August 6, 2026 Edition - Chakira’s Corner Newsletter
Chakira's Corner Podcast Mid-Year Special Episode Out Now!
How is District 4 progressing in 2026? In this special mid-year episode of Chakira's Corner, Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson joins host Matt Shedd to reflect on progress across her five Focus Areas:
Housing
Infrastructure
Youth Development
Memorial Drive Revitalization
Community Connections
The conversation also explores current initiatives, upcoming projects, and how community feedback continues to shape District 4 priorities. Watch the full episode for a comprehensive mid-year update.
Community Connection Breakfast: Mid-Year Progress Report
Residents gathered for Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson's special Community Connection Breakfast featuring her Mid-Year Progress Report on District 4 initiatives and community priorities, followed by an extended question-and-answer session.
Residents gathered for Commissioner Chakira Johnson's third quarterly Community Connection Breakfast, where she shared a mid-year update on District 4 initiatives and outlined priorities for the months ahead. The presentation highlighted progress in the Commissioner's five Focus Areas- housing and homelessness, infrastructure, youth development, Memorial Drive revitalization, and community engagement- while providing an overview of ongoing projects and recent Board of Commissioners actions.
Among the updates, Commissioner Johnson discussed the county's newly approved $155 million housing bond program, expanded support for residents experiencing homelessness, continued investments in Memorial Drive revitalization, pedestrian safety improvements, road and stormwater infrastructure projects, and youth programming throughout District 4. She also shared updates on efforts to modernize Hamilton Recreation Center, explore future expansion of the East Central DeKalb Senior & Community Center, and strengthen communication with residents through newsletters, podcasts, weekly video updates, and community meetings.
The meeting concluded with an extended question-and-answer session, giving residents an opportunity to discuss topics ranging from infrastructure and public safety to housing, economic development, Memorial Drive, and county services. To watch the full presentation and community discussion, select the link below to view the meeting on DCTV's YouTube channel.
Board of Commissioners Meetings Resume August 11
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners' summer recess concludes Monday, August 10, with regular Board meetings resuming on Tuesday, August 11.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson's Office remains open throughout the recess and continues to assist constituents with questions, concerns, and service requests. Please do not hesitate to contact the office if we may be of assistance.
Commissioner Johnson to Speak at
INTERSECTION Quality Development Conference
CQG's 6th INTERSECTION Quality Development Conference
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson will join regional leaders, industry experts, and public officials as a featured speaker at the Council for Quality Growth's 6th annual INTERSECTION Quality Development Conference on August 14 in Sandy Springs.
This year's conference, "The AI Era of the Built Environment," will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming development, construction, infrastructure, permitting, and other aspects of the built environment. Attendees will hear from experts on how AI is reshaping the way developers, investors, designers, contractors, and public officials collaborate to drive quality growth across the region. Commissioner Johnson will share perspectives on infrastructure, community development, and economic growth in DeKalb County alongside leaders from across metro Atlanta.
The conference is designed for planners, engineers, architects, developers, contractors, real estate professionals, economic development leaders, and public officials interested in the future of growth and development. Eligible attendees may also earn continuing education credits.
SPLOST II Resident Review Committee Meeting
The DeKalb County SPLOST II Resident Review Committee will hold its next public meeting on Thursday, August 27, from 6:30–8:00 pm 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.
Girls Clubhouse and Be GirlPwrd Inspire Future Leaders
Girls and their families gather for a Girls Clubhouse event presented in partnership with Be GirlPwrd, featuring a panel discussion focused on leadership, empowerment, and personal growth.
Girls Clubhouse Empowers the Next Generation
Girls Clubhouse participants recently gathered for a special program in partnership with Be GirlPwrd, bringing together girls, mentors, and community leaders for a day of encouragement, conversation, and personal growth. Through panel discussions and interactive activities, participants explored topics centered on confidence, leadership, and self-expression while building meaningful connections with peers and mentors.
