October 8, 2026 Edition - Chakira’s Corner Newsletter
Chakira’s Corner Podcast: Your Property Tax Bill, Explained
In the October episode of Chakira’s Corner, Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson joins host Matt Shedd and DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Nicole Golden to continue last month’s conversation about property taxes — this time following the bill from assessment through collection. Golden explains who collects property taxes, where the money goes and what residents should know if they cannot pay the full amount by the deadline. October 2026 Text
The conversation also covers DeKalb’s redesigned tax bill, 10 homestead exemptions, senior exemptions and mobile tax office visits, as well as new tag renewal kiosks coming to Kroger and Publix locations across the county. Johnson and Golden also emphasize an important takeaway for residents with questions about their individual tax situation: go directly to the source for accurate information.
Meet Nicole Marilia Herranz: Serving District 4 Through Community Engagement
The District 4 Team is pleased to welcome Nicole Marilia Herranz as our new Community Outreach Specialist.
In this role, Nicole supports Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson’s commitment to strengthening community engagement and building meaningful connections with residents, organizations, and community partners throughout District 4.
Known as “Nicky,” Nicole brings a deep personal connection to community service and engagement. Her Brazilian and Honduran heritage is an important part of who she is and has shaped her perspective, values, and approach to her work.
“I grew up surrounded by the love, traditions, languages, food, music, and strong sense of community that both cultures have given me,” Nicole shares. “My family and culture have shaped how I see the world and how I approach my work.”
Nicole has dedicated her career to investing in the communities that have shaped her. She earned a Master of Science in Strategic Communication and a certificate in Advocacy and Public Engagement from Agnes Scott College, strengthening her ability to advocate for and engage with communities.
“I am pleased that Nicky has joined the District 4 Team. Her education and experiences add value to our team’s approach to constituent and community outreach. We are especially pleased to highlight Nicky during Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate the culture, heritage, and community perspective she brings to our team,” said Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson.
Her commitment to service began at an early age through her experience with Athena’s Warehouse, a nonprofit organization that invested in her as a teenager. Today, she is honored to bring that same spirit of investment and service to the DeKalb County community that helped shape her.
For Nicole, Hispanic Heritage Month is more than a celebration of culture and heritage. It is an opportunity to recognize contributions, uplift communities, and celebrate the diversity that exists within the Hispanic and Latino community.
“I believe community is fundamental to resilience, especially in times of uncertainty,” Nicole says.
As Community Outreach Specialist, Nicole looks forward to connecting with District 4 residents, listening to their concerns, highlighting community resources, and helping strengthen the relationships that make District 4 a vibrant and connected community.
¡Bienvenida, Nicky!
Please join Commissioner Chakira Johnson and the District 4 Team in welcoming Nicole “Nicky” Marilia Herranz to the team! Nicole can be reached at nmherranz@dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-471-2100.
Last Community Connection Breakfast Meeting of 2026!
Join Us for Community Connection!
Connect with your District 4 neighbors and local leaders at our next Community Connection Quarterly Breakfast. Hear community and County updates, ask questions, and enjoy a complimentary breakfast while supplies last.
📅 Saturday, October 24, 2026
⏰ 9am–11am
📍 East Central DeKalb Community & Senior Center
4885 Elam Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Our special guest will be Wilmond “Antoine” Meadows of American Medical Response (AMR), an experienced public safety and emergency medical services leader whose career includes leadership in DeKalb County's AMR operations and 30 years of service with Atlanta Fire Rescue.
This month's Community Connection will also feature a Mini Health & Resource Fair, with community partners on-site to provide health and wellness information, resources, screenings, and services.
Free Pet Services from LifeLine Animal Project
Bring your furry family members, too! The LifeLine Mobile Pet Clinic will be on-site from 9am–12pm offering free veterinary exams, core vaccinations and microchipping, including:
Veterinary exam
DHPP vaccine for dogs
FVRCP vaccine for cats
Rabies vaccine
Microchip
Representatives from several DeKalb County departments will also be available to provide updates and answer questions from the community.
We hope you'll join us!
