July 17, 2026 Edition - Chakira’s Corner Newsletter
Community Connection: Mid-Year Progress Report
The countdown is on! Our Community Connection Quarterly Breakfast is just around the corner. Join your neighbors for a special Mid-Year Progress Report highlighting the progress made across District 4 in 2026, updates on key initiatives, and what's ahead for the months to come. It's a great opportunity to hear directly from county leaders, ask questions, and stay connected to the work shaping our community.
Board of Commissioners Summer Recess
Please note that the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners is on summer recess from July 14 through August 10. Regular Board meetings will resume after the recess. County services will continue operating as normal throughout the recess period.
R2ISE Recovery
Display showcasing artwork and educational materials from R2ISE Recovery at the "Our Stories, Our Voices: The Village Speaks" event.
The District 4 Office was honored to attend "Our Stories, Our Voices: The Village Speaks," an inspiring event presented by Claratel Behavioral Health in partnership with R2ISE Recovery. Through storytelling, spoken word, and artistic expression, participants with lived experience shared powerful personal journeys highlighting the role creativity can play in healing, recovery, and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.
R2ISE Recovery empowers individuals through the arts, creating opportunities for self-expression, connection, and hope. We appreciate the organization's continued commitment to supporting recovery and strengthening our community through the power of creative expression.
DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Approves Historic $155 Million Housing Investment Bond Program
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson speaks during the "DeKalb County Announces Housing and Community Investments" press conference, joined by Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, Commissioner Ted Terry, CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, and Chief Operating Officer Zach Williams. Still image from DCTV's YouTube broadcast.
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has approved a historic $155 million Housing Investment Bond Program designed to expand affordable housing, increase homeownership opportunities, revitalize neighborhoods, and strengthen services for residents experiencing homelessness. Commissioner Johnson called the investment "a transformational investment in the future of DeKalb County," saying it will help create stronger communities, expand opportunity, and improve quality of life for generations to come. Click the press release above to learn more about this landmark initiative.
Memorial Drive Revitalization Continues to Move Forward
Work continues on the Memorial Drive Revitalization initiative, with several projects advancing behind the scenes. During the July stakeholder meeting, county staff shared updates on the planned gateway features, corridor branding, and implementation of recommendations from the Memorial Drive Revitalization Study.
Design work for the corridor's new gateway monuments is preparing to move forward, with funding applications submitted to help support construction. Planning staff also shared that work continues on crosswalk improvements in coordination with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), while departments are reviewing and prioritizing the next phase of projects identified through the revitalization study.
The meeting also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with Memorial Drive businesses. County staff are exploring opportunities to support future business collaboration, engage property owners, and encourage redevelopment that aligns with the community's long-term vision for a vibrant, walkable corridor.
Department of Solid Waste Management Summer Collection Update
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson extends her sincere appreciation to Director Eugene McKinnie and the dedicated men and women of the Department of Solid Waste Management for their unwavering commitment to serving DeKalb County residents.
Waste management professionals perform some of the most physically demanding and hazardous work in local government. Despite extreme summer temperatures, they continue to provide essential services that keep our neighborhoods clean, healthy, and safe.
Recently, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners recognized the Department of Solid Waste Management with a proclamation honoring the invaluable contributions of its employees. The department also continues to earn statewide recognition for excellence, receiving four top honors from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Georgia Chapter, including the 2026 Public Works Project of the Year award. Individual recognitions were also awarded to Thomas Buie, Gerald Freeman, and Omar Bolton for their outstanding leadership and service, while Residential Services Superintendent Thomas Watkins earned the nationally recognized Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Integrated Solid Waste Management Certification.
The DeKalb County Department of Solid Waste Management received the 2026 Project of the Year Award from the Georgia Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) for the Illegal Tire Dump Community Initiative. Photo courtesy of the DeKalb County CEO's Office.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson along with CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Director Eugene McKinnie pose with DeKalb County Department of Solid Waste Management staff after receiving a proclamation during the July 7 Board of Commissioners regular meeting. Photo by DCTV.
🎥 Watch the Board of Commissioners Meeting
As summer temperatures continue to climb, Commissioner Johnson fully supports the department's early morning collection schedule. Beginning routes earlier in the day helps protect sanitation workers from dangerously high heat while allowing them to continue providing dependable service to residents.
Commissioner Johnson encourages residents to show their appreciation for sanitation crews. A simple wave, a kind word of thanks, or even offering a cold bottle of water or sports drink can make a meaningful difference to those working long hours in challenging conditions.
"These employees are the backbone of many of the essential services we rely on every day," Commissioner Johnson said. "Their dedication does not go unnoticed, and I thank each member of our Solid Waste Management team for their continued service to DeKalb County. Congratulations as well to this year's APWA award recipients and Superintendent Thomas Watkins on these well-deserved achievements. Your commitment to excellence reflects the very best of public service."
To help protect sanitation workers during periods of extreme summer heat, the Department of Solid Waste Management will temporarily begin residential collection routes at 6:00 a.m. from Monday, July 13, through Tuesday, September 1. Residents are encouraged to place garbage, recycling, and yard trimmings at the curb before 6:00 a.m. on their scheduled collection day.
