August 20, 2026 Edition - Chakira’s Corner Newsletter
Scottdale Early Learning Celebrates a Strong Start to the School Year
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson with Scottdale Early Learning CEO Dr. Leah Skinner at the organization's Back-to-School Bash.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson joins Scottdale Early Learning, community partners and public safety personnel for its Back-to-School Bash.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson gathered with children, families and community partners at Scottdale Early Learning’s Back-to-School Bash, where she distributed STEAM kits to help encourage hands-on learning and curiosity as students prepared for the new school year.
The family-friendly celebration also featured food, games, giveaways and community resources to help families get ready for a strong start, while creating opportunities for neighbors, local leaders and community partners to connect and celebrate another year of learning and growth.
CQG's 6th INTERSECTION Quality Development Conference
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson shares her perspective on balancing responsible data center development with local infrastructure and community needs.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson sits alongside regional leaders for “The Local Balancing Act of Data Center Regulation” panel during the 2026 INTERSECTION Quality Development Conference.
From left: Katherine Zitsch, Mike Alexander, DeKalb County Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson, Douglas County Commissioner Whitney Kenner Jones, Doug Hooker, Henry County Commissioner Kevin Lewis, Jonathan Noble, Kathryn Jones and Michael Paris.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson poses with Angela Newborn during the INTERSECTION Quality Development Conference.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined regional leaders and development professionals at the Council for Quality Growth’s 6th annual INTERSECTION Quality Development Conference, held August 14 at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. This year’s conference explored “The AI Era of the Built Environment,” bringing the public and private sectors together to examine how emerging technology and digital infrastructure are reshaping growth and development across metro Atlanta.
As a featured panelist for “The Local Balancing Act of Data Center Regulation,” Commissioner Johnson joined Douglas County District 2 Commissioner Whitney Kenner Jones and Henry County District 5 Commissioner Kevin Lewis for a discussion moderated by Atlanta Regional Commission Chief Operating Officer Mike Alexander.
The conversation examined the complex decisions local governments face when considering data center development—from economic investment and tax revenue to energy and water demand, land use, infrastructure capacity, noise, workforce development, public sentiment and long-term community planning. Bringing her perspective as both a licensed engineer and local elected official, Commissioner Johnson discussed the challenge of supporting responsible economic growth while ensuring development reflects infrastructure realities and the needs of the communities being served.
Readers can rewatch the conference and explore the official photo gallery through the Council for Quality Growth’s conference page.
DeKalb Fire Rescue Welcomes Class 1225
DeKalb County Fire Rescue Class 1225 celebrates graduation alongside department leadership following the successful completion of firefighter recruit training.
Firefighter helmets prepared for members of DeKalb County Fire Rescue Class 1225 during the graduation ceremony.
I was proud to celebrate the graduation of DeKalb County Fire Rescue Class 1225 and recognize the newest firefighter recruits as they completed their intensive training and prepared to begin serving the residents of DeKalb County.
Becoming a firefighter requires dedication, discipline, courage and a deep commitment to public service. I commend each graduate for the perseverance it took to reach this important milestone, and I am grateful for their willingness to step forward and serve our community.
Congratulations to Class 1225, and welcome to the DeKalb County Fire Rescue family. I wish each of you a safe, successful and rewarding career in service to DeKalb County.
Scottdale Day
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson celebrates Scottdale Day 2026 with residents and community partners, serving as a judge for the event’s rib cook-off and cake bake-off competitions.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson gathered with residents, community leaders and local partners at Scottdale Day 2026, where she also served as a judge for the community’s popular rib cook-off and cake bake-off competitions.
The annual celebration at Old Tobie Grant Field featured children’s activities, county vendors, free pool access, food and plenty of opportunities for neighbors to connect. Commissioner Johnson sampled contest entries before winners were recognized during the festivities, taking part in a longstanding Scottdale tradition that celebrates the people, relationships and community spirit that make the neighborhood special.
NEXT THURSDAY
SPLOST II Resident Review Committee Meeting
The DeKalb County SPLOST II Resident Review Committee will hold its next public meeting NEXT THURSDAY, August 27, from 6:30–8:00 pm at the DeKalb County Government Service Center, located at 178 Sams Street in Decatur. The meeting will focus on public safety investments, including updates and discussions related to police, fire, and animal services projects funded through SPLOST II.
Residents are encouraged to follow the committee's work and learn how SPLOST II funds are helping improve public safety infrastructure throughout DeKalb County.
DeKalb County Unveils Comprehensive Housing Plan to Expand Housing Opportunity and Stability
DeKalb County has unveiled its new Comprehensive Housing Plan, a coordinated strategy designed to address housing needs across the full continuum- from homelessness and housing instability to rental opportunities, homeownership, housing development and preservation. The plan establishes a unified framework for aligning County programs, investments and partnerships, while also creating measurable goals and a strengthened leadership structure, including a Housing Council, to help advance housing policy and improve accountability. DeKalb County will continue working with public, private, nonprofit and community partners to expand housing supply, preserve existing housing and create greater stability and opportunity for residents throughout the county.
We Want to Hear From You
Commissioner Chakira Johnson is seeking your input to help prioritize community needs and ensure resources support the programs and projects that matter most to residents.