Stone Mountain Historical Society Welcomes Community for Porch Party
The Stone Mountain Historical Society welcomed community members Sept. 25 for an afternoon Porch Party at the historic Wells-Brown House on Ridge Avenue. Held from 4–6pm, the gathering was part of the Society’s 2026 community event calendar and offered neighbors an informal opportunity to connect while spending time at the organization’s historic headquarters. Stone Mountain Historic Society
Founded in 1996, the Stone Mountain Historical Society works to preserve and interpret the history, historic buildings and unique heritage of the City of Stone Mountain and surrounding community. The Society is headquartered at the Wells-Brown House, an 1870s home that now houses its artifact collection, research library and meeting space.
Commissioner Johnson Shares “A Year in Review” with Stone Mountain Ambassadors
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined the City of Stone Mountain Ambassadors on Sept. 30 as guest speaker for “A Year in Review,” sharing updates with residents and reconnecting with a community where she has deep ties through years of public service.
Before joining the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, Johnson served on the Stone Mountain City Council and was a founding appointee to the Stone Mountain Downtown Development Authority; her community involvement has also included service with the Stone Mountain Historical Society, Stone Mountain Community Garden and ART Station.
Led by Council Member Anita Bass, the Stone Mountain Ambassador Program is designed to engage, educate and empower residents by creating a stronger connection between the community and City leadership. Ambassadors meet regularly, share resources and information, support community cleanups and other local events, and help residents stay connected to opportunities and services.
During the meeting, Commissioner Johnson was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation recognizing her dedicated service to the City of Stone Mountain as a former City Council member and Downtown Development Authority member, as well as her leadership in advancing City initiatives. The recognition also highlighted her continued commitment to Stone Mountain’s residents, businesses and future.
Council for Quality Growth Honors Egbert Perry at 37th Annual Four Pillar Tribute
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson attended the Council for Quality Growth’s 37th Annual Four Pillar Tribute on Oct. 1 at the Georgia World Congress Center, where this year’s celebration honored Egbert Perry, Chairman of The Integral Group, for more than three decades of leadership in urban development and community investment. The tribute centered on the theme “Integrity. Innovation. Impact.” and recognized Perry’s work advancing large-scale mixed-use development, housing and neighborhood revitalization.
Perry co-founded The Integral Group in 1993 with a mission to create value in cities and help rebuild the fabric of communities. Over the years, the company has delivered more than 10,000 housing units and helped develop models for responsible urban development that have been replicated across the country, including the nationally recognized Centennial Place redevelopment in Atlanta.
DeKalb Parks Master Plan Update Looks Ahead to the Next Decade
DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is conducting a five-year update of its 2021 Comprehensive Master Plan, which established a 10-year vision and action plan for the County’s parks and recreation system. The update will assess progress made since 2021, evaluate parks, facilities and other assets, respond to changing community needs and help establish priorities for the years ahead. Community engagement is part of the current process, with residents being asked to share what is working well in DeKalb parks and where improvements are still needed.
Since the original plan was adopted, the County reports completed capital investments at 44 parks, with projects currently underway at another 17 parks. Improvements have included playgrounds, restrooms, pavilion and shade upgrades, athletic courts, trail and boardwalk connections, recreation facilities and other site infrastructure. The five-year review will build on that work while helping guide future investments across DeKalb’s parks and recreation system.
Youth Safe Driving Summit Promotes Safer Choices Behind the Wheel
Highlights from the 2nd Annual Youth Safe Driving Summit, where Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling, public safety representatives and community partners for hands-on traffic safety activities. Johnson tried a driving simulator and joined Coleman-Stribling on the closed course for a three-wheeled race.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson stopped by the 2nd Annual Youth Safe Driving Summit on Oct. 3 at Rehoboth Church in Tucker, joining teens, parents, public safety professionals and community partners for a day focused on safer choices behind the wheel.
Hosted by DeKalb County Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling, the free summit was designed for teens ages 14 and older and their parents or guardians. Participants connected with professionals working in traffic safety, law enforcement, insurance and driver education while taking part in interactive activities, driving safety education and community resources. The event also featured food and giveaways as part of an engaging approach to helping young drivers build safer habits on the road.
