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.

Eye-Opening Property Tax Exemptions Explained During December 5 “Aging in Placers” Event

TAX-PRESENTATION-2TRAINERS-POINTING

Staff from the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office delivered an eye-opening tax presentation hosted by Commissioner Terry’s Aging in Placers* on December 5, 2025.

The Tax Commissioner’s Office staff explained, line by line, the “DeKalb County Real Estate Tax Statement” (Property Tax Bill) and how Homestead Exemptions can provide significant savings on annual property taxes.

Applicants must own and reside at the property within the County, and the Basic Homestead Exemption is required before applying for Special Exemptions.

The 2026 Homestead Exemption Information** sheet provides more details. Please read every word on both sides of the sheet, including the asterisk (*) note at the end. Then make sure you have the Basic Homestead Exemption and all Special Exemptions for which you qualify. If you have questions, email, call, or make an appointment to go to the tax office and talk to a staff member to determine which exemptions apply and help you complete the application for those tax reductions. 

The Deadline to apply for exemptions is April 1st for the current tax year. Applications received after the deadline will be applied to the following year. Applications are accepted year-round in person, by mail, and by dropbox for basic and special exemptions. This includes exemptions for disabled veterans, disabled residents, and seniors ages 62 and older. Online applications can be submitted from January 1 to April 1. For eligibility requirements, required documents, city-related taxes, and more, visit the Tax Office website. 

Schedule an Appointment: https://dekalbtax.org/make-an-appointment/

Contact the Tax Commissioner’s Office:

*Aging in Placers is an initiative of Commissioner Ted Terry, DeKalb County Super District 6.

** Please note: this blog was originally posted with the 2025 Homestead Exemption Information Sheet. This has been updated as of 1/6/2026 to the 2026 Homestead Exemption Information Sheet as the 2025 is no longer available online. If you are viewing this after 2026, we recommend reaching out to the Tax Commissioner’s Office for the most up to date information.

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

Resource Options Available in DeKalb County

DeKalb County Resources flyer

Commissioner Ted Terry and the Super District 6 Team understands many of us are currently faced with uncertainty as we navigate the federal government shutdown, frequent layoffs and furloughs, and now the possibility of SNAP benefit cuts.

Commissioner Terry is proud to share DeKalb County has compiled a website that shares resources that may be able to assist with food insecurity, homelessness / housing, medical, senior services, and more!

Click here to visit ResourcesInDekalb.com >>

Additionally the Super District 6 office has also put together graphics that include information on some food pantries across DeKalb County, verified by the Super District 6 Team they are up and running. 

Additional food pantries and options may be available, these are just some options.

Want to help?  Coming together as a community to help one another during these difficult times is what makes DeKalb strong.

You can contribute to any of the organizations listed above at their respective websites, donate non-perishable food at our DeKalb County Tax Commission offices or go to Hands On Atlanta to sign up to volunteer.

A SNAP Gap Solution Coming to DeKalb County

Commissioner Terry is proud to share DeKalb County is putting forward our own solution to fill the SNAP Gap: DeKalb Farm Fresh Mobile Market. 

With the partnership of Retaaza, fresh farmer’s market produce with options for greatly affordable pricing will be available across DeKalb County, including 3 sites in South DeKalb that have been previously identified as areas of low food access. The mobile farmer’s market will run on Mondays starting Nov. 10.

Click here for more information including updates on dates and locations when available >>

Calling on the State of Georgia to Help

Additionally, Commissioner Ted Terry and Commissioner LeDena Bolton held a press conference calling on the state of Georgia to assist during the SNAP Gap.

“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.

Click here to watch the story covered by Atlanta News First >>

Click here to watch the full press conference covered by Atlanta News First >>

Super District 6 Attends the “Beyond the Hallways” 2025 DeKalb Youth Summit

what does climate justice mean to you image

On November 1st, Super District 6 had the opportunity to connect with youth at the Beyond the Hallways 2025 DeKalb Youth Summit. We spoke with teens from across DeKalb and Fulton counties about the Green New Deal, environmental justice, and the importance of youth voices in climate action. We asked, “What Does Climate Justice Mean to You?” which sparked meaningful conversations that reminded us just how powerful youth voices are. We look forward to continuing this work and expanding youth leadership opportunities in District 6.

Aging in Placers: Advocacy 101

Agining in Placers meeting

On October 29th, Team Terry and the Aging in Placers hosted an “Advocacy 101” training. Attendees learned about some of the key decision-makers in DeKalb County government and how to advocate for aging in place. The Aging in Placers are just getting started. This training set the foundation for the powerful work to come!

The mission of Commissioner Terry’s “Aging in Place Initiative” is to drive the charge to shape how our community supports housing options for aging in place right here in DeKalb County! It is a citizen-powered initiative of adults 55+ and supportive generations called “Aging in Placers.”

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.


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


ABOUT DeKalb County Super District 7 Commissioner Dr. LaDena Bolton


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


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


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

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


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


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

Longdale Park Community Planning Begins

group of people in a meeting

On October 23rd, our District 6 team joined Longdale Park neighbors, DeKalb Parks & Rec, and the Foresite Group for the first of three community design meetings.

This kickoff meeting focused on creating ideas and outlining what’s possible within the park’s environmental limitations, such as protecting the creek, preventing downstream flooding, and maintaining the natural landscape. Community members also shared priorities like reducing the parking lot, discouraging unsafe driving near the pavilion, and creating a more passive, family friendly park.

The Foresite Group will use this feedback to draft a master plan that will be presented at the second meeting. Future meeting dates are still being finalized, and Parks & Rec is encouraging as much community input as possible before moving forward.

Thank you to all who showed up to help shape the future of Longdale Park. Your voices are guiding this process.