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

Dekalb County Commissioners Express Support for Okefenokee Swamp

Protecting the Okefenokee Swamp and Its Impact Yesterday, Today, and For the Future Generations of Tomorrow


Decatur, GA (10/24/2023) – The Dekalb County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution today expressing support for the Okefenokee Swamp in the face of a threat posed by a proposed titanium strip mine.  

By a 7-0 vote, the commissioners noted the ecological and economic significance of the swamp, expressed solidarity with South Georgia government entities that have spoken out against Twin Pines Minerals’ proposed titanium mine along the swamp’s hydrologic boundary, and also stated their support for state legislative action to protect the Okefenokee.  

“The Okefenokee Swamp is Georgia’s greatest natural treasure and is beloved by Dekalb County citizens,” said Commissioner Ted Terry, who introduced the resolution.  “Mining along the swamp’s boundary is simply incompatible with this priceless ecosystem.  Dekalb County joins numerous South Georgia local governments in urging the state to deny the permits for the Twin Pines project and urges the state legislature to pass the Okefenokee Protection Act that would permanently prohibit mining along the swamp’s boundary.”

Dekalb’s action follows similar resolutions passed by Ware, Clinch and Echols Counties and the cities of Valdosta, Waycross, Homeland and St. Mary’s that have expressed opposition to the mining proposal.   Those resolutions in turn followed over 100,000 comments submitted by Georgia citizens to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division earlier this year in opposition to the project’s permit applications. The Okefenokee Protection Act has been introduced in the Georgia House of Representatives the last two years.  The 2023 version has attracted 96 bipartisan cosponsors, including many from Dekalb County, and would prohibit mining on along the entirety of the swamp’s hydrologic boundary.  

Commissioner Ted Terry hosts ‘Green New Deal Summit’ to generate support for environmental policies

From Decaturish.com

Published: October 16, 2023

By: Anila Yoganathan, contributor 

DeKalb County, GA — In an effort to generate support for environmental policies to redesign DeKalb County, commissioner Ted Terry hosted more than 100 residents at the Green New Deal Summit on Saturday. 

The all-day conference included discussions on how to conserve energy and save on electric bills at home and presented ideas on how to make the county more accessible by foot or bike, less dependent on cars, and how to protect the trees, especially during new development.

“Some of these things are kind of radical, like building tiny homes and preserving 50% of land for non-development. Like that’s kind of controversial,” Terry told Decaturish. “You need people who support that concept, they have to say that they support it because that’s how politics works.”

Each presentation highlighted current initiatives for the county, with the goal of getting residents to come and support these initiatives at the county commission.

The sessions included groups that are already working with the county on sustainability efforts, such as the Southface Institute, which spoke with residents on common myths on how to save on their electric bills or upgrade their homes to be more energy efficient. 

For example, if residents are interested in solar panels, they should consider making other changes to reduce their bills first and join a solarize campaign to crowdsource funding for buying panels in bulk rather than invest on their own, Southface Project Manager Jo’de Cummings said.

This is the Southface Institute’s first of five sessions for community engagement, and future sessions will continue to build knowledge, Terry said.

Presentations were also given by researchers and organizations that are promoting alternative methods of how to develop land in the county.

“I hope that I’ve convinced you we do not need to tear down a single tree,” said Ellen Dunham-Jones, director for Masters of Science in Urban Design at Georgia Tech, at the end of her presentation. 

Dunham-Jones presented proposals by her students on different areas in the county that could be redeveloped with a more sustainable lens. This included proposals from students going back to 2021 about how to redevelop North Dekalb Mall, the Gallery at South Dekalb, Memorial Drive, and Scottdale. The students spoke with property owners and community members to help inform their proposals. They also analyzed historic maps that helped inform environmental conditions. 

Some of these proposals are current areas that have been discussed for redevelopment in Dekalb, such as the DeKalb Farmers Market, which Dunham-Jones said plans to increase its operations and parking lot by about fivefold, and its plans are already approved.