Commissioner Johnson Tours South DeKalb Day Center and Frontline Response Shelter
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson joins community partners outside the South DeKalb Day Center at New Life Community Alliance during an Oct. 5 visit to learn more about services supporting residents experiencing homelessness.
Commissioner Johnson’s Oct. 5 visits to the South DeKalb Day Center and Frontline Response included tours of service areas, shelter accommodations and community resources supporting residents experiencing homelessness.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson and Chief of Staff Alesia Brooks visited two South DeKalb sites Oct. 5 to learn more about services supporting residents experiencing homelessness. The morning began at the South DeKalb Day Center at New Life Community Alliance, where staff shared the progress made since the center’s June 15 opening and provided a tour of its wraparound services and community resources.
The visit continued at Frontline Response, where Commissioner Johnson toured the shelter and learned more about services available to individuals experiencing homelessness. Together, the visits highlighted the role of day-center services, shelter resources and community partners in addressing immediate needs while helping connect residents with longer-term support.
What should DeKalb County look like in 2055? Residents are invited to help answer that question as the DeKalb County Planning & Sustainability Department launches its 2055 Unified Plan Update Visioning Series, a set of community meetings designed to gather input on the future of land use and development throughout the county.
The District 4 visioning meeting will be held Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 6–8pm at the East Central DeKalb Community & Senior Center, 4885 Elam Rd., Stone Mountain, GA 30083. With support from District 4 Commissioner Chakira Johnson, Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry and Super District 7 Commissioner Dr. LaDena Bolton, the structured meeting will include a collaborative community-building activity and small-group discussions where residents can share ideas, connect with neighbors and help inform the 2055 Unified Plan. Light refreshments will be provided.
Register for the District 4 Visioning Meeting
Explore the 2055 Unified Plan Project
Other Meetings in the Series
Commissioner Johnson Congratulates Jonathan Hunt on His Appointment as MARTA General Manager & CEO
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson congratulates Jonathan J. Hunt, Esq. on his selection as MARTA’s permanent General Manager and CEO. Hunt previously served as MARTA’s Chief Legal Counsel and brings experience across public service, law, construction management and transportation. As a regular MARTA rider, he has also emphasized the importance of staying connected with customers and using that firsthand experience to help guide improvements across the system.
Commissioner Johnson joins regional leaders in welcoming Hunt to his new role and looks forward to the continued work ahead to strengthen transit service, connectivity and mobility throughout metro Atlanta.
DeKalb Authorized to Pursue Legal Action Over Blackhall Land-Swap Commitments
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has authorized the County to pursue legal action against Blackhall Real Estate Phase II, LLC, over an alleged breach of the 2021 Land Exchange Agreement involving Intrenchment Creek Park. Under the agreement, DeKalb exchanged approximately 40 acres of County-owned property for nearly 53 acres owned by Blackhall, with Blackhall also agreeing to complete up to $1.5 million in specified park improvements. According to the County, those obligations remain unresolved despite efforts to secure completion, and the authorization allows the County Attorney to seek enforcement of the agreement and protect the interests of residents and taxpayers. Because the matter involves pending legal action, the County says additional public comment will be limited while litigation proceeds.
DeKalb Leaders Unite on Youth Violence
Following the Sept. 20 shooting that killed 11-year-old Jamarion Rolle and 12-year-old Jakhi Clark, DeKalb County and DeKalb County School District leaders announced a coordinated effort to strengthen youth violence prevention and intervention. A central part of the response is Education to Empowerment (E2E), a new school-based initiative focused on leadership development, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence and connecting young people with educational and economic opportunities. The program will include MEGA International Legacy Foundation’s 12-week Pathways to Peace curriculum for students in grades 6–12, along with parent assemblies, town halls and peer-to-peer outreach. E2E will build on existing County-supported programs including Basketball After Dark and community outreach efforts, with participating schools and a launch date to be announced.
