Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA– Hundreds of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders gathered yesterday at the Emory Conference Center Hotel for the DeKalb County Small Business Summit, a tradition launched by CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson during her tenure as District 7 Commissioner and continued this year in her first term as CEO.  Over the past four years, the summit has become a cornerstone event for advancing economic development in DeKalb, equipping small businesses with the tools, training, and connections needed to thrive. Co-hosted by the Decide DeKalb Development Authority and the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce, this year’s summit was held under the theme “Navigating Small Businesses During Uncertain…

The DeKalb County Board of Education will hold the following meetings on Monday, September 8, 2025. The board meeting is in-person and will be held in the J. David Williamson Board Room, Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083.  11:30 a.m.  Board Meeting                     Executive Session for the purpose of discussing permitted matters.                     Work Session & Business Meeting  5:45 p.m.    Community Input Session The meeting agenda is attached and can be accessed online by going to: www.dekalbschoolsga.org, click on Leadership, go to Simbli (formally known as eBoard) Home Page and click on the date for the meeting agenda/information.  The meeting can be viewed…

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) awarded a total of 44 projects valued at approximately $201.8 million at the monthly State Transportation Board meeting held in July. The largest single investment construction project, valued at approximately $49.5 million, proposes to widen and reconstruct 8.443 miles of US 441/State Route (SR) 89 beginning at Orange Street and extending north of SR 122 in Clinch County. This contract and eight other construction projects total approximately $102.9 million and represent 51 percent of the total funds awarded. The largest resurfacing contract, valued at approximately $8.2 million, will mill, inlay and plant mix resurface 5.080 miles on US 78/SR 410…

UPDATED: Sept. 3, 2025 CONYERS, GA—Conyers voters will have a chance to elect a new City Council member for the District 2, Post 2 seat vacated by Connie Alsobrook, who stepped down to run for mayor and is facing Brad Smith in the two-way race.  Candidates will have only three days to qualify for the special election—Sept. 3-5—and pay the $252 qualifying fee.  Qualifying will be held at City Hall, 901 O’Kelly St., Conyers. Alsobrook qualified on Aug. 21 to run for mayor. She was elected in 2023 to a second four-year term on the council, which would have ended…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Planning & Sustainability Department announces the debut of the World Planning Day Middle School Art Contest. The contest invites students enrolled in DeKalb County Middle Schools to illustrate the future of their community and bring a global perspective to a creative goal. Contest Guidelines: Open to all DeKalb County Middle School Students (Grades 6-8). Artwork must be two-dimensional and no greater than 11″ x 16″. Artwork should be focused on topics such as community, sustainability, beautification, transportation, etc., while answering the question “What does community look like to you?” Theme: Think Global, Plan Local Deadline for…

DECATUR, GA—The DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections meeting for the purpose of conducting its normal monthly business will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. This meeting will be conducted in person at 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, Decatur, Georgia 30032 and is open to the public. Public comments may be made in person or submitted by sending an email of one printed page or less at a minimum font of 12 to electionspubliccmnt@dekalbcountyga.gov, which must be received between 35 and 5 minutes before the scheduled start of the meeting. The body of your email must…

GWINNETT COUNTY GA— The Atlanta International Night Market (AINM), https://atlnightmarket.org/, is returning to the City of Lawrenceville Sept. 12-13 with free admission.   The event, in its fifth year in Lawrenceville, will feature more than 80 vendors representing food and crafts from around the world as well as cultural performances. There also will be an International Village hosting non-profits representing various regions and a K-Pop zone as well. The international night market combines cultures from Latin America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas and has been held in various cities in the metro Atlanta area. AINM is ranked 3rd in USA Today’sReader’s Choice…

CONYERS GA—The Georgia International Horse Park (GIHP) is pleased to announce that Country Inn & Suites in Conyers News release: Country Inn & Suites is newest GIHP partner has joined as a Medalist Sponsor, further strengthening the partnership between the hospitality industry and one of the region’s premier event venues. For nearly 20 years, Country Inn & Suites Conyers has served as a trusted choice for both business and leisure travelers, providing welcoming accommodations and exceptional service. Locally owned and operated, the hotel is proud to relaunch its property and reaffirm its commitment to supporting the community through this new…