October 2025 Edition - Chakira’s Corner Newsletter
A Conversation About DeKalb’s Future
This month on Chakira’s Corner, we reached a milestone — our first-ever guest episode! I had the pleasure of sitting down with DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson to talk about the progress we’re making and what’s ahead for our communities.
Our discussion touched on many of the issues shaping DeKalb’s future — from housing and infrastructure to public safety and economic growth. I’m grateful for the chance to exchange ideas with our CEO and to highlight how collaboration is helping us better serve residents every day.
Tackling Housing and Homelessness
During our conversation we talked about DeKalb County’s growing commitment to address housing challenges — particularly through innovative projects like Park 500, which provides 60 units for rapid housing along with critical wraparound services to help residents in need get back on their feet.
This initiative is particularly significant because it marks one of the few times our Board of Commissioners has dedicated general-fund dollars to a project like this. That investment shows our shared determination to help people not only transition out of homelessness but to stay off the street and rebuild stability in their lives.
To help ensure this momentum, I recently made a budget amendment request which provided $80k to Community Development to support housing wraparound services.
As CEO Cochran-Johnson shared, DeKalb has also appointed its first ever Chief Housing Officer, Dr. Allen Ferguson, to lead our housing efforts moving forward. With additional initiatives — including plans for a county shelter and more workforce housing — I’m encouraged by the progress we’re making together to ensure every resident has a safe, affordable place to call home.
Revitalizing Memorial Drive
Our conversation also turned to Memorial Drive, which is considered to be “the heartbeat of the county.”
The county’s recent purchase of the Tax Commissioner’s property at Memorial Drive and I-285 is a historic and strategic investment — 27 acres that will serve as a catalyst for redevelopment along the corridor.
We believe the improvements we make to this building and its land will attract additional investments, creating jobs and expanding access to essential services for the area.
4380 Memorial Drive, the property recently purchased by DeKalb County Government (Google Earth image)
Investing in Public Safety
Of course, we couldn’t leave out public safety — especially with the Real-Time Crime Center now moving forward. This initiative represents a $30.9 million investment to expand technology that helps DeKalb Police respond faster and more efficiently.
It’s not just about equipment — it’s also about creating good jobs for civilian analysts and ensuring our residents feel safe in every part of the County.
Strengthening Water Infrastructure
Another important topic was my recent legislation to protect renters from excessive water bills caused by landlord-neglected leaks. This measure ensures accountability and fairness for residents across DeKalb.
CEO Cochran-Johnson voiced strong support for this effort and emphasized the County’s ongoing commitment to improving water infrastructure and expanding programs like the Water Rate Assurance Program (WRAP), which helps residents manage costs.
Commissioner Johnson holding her Focus Areas board at the CEO's Board of Commissioners Retreat
Building One DeKalb
One of the most inspiring moments of our conversation was reflecting on DeKalb’s shared future — what we want it to look like, how we can continue to build together, and our diversity, our unity, and our responsibility to ensure every resident feels represented.
The future of DeKalb County is bright. We’re homing in on that vision of One DeKalb — a stronger, brighter DeKalb.
Highlights from Commissioner Johnson's visit to the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court. Pictured from left to right: Commissioner Johnson, Haidyn Clark, Debra DeBerry, Alesia Brooks and Laveeta Branche (Photos courtesy of Dana Patterson)
Visit with DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Clerk
During my recent visit to the Clerk of Superior Court, Debra DeBerry's Office, I was reminded just how essential their work is in keeping our county’s judicial system organized and accessible.
The Clerk and their team are responsible for maintaining all Superior Court records — everything from civil and criminal case filings to real estate deeds and liens. They also handle important public services like issuing notary commissions, managing jurors, and helping residents access legal information. She even hosts an annual Passport Day which has been immensely helpful to residents needing to obtain or renew their passport.
Their work ensures transparency, accuracy, and efficiency within our courts — and helps connect our community to the justice system in meaningful ways. I was grateful for the opportunity to come by and learn more about their daily operations.
Debra DeBerry will also be the special guest of my upcoming Community Connection breakfast meeting. I hope you will join us on Saturday, October 25th to see her and other county leaders for the last breakfast meeting of 2025!
