September 10, 2026 Edition - Chakira’s Corner Newsletter
Chakira's Corner Podcast September Episode Out Now!
In the latest episode of Chakira’s Corner, Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson joins host Matt Shedd and DeKalb County Chief Appraiser Calvin Hicks for a timely conversation about how property tax bills come together and who is responsible for each part of the process. The episode breaks down the relationship between assessed property values and millage rates, explains the separate roles of the Board of Assessors, Board of Commissioners and Tax Commissioner, and explores homestead exemptions, school taxes and why bills can change even when property values decline. The discussion also looks at how new development along Memorial Drive can affect longtime homeowners and offers practical guidance to help residents know where to turn with questions about their tax bill.
Celebrating National Senior Center Month
September is National Senior Center Month, a time to celebrate senior centers as vital community spaces that help older adults stay active, connected, engaged, and supported. Senior centers provide opportunities for fitness and wellness, lifelong learning, social connection, creative expression, volunteering, and meaningful engagement—helping older adults maintain independence, build relationships, and enjoy a greater quality of life.
In District 4, Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson continues to champion opportunities that help seniors thrive, including the East Central DeKalb Community & Senior Center. Since opening in July 2023, the center has become a vibrant hub for healthy aging and community connection, serving more than 600 members and offering 40+ programs each week.
The center provides a wide range of activities and amenities, including a heated saltwater pool, fitness room, library, game room, and multipurpose spaces. Programs support four dimensions of wellness—physical, social, intellectual, and purpose—with offerings such as water aerobics, Zumba, technology and artificial intelligence classes, Spanish instruction, creative expression, and opportunities to share life experiences and preserve family legacies.
National Senior Center Month’s 2026 theme, “Happier Birthdays Happen Here,” recognizes the important role senior centers play in helping older adults not simply add years to life, but add life to their years through movement, learning, friendship, purpose, and possibility.
Proclamation Presentation
In recognition of National Senior Center Month, Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson will present a proclamation during the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, September 29, at 9:00 a.m.
📍 178 Sam Street, Decatur, GA
The public is welcome to attend as we recognize the important role senior centers play in strengthening the health, well-being, and quality of life of older adults throughout our community.
Commissioner Johnson remains committed to supporting programs and resources that ensure District 4 seniors remain seen, valued, supported, and engaged in their communities.
REMEMBERING THOSE WHO GAVE EVERYTHING
On Patriot Day, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor the courage of the first responders who ran toward danger while others were fleeing.
Today, I especially remember Officer David Rose and Master Firefighter Preston Fant, two dedicated public servants whose commitment to protecting others came at the ultimate cost.
Their sacrifice reminds us that service is more than a profession—it is a calling grounded in courage, duty, and an unwavering commitment to community.
We honor their lives, their families, their colleagues, and the countless first responders who continue to carry the weight of that day.
May we never forget. May we always remember.
Leadership DeKalb Celebrates 40 Years of Leadership & Service
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson with keynote speaker former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin during Leadership DeKalb’s Annual Dinner.
DeKalb County Chief Operating Officer Zachary Williams speaks during Leadership DeKalb’s Annual Dinner, where he received the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award. Below, Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson poses with former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and members of her Leadership DeKalb Class of 2020 during the celebration. Photos courtesy of Brian Bates Photography.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson addresses guests during Leadership DeKalb’s Annual Dinner and greets former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, the evening’s keynote speaker. Photos courtesy of Brian Bates Photography.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined community leaders, Leadership DeKalb alumni and supporters at the organization’s Annual Dinner on August 20 at Druid Hills Golf Club, helping celebrate Leadership DeKalb’s 40th anniversary and four decades of developing and connecting leaders throughout the county.
The evening featured a keynote address from former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and recognition of DeKalb County Chief Operating Officer Zachary Williams, a member of Leadership DeKalb’s Class of 2015, as the 2026 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award.
The award recognizes exemplary service and commitment to the community, with recipients selected for contributions that create a lasting legacy. Williams was honored for his exemplary service, commitment to community and visionary leadership in support of Leadership DeKalb’s mission.
The celebration offered an opportunity to recognize both Leadership DeKalb’s history and the individuals continuing its tradition of public service, collaboration and community leadership across DeKalb County.
Celebrating the Arts at Callanwolde’s Bloom Ball
Guests gather for a special tribute during Callanwolde Fine Arts Center’s Bloom Ball, an evening celebrating the arts and supporting community arts programming.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson attended Callanwolde Fine Arts Center’s annual Bloom Ball on August 23, joining community and business leaders for an evening celebrating creativity, connection and access to the arts.