“We love the farmers market. We absolutely want to be supportive. It is a fantastic asset to our community,” Dunham-Jones said. “But instead of having a massive urban heat island producing a lot of polluting runoff, this team [of students] proposed that instead the parking for the store [be put] in a parking garage attached to the new store.”

The land that would have been used for the parking lot could then be used to make a car-free neighborhood, Dunham-Jones said. The goal of more walkable areas includes increased accessibility for people who do not have a car or cannot drive, reduced traffic and reduced air pollution.

“Developers have had their run of DeKalb County for 60-plus years,” Terry said. “We can’t go back in time. So the best approach is to do two things: to conserve what we have and to make better use of what we’ve already done.”

The presentations were not only meant to educate residents on different ways of thinking about development in the county, but also how each of these issues is impacted by the county government’s planning and zoning decisions. 

“Because we grew up in the 50s and the 60s, we have lots of roads connecting low-density neighborhoods, right? What does that mean? It means we have potholes everywhere. Why? We can’t afford to maintain our roads,” Walter Brown, who presented information on trails, said. “So what are we doing with our SPLOST, a huge chunk of it … goes to repaving. Wouldn’t you like to see that money reprogrammed to sustainable transportation alternatives?”

Brown presented information about the county’s research into multi-use trails, which also comes as two trail expansion projects are being looked at in Commissioner Michelle Long Spears’ district two: the Emory trail expansion and the Peachtree Creek Greenway. The presentation included discussing the benefits to health, job creation, and environmental benefits. 

The final presentation pulled some of the prior discussions together by looking at village conservation communities where trees are preserved and land is used effectively. Greg Ramsey, founder of Village Habitat Design, said there is limited undeveloped land in DeKalb County. 

The program looks at undeveloped parcels clustered together or near one another and creates designs based on the parcels where development should go, where trails can be implemented, and where walkability and community infrastructure can be put. The approach prioritizes nature, urban agriculture, and development. 

“We need walkable villages and hamlets to bring local workplaces back so that it’s not an absentee neighborhood. Instead, it’s an active neighborhood,” Ramsey said. 

Commissioner Terry to Host DeKalb Green New Deal Summit on October 14

An event highlighting existing climate resiliency and climate change mitigation strategies while inviting attendees to be a part of a movement for a green, clean, resilient, sustainable future in DeKalb County.

DeKalb County, GA (9/14/2023)– Commissioner Terry is proud to host the DeKalb Green New Deal Summit at Georgia Piedmont Technical College on October 14, 2023. This free, all day event will highlight existing, successful climate resiliency and climate change mitigation strategies in DeKalb County while also inviting attendees to be a part of a movement for a green, clean, resilient, sustainable future.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

  • Taste a Productive Urban Landscape with Roots Down
  • Tour Sustainable Housing Cottages with MicroLife Institute
  • Imagine the Clean Energy Future with Southface Institute
  • Ride on an Electric Bus with MARTA
  • Retrofit Suburbia with Ellen Dunham-Jones and Georgia Tech Students
  • Expand your knowledge of trail networks in DeKalb County with Commissioner Michelle Long Spears and Walter Brown, DeKalb County Commission District 2
  • Conserve nature with the Village Conservation Community
  • See the Sunrise from Arabia Mountain with Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area and Dekalb County Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Affairs—Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve
  • And so much more!

The climate is already changing, and DeKalb County residents are feeling these dangerous effects through high energy bills, flooding, heat, and extreme weather. The time for bold, urgent action is now. The time for a DeKalb Green New Deal is now. Whether you are a climate action champion eager to make connections, new to sustainability and want to make a difference, or curious how you can incorporate green initiatives into your own county or city, Commissioner Terry welcomes you to attend! RSVP HERE: bit.ly/dekalb-gnd-summit

Key Details:

Date: October 14, 2023

Time: 8 am – 5 pm

Location: Georgia Piedmont Technical College

This event is free to attend. Light lunch and snacks provided.

