last week advanced his Green New Deal agenda with the passage of the Cottage Court Ordinance, which amends the existing DeKalb County Zoning Ordinance to allow for smaller homes to be built on smaller lots, sustainably increasing affordable housing stock. 

A Dekalb County Housing Affordability study confirms that 35 percent of DeKalb County households have a housing affordability burden, paying more than 30 percent of their income for their housing. This same study highlights the steady decline of affordable rental housing units in DeKalb county from 2000 to 2019, with the share of affordable rental units declining most significantly, from 54 percent to 34 percent for very low income households. 

“Building cottage homes is a critical component of addressing the nationwide housing crisis,” said Commissioner Terry. “Not only are we able to provide developers with another, cheaper option other than single-family, detached residential construction on single lots, but cottage homes require less energy and are more sustainable.”

When Commissioner Terry was Mayor of Clarkson, he joined with MicroLife Institute to 

spearheaded the construction of the Cottages on Vaughn, a pocket community of 8 homes built on only half an acre. Because of their size, cottage homes often require less energy to heat, cool and light the home. They can also be a powerful conservation tool because more homes can be built on less land. 

The Cottages on Vaughn have been recognized locally by the Atlanta Regional Commission, and nationally by the US Department of Housing and Urban HUD, which called the project, “a practical solution to address affordability and accessibility.” 

“I’m excited to bring an affordable housing solution I know works to DeKalb residents,” said Commissioner Terry. “Not only are cottages affordable, they’re designed with sustainability in mind. For example, cottages are built in walkable areas so residents don’t have to rely on emissions-producing cars to go about their daily lives. Additionally, the look and feel of the cottages are designed to blend into the surrounding community, reducing the stigma often associated with affordable housing developments.”

Just Announced: Commissioner Terry’s Committee Assignments

District 6 Commissioner’s committee assignments allow him to continue his focus on public safety enhancements and vital water and sewer infrastructure work

DEKALB COUNTY – During today’s DeKalb County Board meeting, Commissioner Ted Terry (D-District 6) was named Chair of the Employee Relations & Public Safety (ERPS) Committee and member of the Public Works & Infrastructure (PWI) Committee.

The following is a statement from Terry in response to his re-assignments to these committees, which allow him to continue his existing work and move new initiatives forward:

“For the past two years on the ERPS committee, as chair, we’ve successfully focused on public safety enhancements, including expanding FLOCK cameras installations and new gas station surveillance regulations, increasing the minimum wage for frontline workers, and pushing forward proposals for better retirement benefits for Police, Fire and E911 personnel. 

“Our goals for 2024 will include continuing work on those important priorities from last year, while also moving forward legislation to create a Police Civilian Oversight Board and investing in health and wellness programs for all 6,000+ employees and expanding youth violence prevention programs run by DeKalb’s Police Athletic League, the DeKalb Youth Commission, and community-based nonprofits, such as the 100 Black Men of DeKalb, leadership and mentoring program”

“As a member of PWI for the fourth year, I will continue to focus on the vital water and sewer infrastructure system and EPA consent decree work to ensure the hundreds of millions of dollars of investment in the county’s aging pipes and treatment facilities continues in a transparent and regularly audited fashion. In addition, we’ll work to provide dedicated oversight into the SPLOST 1 & 2 project lists as it relates to road resurfacing, sidewalks and trail expansion, and improve mobility and transportation options for DeKalb residents, and follow through with a review of the results of an audit of the Sanitation Departments Recycling program to ensure curbside recycling does not end up at the landfill.”

“These committee priorities, in addition to my DeKalb Green New Deal Agenda and housing initiatives, will ensure that DeKalb County residents have well-rounded access to safety, wellness and sustainable housing.”

DeKalb Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry Introduces Resolution to Reaffirm “No Kill Animal Shelter” Policy in DeKalb County

Aiming to Build A Community Where Animal Life Is Cherished and Shelters Operate With Utmost Humanity and Efficiency

Decatur, GA- Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry unveiled a pivotal resolution today, urging DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond to reaffirm* our commitment to the “no-kill animal shelter” policy. This step accentuates DeKalb County’s intention to ensure that animal welfare aligns with both modern best practices and the heartfelt wishes of its residents.

*the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners passed a no-kill resolution in November of 2017, affirming the support of the no-kill policy for the DeKalb animal shelter, becoming the 2nd county in Georgia to do so.

This resolution highlights:

  • Numerous communities across the U.S. have ended the killing of healthy and treatable animals in their municipal shelters, achieving placement rates of 95% – 99%.
  • The No Kill Equation, a comprehensive model of humane programs and services, has consistently proven its effectiveness, leading to a nationwide shelter death rate decline of 95% and promoting a shift from buying to adopting pets.
  • Traditional methods of managing animal shelter populations through killing are not only inhumane but also economically inefficient. In contrast, the No Kill Equation’s programs are cost-effective and present potential revenue opportunities.
  • Major corporations, such as Google, have recognized and praised communities that prioritize animal welfare, highlighting the appeal of such places to a “young, vibrant, pet-loving workforce”.
  • Ensuring public safety remains at the forefront, with No Kill mandates resulting in notable reductions in severe dog bite incidents.
  • Formation of an animal welfare task force made up of relevant departments, animal advisory board members, the judicial system, the Board of Commissioners, the Law Department and community stakeholders to review, advise and act on the full implementation of the “no-kill equation” program and policy framework.

(more)

“With this resolution, we are underscoring our deep commitment to both animal welfare and economic sensibility,” said Commissioner Ted Terry. “DeKalb County has the potential to set an example, illustrating how compassion, innovation, and accountable governance can seamlessly coexist in the domain of animal care.”

With the backing of strong bipartisan support and an overwhelming 96% of Americans advocating for robust animal welfare legislation, moving towards a No Kill ordinance is not just an ethical imperative but also a hallmark of responsive governance.

Commissioner Ted Terry encourages his fellow commissioners and the residents of DeKalb County, GA, to rally behind this resolution, aiming to build a community where animal life is cherished and shelters operate with utmost humanity, efficiency, and forward-thinking.

For more details or to schedule interviews with Commissioner Ted Terry, please contact Kelly Cato at kecato@dekalbcountyga.gov