April 15 Town Hall: DeKalb Commissioners Cochran-Johnson, Terry to host State of Economic Development

DECATUR, GA–DeKalb County Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry are inviting the community to attend a special town hall designed to share with residents the current economic development landscape in DeKalb.

The DeKalb County State of Economic Development Town Hall will take place Saturday, April 15, 9 a.m. (doors open at 8 a.m. for registration and light breakfast) at the South DeKalb Senior Center, 1931 Candler Road, Decatur. Attendees will hear from experts who are at the forefront of the county’s short and long-range plans for growth and development.

“One of my ongoing District 7 priorities has always been to assist in improving the economic well-being of DeKalb County’s residents,” said Commissioner Cochran-Johnson. “A robust strategy for economic growth will support tax base enhancements and the creation of jobs. I encourage all DeKalb County residents to join this conversation to learn about the current projects within all of the commission districts, as well as gain information on DeKalb’s plan for the future.”

Part I of the town hall will focus on updates from the DeKalb County Planning & Sustainability Department regarding how strategic economic growth is charted, as well as the 2050 Unified Plan.

Part II will focus on the revitalization of the Gallery at South DeKalb mall and the proposed initiatives for the Candler Road corridor.

“DeKalb County is growing, changing and, with efforts like the 2050 Unified Plan, updating for our modern age,” Commissioner Terry said. “As our infrastructure and economy grow, we want our citizens involved at every level, learning and collaborating with us on our county’s bright future. I’m excited to share more about DeKalb’s robust plans for economic growth with such an esteemed panel of leaders.”

A light breakfast and fresh brewed coffee will be served as attendees hear from the following professionals:

• James Burge, long-range planner for the DeKalb County Planning & Sustainability Department
• Eric Clarkson, economic development specialist for The Pendleton Group
• Jim Coleman, director of redevelopment and government relations at Mason Asset Management
• Dorian DeBarr, president of Decide DeKalb Development Authority
• Ryan Gravel, urban designer at Six Pitch
• Dr. Aaron Kimble, special projects manager for the DeKalb County Planning & Sustainability Department
• Stephen Macauley, president of Macauley Investments, LLC
• Carrie Rocha, interim chief capital officer of Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority
• Sylvia Smith, planning manager for the DeKalb County Planning & Sustainability Department
• Larry Washington, planning administrator for the DeKalb County Planning & Sustainability Department

Other topics to be discussed during the State of Economic Development Town Hall include site specific mixed-use development plan, economic development tools supporting growth, gentrification and the changing demographics of DeKalb County. 

Interested individuals should register at https://dekalbstateofeconomicdevelopment.eventbrite.com.