The DeKalb Green New Deal Summit also includes an optional sunrise hike up Arabia Mountain on October 15, 2023 at 6:30 am.

DeKalb County asks voters to help fund mental health crisis center

From GPB.org

Published: August 28, 2023

By: Ellen Eldridge

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners is asking taxpayers to chip in $15 million dollars for a new mental health crisis facility. 

Part of the proposed special purpose local option sales tax — or SPLOST— will help the DeKalb County Regional Crisis Center meet the growing demand for access to mental health crisis intervention and stabilization services, Commissioner Ted Terry said. 

The existing regional crisis center opened in 1997, and is currently the only designated behavioral health crisis center in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett and Newton/Rockdale counties for patients who are mostly uninsured adults.  

Terry said taxpayer dollars are best spent investing in community emergency mental health services because the alternative perpetuates a broken cycle.

“The DeKalb County jail is the largest mental health care facility in DeKalb County,” Terry said. “And everyone agrees, all the actors agree, that if you’re having a mental health issue, being in jail is the last place that we really want to send someone.”

But if there is an issue, people in crisis have to be taken somewhere, he said.

The cost to fund the $25 million project is shared among state and local governments, Terry said, and includes construction of a new building to offer emergency evaluation services; temporary observation and crisis stabilization units; a transitional residential program; and a peer support center that would also serve as a meeting area for local Alcoholics Anonymous and other substance use disorder groups.

“It really would be the first of its kind in the state of Georgia, really looking at the whole gamut of crisis intervention and recovery at one location.”
— Ted Terry

Shelby Roche, DeKalb County Regional Crisis Center’s director for crisis services, said the unit currently has 36 beds for people who need a temporary place to stay due to behavioral health illness. 

Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta is one of the other crisis receiving facilities in the area, but with the closure of Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center and other strains on the mental health care system, resources are stretched thin, she said.

“There is definitely a need (for more beds because) if the individuals don’t come to a crisis center for stabilization, they’re going to be crowding either our jails or our local hospitals,” Roche said. “And our hospitals don’t have the capacity to treat individuals.”

When complete, another 24 beds in the county’s transitional residential program will be available.

This is part of what Terry called a historic investment in improving access to mental health services.

“It really would be the first of its kind in the state of Georgia, really looking at the whole gamut of crisis intervention and recovery at one location,” he said. 

This is needed because of the growing demand for help related to social anxiety and depression, which worsened as the COVID-19 pandemic forced people to quarantine and cope with the psychological and economical effects of the pandemic. 

More than 36,000 Georgians have died from COVID-19, and more than 3 million cases of the infection have been reported, many of which resulted in long-term physical and mental health symptoms often grouped together as long COVID.  

Using public dollars on behavioral health emergency services keeps residents out of the criminal justice system, which saves money and improves lives, Terry said.

“We are spending literally millions of dollars every year on all of these other facilities,” Terry said. “By investing in this crisis recovery center, we’re not only making an investment in the health and well-being of our neighbors, our residents, and our citizens, (we) also (have) a way to divert individuals away from these more costly care models at the ER as well as at the jail.”

Voters in DeKalb County can approve the SPLOST on the Nov. 7 municipal ballot. If approved, construction on the CSU’s new building could begin in April 2024.

DEKALB COUNTY MOVES TO 100% CLEAN ENERGY WITH SOUTHFACE INSTITUTE

Atlanta-Based Nonprofit to Develop Roadmap to Eco-Friendly Future

DEKALB COUNTY, GA (July 31, 2023) -– As part of widespread efforts to improve sustainability in DeKalb County under the Clean Energy Transition Plan, Southface Institute, an Atlanta-based sustainable building nonprofit, has been selected to steer the county towards a future of 100% clean energy, defined as energy produced through means that do not directly pollute the atmosphere. Southface will develop an extensive energy transition plan to be presented to county leadership by August 2024 and will partner with four other organizations – Atlanta-based Cherry Street Energy, Atlanta-based Clean Cities Georgia, Atlanta-based IB Environmental, and Maryland based Energetics.