Inspired by Callanwolde’s historic gardens, the gala featured a community art activity, live and silent auctions, and a four-course dinner, with proceeds supporting the organization’s financial aid and community engagement initiatives. These programs help expand access to high-quality arts education for underserved communities, including Title I and Title III students, veterans living with PTSD and previously unhoused individuals.
The evening also reflected an ongoing connection between District 4 and Callanwolde’s community arts work. District 4 previously allocated $25,000 to the Fine Arts Center to help expand afterschool art programming to a District 4 elementary school and support arts programming for veterans experiencing PTSD. Through investments such as this, Commissioner Johnson continues supporting opportunities that connect residents with arts education, creative expression and community engagement.
District 4 Priorities Help Shape DeKalb's Legislative Agenda
Presiding Officer Chakira Johnson displays District 4’s legislative priorities during the 2026–2027 CEO & BOC Legislative Work Session and Retreat.
The draft 2027 CEO/BOC legislative priorities reflect areas of shared focus identified by DeKalb County’s CEO and Board of Commissioners during the legislative retreat.
Presiding Officer Chakira Johnson joined DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and fellow members of the Board of Commissioners for a two-day legislative work session and retreat focused on identifying shared priorities and strengthening collaboration around the County's advocacy agenda.
During the first day, commissioners presented their individual legislative and congressional funding priorities before working together with the CEO and her team to narrow approximately 32 proposals to a draft list of 10 Countywide legislative priorities. Commissioner Johnson described the process as collaborative and productive, with several priorities championed by District 4 earning broader support from County leadership.
Among the top four priorities identified were regional mobility and the MARTA Study Committee; mental and behavioral health; tenant and housing protections and investment; and water and sewer infrastructure. The broader top 10 also includes increased state partnership and investment in Memorial Drive revitalization, improved pedestrian safety and sidewalk connectivity, NextGen 911 funding, food access and local agriculture, reforms related to annexation and new cities, and greater authority to identify the ownership of vacant and rental properties.
The results closely reflect priorities District 4 brought to the table, including stronger housing protections, youth mental-health support, safer and more connected communities, and continued investment in Memorial Drive. That alignment helps move District 4 priorities beyond the district itself and builds broader support for initiatives that can benefit communities throughout DeKalb.
The draft legislative priorities will next move through the County's formal review and approval process before being advanced with state partners. As that work continues, residents will have opportunities to stay informed and lend their voices in support of the issues that matter most to their communities.
Stone Mountain Mural Unveiling
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson stands with visual artist Charity Hamidullah, Stone Mountain Mayor Jelani Linder and community members for the unveiling of “We Met in the Middle.”
“We Met in the Middle,” a new downtown Stone Mountain mural by visual artist Charity Hamidullah, celebrates hope, unity and connection through a colorful scene of children standing together.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined Stone Mountain Mayor Jelani Linder, visual artist Charity Hamidullah and community members for the unveiling of “We Met in the Middle,” a vibrant new mural located at the corner of Main Street and East Mountain Street on the Stone Pizza Kitchen building in downtown Stone Mountain. Featuring six children standing together and looking toward the horizon, the artwork celebrates hope, possibility and unity while reflecting the city’s continued investment in public art and a welcoming, connected community.
The site also holds a connection to Commissioner Johnson’s earlier service in Stone Mountain. While serving as chair of the Stone Mountain Downtown Development Authority in 2010, she helped oversee the DDA’s purchase of the building out of foreclosure before it was sold to its current owner five years later. Commissioner Johnson welcomed the current DDA’s renewed investment in the property through funding for the mural and expressed her excitement at seeing the building continue to contribute to the vitality of downtown Stone Mountain.
Connecting with Fire Station 11 & East Precinct
From left: Firefighter Julian Morgan, Captain Nicholas Ellsworth, Presiding Officer Chakira Johnson, Chief Melvin Carter, Senior Firefighter Marcus Sebastian, and Chief of Staff Ronald Hardaway.
From left: DeKalb County Police Major T.L. Rucker, Lieutenant Nial Fraser, Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson, and Major Yolanda Baron during Commissioner Johnson’s visit to the DeKalb County Police Department’s East Precinct. Behind them, colorful T-shirts designed by graduating police academy classes showcase each class’s unique logo and class phrase.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson recently visited DeKalb County Fire Rescue Station 11 and the DeKalb County Police Department’s East Precinct, connecting with public safety leadership and the men and women who serve our communities.
