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 Terry Board of Commissioners Announcements – 4/23/2024

2024 Earth Day Launch Successfully Is In The History Book!

The Super District 6 Team and I had a great time celebrating Earth Day with nearly 100 DeKalb County residents over the weekend on April 20. We started the morning 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.

Thank you to all our friends that joined us! A special thank you to the DeKalb County Team: Commissioner Michelle Long Spears and the District 2 team, Planning and Sustainability Department, Public Works Department, 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. Click here to RSVP.

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 my website commissionertedterry.com

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. Make sure you are prepared and have a plan! It has been reported on the news, through local media outlets, email blasts, and social media… Beginning Friday, April 26th, GDOT will begin the work on the North Druid Hills Bridge causing a 90-day bridge closure and detour to SR 42/North Druid Hills Road bridge over North Fork Peachtree Creek for this key bridge replacement. Georgia DOT wants you to plan ahead.

DeKalb County and GDOT have been collaborating and have a plan in place, but there will be impacts that packing your patience will be the main way to get through this. 

Signage is going up, traffic lights are being synchronized and … DeKalb Police will do what they can to route traffic but remember that an abundance and distraction of “blue lights” and police activity can slow things down even more.

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 https://www.dot.ga.gov/

  • Today is the last day to apply for the 2024 DeKalb Virtual Career Academy (DVCA) summer jobs training program for the five-week program, which runs from June 3 through July 5.

DVCA will provide 700 internships to DeKalb residents ages 14 to 24, who will be paid $10 per hour.

The academy encompasses a variety of elements, including academic enhancement, counseling, career and credentialing training, GED preparation, and motivational workshops.

Visit https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/careeracademy to apply.

  • On my Facebook you will also see that the Model Atlanta Regional Commission (MARC) youth leadership program is accepting applications for their 2024-2025 class. The applications are due by Friday, May 3rd and space is limited.

MARC has engaged hundreds of students in experiential learning with the region’s leaders and experts in transportation, natural resource sustainability, community development, and more.

  • Our distinguished Sheriff Melody Maddox will be hosting the Boys to Men & Girls to Pearls summer camp.  Once again, the flyer is on my Facebook with all of the application and camp information.
  • 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
  • The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold four guided walking tours to review trail and greenway improvements along the County’s trail network on Saturday, May 4.

The community is invited to help shape the future of the County’s trail and greenway network through the Trail and Greenway Master Plan planning process.

There is also a lot of wonderful events for all ages.  Please visit their webpage on the DeKalb County website and familiarize yourself with the plethora of resources they offer.  There is also summer camp, youth sports, and information about the annual Senior Olympics which begins May 6th!

  • 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.

  • The PDK Good Neighbor Day Air Show and Open House is May 11 and this one is special! It commemorates the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the day, June 6, 1944, in World War II on which Allied forces invaded northern France by means of beach landings in Normandy.

Bring your entire family out to PDK to see antique airplanes, military aircrafts, and DeKalb County fire trucks and ambulances on display at PDK during the open house from noon until 5 p.m.

Gates will open at 10 a.m.

There is no admission charge but parking is $20 per vehicle.

In closing a few “calls to action”

  • 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@DeKalb CountyGA.gov.  Phone calls are routed if you call my office number, 404-371-4909. 

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.

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.