“Southface is excited to continue working with DeKalb County to set and achieve ambitious goals that benefit residents, businesses, community services, and the environment,” said James Marlow, President of Southface Institute. “With county staff, Clean Cities Georgia, Cherry Street Energy, and other sustainability leaders collaborating, this outstanding team has what it takes to make a real impact.”

Components of this transition plan will include recommendations on how to enhance the use of solar energy in municipal buildings, increase the number of clean energy vehicles, increase equity, and address “energy burdens” (the percentage of gross household income spent on energy costs) within the county. It will also include strategic opportunities for public education, which will begin as early as fall 2023. The funding for the plan came from the 2022 Fiscal Year General Fund Budget, an agenda item sponsored by District 6.

This partnership and plan development is another step towards making DeKalb a 100% clean energy county, a commitment the Board of Commissioners made in 2021 via unanimous vote. The 2021 resolution calls for the county to transition to use 50% renewable energy by 2025, and 100% by 2035. By 2045, the county would be using 100% clean energy community-wide.

DeKalb County Commissioner Ted Terry, a longtime environmental activist, champion of the Clean Energy Transition Plan, and leader of the DeKalb Green New Deal movement, says the partnership with Southface is a thrilling development that he’s been eagerly awaiting.

“Passing our transition plan in 2021 was a historic achievement. I knew even then that Southface was the right group for the job,” Commissioner Terry said. “Now and future generations need an action plan to save our planet, and that is exactly what we are developing with Southface and other tremendous environmental leaders. Together, we will make DeKalb a greener, more equitable place for all.”

Work on this yearlong project has already begun, partnering first with Energetics and IB Environmental to inventory greenhouse gas usage by government facilities and vehicles. Southface Institute will announce its initial public education and discussion sessions in August, allowing community members to get involved in this monumental process for the county.

Additional Partner Quotes:

As a small, local firm, IB Environmental is excited to be part of this project. Assessing and promoting energy equity for DeKalb County residents resonates deeply with our mission to increase the appreciation for water and energy resources, while promoting sound environmental policy through research, education, and action. We are looking forward to working with our partners Southface, Energetics, and Cherry Street to improve energy efficiency and low-emission strategies in DeKalb County.

-Stacey Isaac Berahzer, Founder and CEO, IB Environmental

“Energetics has a long history of supporting energy resilience planning and the development of clean transportation solutions, and we’re looking forward to working on solutions that impact the citizens of DeKalb County. We are equally excited to partner with Southface, Clean Cities Georgia, IB Environmental, and Cherry Street Energy to contribute our expertise to the development of the County’s Clean Energy Transportation Transition Plan.”

-Walt Zalis, Program Director, Energetics Inc.

“Clean Cities Georgia is excited to partner with DeKalb County on their Clean Energy Transportation Transition Plan. We have assembled knowledgeable partners with Southface, IB Environmental, Cherry Street Energy and Energetics. DeKalb is leading in developing sustainable buildings and transportation infrastructure. We think this is a model that can be replicated with other municipalities.”

 -Frank Morris, Executive Director, Clean Cities Georgia

“The Cherry Street Energy team is thrilled to support DeKalb County in its pursuit of this meaningful 100% clean energy goal. This project shows the leadership and commitment necessary to find impact for the community in the transition to renewable energy.”

-Michael Chanin, CEO, Cherry Street Energy

# # #

ABOUT Southface Institute

ABOUT DeKalb County Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry

Contact: Kelly Cato, Chief of Staff, DeKalb County, District 6, kecato@dekalbcountyga.gov

Press Contact: Kae Holloway, Publicist, kholloway@pineapple-pr.com

DeKalb Passes Non-Discrimination Ordinance

On July 11, your DeKalb County Board of Commissioners passed a Non-Discrimination Ordinance, strengthening protections for vulnerable residents in unincorporated areas of the county. 