At the invitation of Captain Ellsworth, Commissioner Johnson visited Station 11 before spending time with DKPD officers and leadership at East Precinct. The visits provided an opportunity for candid conversations and a deeper appreciation for the dedication, courage, training, and sacrifice of DeKalb County’s first responders.
“I am truly grateful for their service and proud to serve alongside the exceptional men and women of DeKalb County Fire Rescue and Law Enforcement. It is an honor to serve you.”
DeKalb County DUI Court Celebrates Graduates
DeKalb County DUI Court recently celebrated participants who reached an important milestone through the program, recognizing the hard work, personal growth and commitment that brought them to graduation. The ceremony honored graduates for the progress they have made and the dedication required to successfully complete the program, while offering an opportunity for family members, supporters and community leaders to celebrate their accomplishments.
DeKalb Breaks Ground on New Fire Station No. 5
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson participates in the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new DeKalb County Fire Station No. 5 in Tucker.
DeKalb County Director of Public Safety Darnell Fullum and Fire Rescue Chief Melvin Carter deliver remarks during the Fire Station No. 5 groundbreaking, which celebrated the beginning of construction on the new SPLOST-funded facility.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined DeKalb County public safety leaders, community partners and other County officials on September 3 for the groundbreaking of the new $10.5 million Fire Station No. 5 at 4329 Cowan Rd. in Tucker. The two-story, 14,600-square-foot SPLOST-funded facility will replace the existing station on Lawrenceville Hwy., which was built in 1955 and is one of the oldest fire stations still operating in DeKalb County.
Designed with firefighter health, safety and wellness in mind, the new station will include features that help reduce exposure to contaminants by separating turnout gear and laundry areas from living quarters, along with individual sleeping quarters, a workout room and a multipurpose community space. Commissioner Johnson joined Director of Public Safety Darnell Fullum, Fire Rescue Chief Melvin Carter and other community and County representatives in celebrating the beginning of construction and another investment in DeKalb’s public safety infrastructure.
Blighted Property Demolished at 447 Martindale Court
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson speaks during the September 8 demolition of a blighted property at 447 Martindale Court in Stone Mountain. The property is being cleared as part of efforts to address blight and encourage quality residential development in District 4.
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined DeKalb County representatives on September 8 for the demolition of a blighted residential property at 447 Martindale Court in Stone Mountain. The demolition follows the County’s nuisance-abatement process and represents another step in District 4’s efforts to address deteriorated properties that can negatively affect neighborhood safety and quality of life. Plans for the site include replacing the blighted structure with a quality single-family home, creating an opportunity for renewed residential investment in the community.
$25,000 District 4 Investment Helps DeKalb Graduates Take Their Next Step
From left: Georgia Piedmont Technical College Project Manager Michelle Byrdsong; Deputy Presiding Officer, Super District 7 Commissioner Dr. LaDena Bolton; Georgia Piedmont Technical College President Dr. Tavarez Holston; and District 4 Chief of Staff Alesia Brooks.
A $25,000 District 4 investment in Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s 2026 Hustle for Higher Education Grant is helping recent DeKalb County graduates move from high school into college and career training with fewer financial barriers standing in the way.
More than 400 graduating seniors participated in the Hustle for Higher Education event, which connected students with career pathways, postsecondary education opportunities and workforce-focused programs. Through Commissioner Chakira Johnson’s District 4 allocation, students from Clarkston, Stephenson and Stone Mountain high schools have received direct support to help make that next step possible.
To date, eight students have received tuition hardship grants totaling $11,912, helping cover unmet costs that could otherwise have delayed enrollment. An additional 28 students received $275 bookstore vouchers totaling $7,700 to help purchase required textbooks and instructional supplies.
The initiative is designed to help students begin building toward high-demand, high-wage careers sooner by reducing some of the financial obstacles that can make the transition from high school to postsecondary education more difficult.
Georgia Piedmont Technical College has already scheduled the next Hustle for Higher Education event for March 25, 2027, continuing the effort to connect DeKalb graduates with education, training and economic opportunity.
Commissioner Johnson to Join Stone Mountain Ambassadors for “A Year in Review”
Presiding Officer Chakira Johnson will join the City of Stone Mountain’s Ambassadors meeting as guest speaker.
