Listen "June 2025"
Episode Synopsis
Chakira’s Corner. A podcast where DeKalb County, Georgia, District 4’s Commissioner Chakira Johnson discusses Board of Commissioners meeting outcomes and community news with District 4’s Communications Specialist, Carrie.In this episode of Chakira’s Corner, Commissioner Johnson shares updates on the proposed millage rate, a delayed water rate increase, and ongoing infrastructure improvements like sidewalk installations, new lighting, and DeKalb’s first striping machine. She also highlights the county’s $19 million purchase of 4380 Memorial Drive, the launch of the Urban Redevelopment Agency, and what these moves mean for long-term revitalization in District 4. Other topics include recent grocery and pharmacy closures, the importance of supporting local businesses, a recap of Chakira’s Cookout, and a preview of the July 19 Community Connection Breakfast.Featured Resources:• Tax Commissioner Website: https://dekalbtax.org • Press Release: $20.63M Property Tax Relief https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/news/d... • Press Release: Water Rate Increase Timeline Update https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/news/d... • Press Release: DeKalb CARES Plumbing Repair Assistance https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/news/d... • SPLOST Resurfacing Map: https://bit.ly/SPLOSTResurfacing • Report a Pothole: https://bit.ly/ReportADeKalbPothole • Crime Reports (Track Local Crime): https://crimemapping.com • Memorial Drive Exhibit (Opens July 25): https://dekalbhistory.org/exhibits/me... • Memorial Drive Corridor Interactive Plan: https://bit.ly/MDCRevitalizationInter... • Email: [email protected] • Social & Updates: https://linktr.ee/commissionerchakira🗓 DeKalb County Board of CommissionersRegular meetings held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. More info: https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/board-...Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Episode OverviewCommissioner Johnson previews the topics covered in this episode, including property taxes, water rates, Memorial Drive redevelopment, and community events.1:40 – Understanding the Millage RateA breakdown of what the millage rate means for homeowners, why the county must advertise a tax increase even when rates remain flat, and how to appeal assessments.6:00 – Water Rate Increase DelayedThe county has temporarily paused the 10-by-10 water rate hike to ensure a third-party advocacy group is in place to help residents with billing concerns.9:30 – Infrastructure & Safety ProjectsUpdates on the planned roundabout at Bermuda and Stewart Mill, lighting on Mountain View Drive, sidewalk efforts, and DeKalb’s new striping machine to improve road safety.17:30 – Why Potholes Reappear After RepavingCommissioner Johnson explains the engineering reasons potholes come back—even on newly repaved roads—and what the county is doing to address the root causes.22:30 – Urban Redevelopment Agency & Land PurchaseDetails on DeKalb County’s $19M acquisition of 4380 Memorial Drive and how it fits into long-term redevelopment plans for District 4.27:30 – Food Deserts & Local Business ImpactDiscussion of recent Kroger and pharmacy closures, how they affect District 4 residents, and what the county is doing to attract new options while encouraging support for local businesses.35:30 – Memorial Drive Exhibit & Cultural HistoryA preview of the upcoming DeKalb History Center exhibit on Memorial Drive, celebrating the community’s rich history and diversity.37:10 – Chakira’s Cookout: Back-to-School Event RecapHighlights from the June 28 event, including school supplies, food, free haircuts, music, and community services—all with strong local turnout.41:10 – Community Connection Breakfast PreviewDetails on the July 19 breakfast with guest speakers from Code Enforcement and Economic Development, including updates on revitalization efforts.43:00 – Contact Info & How to Stay ConnectedHow to email and follow Commissioner Johnson.
More episodes of the podcast Chakira's Corner: DeKalb County District 4 Updates
Small Business, Zoning, Permitting & Growth in DeKalb County with Juliana Njoku | Chakira's Corner
02/12/2025
New Police Technology & Community Trust with DeKalb Police Chief Greg Padrick | Chakira’s Corner
04/11/2025
DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson on Housing, Real-Time Crime Center, Water Billing, and More
07/10/2025
Improving Walkability, Memorial Drive Infrastructure, Support for Unhoused & Federal Budget Cuts
07/08/2025
May 2025
19/06/2025
April 2025
06/06/2025
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