The ordinance, along with a proclamation by DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and the Board of Commissioners recognizing June as Pride Month and our official raising of the Pride Flag, illustrates our county’s support for its LGBTQIA+ citizens.

The passage of both of these could not come at a more pivotal time. Many people across the country feel vulnerable to discrimination, notably following the outcome of major higher court decisions. It is critical that we as leaders do everything within our power to make our county inclusive and welcoming.

Here’s a clip from when I introduced this item in June at the BOC.

To say I am proud of the strides we are taking to achieve this would be an understatement. I echo and lift up our CEO’s support of these efforts, too:

“DeKalb County Governing Authority is committed to making the county an inclusive place for all to live, work and play,” CEO Thurmond said. 

I also thank my fellow Commissioner, District 2’s Michelle Long Spears, for her support:

“I thank Commissioner Terry for bringing this matter forward and wholeheartedly support these efforts to create a more inclusive and welcoming county for all residents,” District 2 Commissioner Michelle Long Spears said. “Adopting this legislation codifies diversity, equity and inclusion in the provision of public accommodations, housing and employment in our County.”

– Ted

MEDIA:

To schedule an interview with Commissioner Terry, contact Kae Holloway (kholloway@pineapple-pr.com)

About the Ordinance:

The Non-Discrimination Ordinance prohibits “discrimination against any person on the basis of basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information, familial status, political affiliation, political opinion, sexual orientation, domestic relationship status, parental status, gender identity, or racial profiling in private employment and/or in places of public accommodations.”

Violation of this ordinance can result in a six-month suspension of a business license or, should they drive a taxi or other services, a suspension of their driver’s permit.  

The ordinance was drafted in partnership with Georgia Equality, which has worked with several other Georgia municipalities, including Tucker, to pass similar ordinances.

The ordinance provides in-depth descriptions of the protected classes. This includes adding and updating definitions for gender identity, parental status, and any and all protected classes.

DeKalb fights growing pains with green space initiative

From Atlanta News First

By Savannah Louie
Published: May. 23, 2023 at 7:28 PM EDT

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A solution to metro Atlanta’s growing pains has taken root at DeKalb County libraries with “productive urban landscapes,” or green spaces.

DeKalb County Super District Six Commissioner Ted Terry said six of the county’s 23 libraries have transformed their landscaping into green spaces for the community.

“We actually have a lot of space outside the library,” said Terry. “During the pandemic, there was a real emphasis on outdoor learning spaces.”

A green space contains grass, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. While green spaces provide a range of socio-economic benefits for communities, development poses a threat to natural ecosystems.

80 percent of DeKalb County is already developed with no sign of slowing down. According to the Urban Land Institute, the Atlanta region is expanding faster than any settlement in human history.

The DeKalb green space revitalization comes at no extra cost to the community.

“We’re already spending a lot of our taxpayer money on [public landscaping], but we’re shifting it to a more ecologically and sound system,” Terry explained.

Research from NASA finds green space exposes the body to good bacteria and can help improve mood, depression, neurological behavior, and stress.

Green spaces are also associated with lower rates of crime and can reduce the cost of public services, like police protection, sewer, and road maintenance, according to DeKalb County.

“We’re shifting the paradigm. We’re creating a more organic productive landscape,” said Terry.

The landscaping project in DeKalb County is facilitated by Georgia landscaping nonprofit Roots Down. Roots Down provides opportunities for local government and businesses to improve sustainability within landscaping.

Roots Down CEO Jamie Rosenthal said the pandemic highlighted the need for activating more green space.

“People are sad. They’re riddled with anxiety, depression, mental illness – and a lot of that can be helped by being outside and connected to nature,” said Rosenthal. “Nature is one of the best healing forces on the planet.”

Rosenthal said landscaping, a $140 billion industry, holds a lot of room for improvement.

“I would say people give it really little thought,” said Rosenthal.

Productive urban landscapes, also called edible landscapes or permaculture landscapes, contain pollinators and native plants that don’t require watering. Many of the plants produce edible fruit for the public.