📆Wednesday, September 30
⏰6:30 pm
📍Stone Mountain City Hall, 875 Main Street
During her presentation, “A Year in Review,” Commissioner Johnson will share an update with attendees while returning to a community where she has a long history 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 Historic Society, Stone Mountain Community Garden and ART Station board.
Continuing the Conversation on Memorial Drive Revitalization
Efforts to support the revitalization of Memorial Drive continue following a recent gathering of business and property owners along the corridor with DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Presiding Officer Chakira Johnson to discuss the area’s future.
The discussions provided an opportunity to hear directly from those who live, work, invest and do business along Memorial Drive and explore the opportunities and challenges shaping continued redevelopment of the corridor.
Commissioner Johnson remains committed to advancing efforts that strengthen Memorial Drive, encourage thoughtful investment and help create a more vibrant, welcoming corridor for residents, businesses and visitors.
Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson Makes History in Statewide Judicial Leadership
DeKalb County Superior Court Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson has been elected Secretary/Treasurer of the Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia, becoming the first African American woman to hold the position. Judge Dear Jackson was elected during the Council’s Summer Meeting in July, marking a historic milestone in Georgia’s judiciary.
Since joining the DeKalb Judicial Circuit in 2018, Judge Dear Jackson has built a record of leadership focused on judicial excellence, effective court administration, innovation and community service. Her election to the statewide leadership role recognizes both her individual accomplishments and her commitment to strengthening Georgia’s judicial system and advancing the administration of justice.
In reflecting on the honor, Judge Dear Jackson emphasized service, opportunity and the responsibility to leave the judiciary stronger for those who follow. As Secretary/Treasurer, she will help support the Council’s work providing leadership to Georgia’s Superior Court judges and addressing issues affecting the administration of justice statewide.
I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Judge Dear Jackson. I first met Judge Dear Jackson as a council member in Stone Mountain when we appointed her as one of our municipal court judges. It has been a pleasure to watch her continued growth and I know she will be up to the task of this new role.
Congratulations my friend!
Terry G. Phillips Appointed as County Attorney
Congratulations to Terry G. Phillips on his appointment as DeKalb County Attorney. Appointed by CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and confirmed by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, Phillips will lead the County’s Law Department and provide legal counsel to DeKalb’s governing authority, elected and appointed officials, departments, boards and employees. I anticipate County Attorney Phillips will continue to provide sound legal opinion and direction for DeKalb County Governing Authority.
Phillips brings more than three decades of legal experience and institutional knowledge to the role. Since joining DeKalb County in 1998, he has served in numerous legal and leadership positions, including Deputy County Attorney, Police Senior Staff Attorney, Court Administrator and Judge Pro Hac Vice in Recorder’s Court, and Assistant Director of Purchasing, Contracting and Legal Affairs. His work has touched issues ranging from elections and public safety to procurement, SPLOST, blight remediation, public works and open government.
A Southwest DeKalb High School graduate and longtime DeKalb resident, Phillips has also served as president of both the DeKalb Bar Association and DeKalb Lawyers Association and is a graduate of Leadership DeKalb. Commissioner Johnson joins County leaders in congratulating him as he begins this new chapter of service to DeKalb County.
Melanie Hammet Elected Chair of DeKalb Arts Council
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson congratulates former Pine Lake Mayor Melanie Hammet on her election as Chair of the DeKalb Arts Council. Hammet, Commissioner Johnson’s District 4 appointee to the Council, brings years of experience in civic leadership, the arts and community engagement to the role.
The newly reestablished DeKalb Arts Council works to strengthen collaboration among County government, artists, cultural organizations, residents, businesses and educational partners while supporting public arts and cultural opportunities throughout DeKalb. Hammet has already begun exploring ways to elevate local artists and expand their visibility, including ideas focused on highlighting creative talent within District 4.
DeKalb County Women’s Commission Names Inaugural Leadership
The DeKalb County Women’s Commission has named its inaugural officers, marking another milestone for the newly established body. During an Aug. 26 special called meeting, Gabrielle Rogers was elected Chair, Victoria Anglin was elected Vice Chair and London Hornsby was named Secretary. The 21-member commission includes representatives appointed by DeKalb County leaders, municipalities and community organizations, including Stephanie Fleming, who serves in Post 4 as Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson’s appointee.
Established in December 2025, the Women’s Commission was created to advise County leadership on issues affecting the wellbeing and advancement of women in DeKalb and to promote equity, opportunity and advocacy. Its first community initiative will focus on countywide voter registration, followed by an inaugural reception on November 12 to introduce the commission and share its priorities for 2027.