Hosted by DeKalb County Human Services, the Girls Clubhouse program provides a safe and supportive environment where girls can participate in STEM learning, mentorship, creative activities, and personal development opportunities throughout the summer. The partnership with Be GirlPwrd reinforces the shared commitment to empowering young women with the confidence, skills, and support they need to thrive.
Celebs Give Back Partners with Wade Walker YMCA
DeKalb County Fire Rescue recruits, Celebs Give Back Founder and CEO Aniah Denise, and District 4 Chief of Staff Alesia Brooks pose for a group photo during the Celebs Give Back Back-to-School Bash at Wade Walker Park Family YMCA.
Back-to-School Bash Supports Hundreds of Families
District 4 Chief of Staff Alesia Brooks joined community partners and volunteers at the Celebs Give Back Back-to-School Bash, where organizations came together to help families prepare for the upcoming school year through school supplies, food assistance, and community resources. Hosted at the Wade Walker Park Family YMCA, the annual event highlighted the power of collaboration in serving DeKalb County residents.
According to Celebs Give Back, this year's event provided 807 backpacks, 1,200 food boxes, and more than 29,000 pounds of food to local families. Supported by 78 volunteers, including 23 first-time volunteers, the event brought together nonprofits, businesses, elected officials, and community organizations to help students begin the school year with the supplies and support they need.
DeKalb Chamber Honors Public Safety Professionals
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined public safety leaders and award recipients at the DeKalb Chamber's 2026 VALOR Public Safety Awards, celebrating the dedication, courage, and service of DeKalb County's first responders and public safety professionals.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson attended the DeKalb Chamber's 2026 Valor Awards, an annual event recognizing the outstanding service and sacrifice of DeKalb County's public safety professionals.
This year's ceremony honored first responders, celebrated three Purple Heart recipients, and brought together community and business leaders in appreciation of those who serve and protect DeKalb County. Hosted by the DeKalb Chamber, the Valor Awards recognize individuals whose dedication and professionalism strengthen the safety and well-being of our community.
National Night Out Around DeKalb
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined residents, neighborhood leaders, first responders, and community partners during National Night Out celebrations across DeKalb County, strengthening relationships and promoting safer, more connected communities.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined residents, neighborhood associations, first responders, and community partners for several National Night Out celebrations across DeKalb County on August 4. The annual event brings communities together to strengthen relationships, promote public safety, and foster partnerships between neighbors and local law enforcement.
Throughout the evening, Commissioner Johnson visited events hosted by the Village at Stone Mountain Association, Flintridge Forrest Civic Association, Pine Lake, and Waters Edge, enjoying the opportunity to connect with residents and celebrate the strong community partnerships that help keep neighborhoods safe and engaged.
National Night Out is a nationwide community-building campaign coordinated by the nonprofit National Association of Town Watch, that encourages neighbors, public safety agencies, and local organizations to work together to create safer, stronger communities.
DeKalb County Appoints New Fire Rescue Chief
DeKalb County has appointed Melvin K. Carter as the new Chief of DeKalb County Fire Rescue, promoting a 26-year department veteran and lifelong DeKalb County resident to lead one of the County's largest public safety agencies. Throughout his career, Carter has served in several executive leadership roles, including Deputy Chief of Operations, Deputy Chief of Training and Professional Services, and Deputy Chief of Fiscal and Support Services.
Chief Carter brings extensive experience in fire suppression, emergency medical services, workforce development, strategic planning, and emergency preparedness. Please join us in congratulating Chief Carter as he begins this new chapter of service to the residents of DeKalb County.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson, retired DeKalb County Marshal Kevin Richardson, and Stone Mountain Police Chief James Westerfield at Marshal Richardson's retirement celebration.
Thank You for 33 Years of Service
After 33 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, DeKalb County Marshal Kevin E. Richardson has announced his retirement from public service. Throughout his career, Richardson served in multiple leadership roles within the DeKalb County Marshal's Office before being sworn in as the County's ninth Marshal in 2023, where he led the State Court and Magistrate Court Marshal's Office with a commitment to professionalism, integrity, and public service.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Marshal Richardson for his years of dedicated service to DeKalb County and wish him and his family all the best in retirement.
