Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA—Mayor Andre Dickens has appointed Vanessa Manley to serve as Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services. In this role, Manley will lead a dedicated group of public servants who are on the front lines of community engagement, meeting residents where they are to address the street-level needs of all of Atlanta’s communities. Among several priority initiatives overseen by this office: the Mayor’s Housing Help Center, Midnight Basketball and other non-policing activities to address the root causes of crime, marquee events for legacy residents including the Mayor’s Senior Ball and the Community Engagement Team whose dedicated mission is to strengthen…

STONE MOUNTAIN—You’re invited to a night of fun, food and fellowship. Voices of Faith Church is hosting its annual Festival of Trees on Friday, Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m., at its Stone Mountain campus located at 2500 Rockbridge Road S.W. The free event features decorated stations located throughout the building, with food, sweets and other treats, activities and prizes for the annual Ugly Sweater Contest, as well as recognition for the ministries that earn the top votes for the best decorated stations. 

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – DeKalb County Commissioner Ted Terry is inviting the public to attend a town hall on Wednesday, Dec.10, 6 p.m., at the Porter Sanford Auditorium, 3181 Rainbow Drive. Terry wants to hear community feedback on new data center regulations that are coming up for a vote before the DeKalb County Commission on Dec. 16.  “Many of my constituents are completely against building any data centers in DeKalb, and I’ve heard them,” said Terry, “but if the county doesn’t have any laws in place, it allows developers to build practically anything they want, anywhere.” “Strict regulations are so important in the process…

DECATUR, GA– Due to forecasted freezing temperatures, DeKalb County will open the following warming centers for residents beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 10 – Dec.11, 2025: Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road SE, Atlanta • St. Vincent de Paul, 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Road, Chamblee • Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur • Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur All transportation routes originate from Frontline Response Headquarters (2585 Gresham Road SE, Atlanta) and are scheduled for initial pickups to be completed by 7:30 p.m. Following the initial routes, final sweeps will continue from 7:30 p.m. until 10 p.m., ending promptly at 10 p.m. During…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) is asking for the community’s help in keeping neighbors in need warm this winter. DKPD is holding its annual winter clothing drive on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Police Headquarters, 1960 W. Exchange Place, Tucker, GA. The public is invited to drop off new or gently-used winter clothes and shoes for all ages outside the building between 8 a.m. and noon.  “Even the smallest donation can be a big deal for people in DeKalb County. We thank the public for coming together to support our neighbors and spreading warmth this winter,” DKPD…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson is accepting applications for an appointment to the DeKalb County Board of Ethics now through Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025. Application requirements and submission instructions are available online at https://forms.gle/o2MQJSN52hnf148p8. The form must be completed in full and include a current resume. The DeKalb Ethics Board was established in its current form following the passage of HR 1243 in June of 2020.  One board member is appointed by the tax commissioner of DeKalb County. By law, the Ethics Board is completely independent of the DeKalb CEO, Commissioners and any officers or employees…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – The Gwinnett County Opioid Abatement Advisory Committee invites residents, healthcare professionals and community leaders to attend one of two upcoming town halls addressing the resources available to those impacted by opioid addiction.  The town halls will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 9, and Thursday, Dec. 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Innovation Square, t446 West Crogan Street in Lawrenceville. The sessions will provide an open forum for attendees to share their experiences, challenges and recommendations related to prevention, treatment and recovery in Gwinnett County.  Community feedback during the town halls will play a vital role…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale County and the City of Conyers and other community partners are hosting a coat drive uo assist those in need this winter.  Rockdale Commissioner Doreen Williams and City Council member Sherri Washington have teamed up to host the event, which runs through Dec. 20. Those who would like to contribute new or gently-used coats, scarves, and hats for adults and children may drop the items off at the Rockdale County Administration building or Conyers City Hall. Your donations are appreciated. For more information, email Catrina.r.carter@rockdalecountyga.gov. 

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – DeKalb County Government will convene the first meeting of its newly-formed SPLOST Review Committee on Thursday, Dec.11, 6 to 7:30 p.m., 178 Sams Street in Decatur. This meeting marks  a significant step in strengthening public oversight, transparency, and accountability in the administration of the County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) program, DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson announced in her December online newsletter. Meeting topics will include:  • Understanding the SPLOST Program  • Overview of SPLOST II  • Review of adopted broad category spending priorities • SPLOST Review Committee roles and responsibilities  • Establishment…

STONECREST, GA — New Birth Missionary Baptist Church will host World AIDS + HIV Awareness Sunday on Dec. 7 at 9:30 a.m. The church is partnering with Healthy MD and others to provide free HIV testing, wellness screenings, take-home testing kits, and onsite education.  Led by the New Birth Health Ministry, the event addresses the urgent and ongoing HIV epidemic that continues to disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities across Georgia and the United States. “Our responsibility as a church is to help protect the whole person,” said Jamal Bryant, Senior Pastor of New Birth. “Far too many of our brothers and sisters…