Feb. 17 was a historic day in DeKalb County. Community members, elected officials and business leaders met with the Atlanta Business League to discuss a new vision for south DeKalb’s economic future.
We stood together, united by the desire to uplift south DeKalb and re-create a hub of economic prosperity. A sense of empowerment filled the room and gave rise to the next wave of economic development discussions in South DeKalb: the Renaissance Initiative 2.0.
Years ago, I created the Renaissance Initiative to address the need for economic development in south DeKalb. The East Metro DeKalb Community Improvement District is a great example of linking, leveraging and empowering. It consists of 203 property owners and represents more than 400 parcels of commercial and industrial property valued at more than $146 million.
This district includes Gresham Road towards the west, Covington Highway by the north, Turner Hill on the east and Flat Shoals Parkway towards the south. This self-taxing district uses additional property tax dollars generated from private, non-exempt commercial properties for beautification, infrastructure and public safety improvements.
In addition to CIDs, we use overlay districts to shape economic development. Overlay districts change existing zoning to address community needs. We have designed an overlay district along I-20 that will create transit-oriented development.
While CIDs and overlay districts are important, there are other tools south DeKalb can use to secure an economically prosperous future. This includes the development of an inland port, and greater development of STEM education and STEM-related infrastructure to meet a growing need within the labor market.
I would also like to strengthen our bond with academic institutions moving to the area. Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s Small Business Incubator on Wesley Chapel Road, and Georgia State University as it merges with Georgia Perimeter College in Panthersville, are two examples of these partnerships.
Transit and major highways make south DeKalb highly valuable. We are nestled between I-20, I-285 and I-675, only 15 minutes from the world’s busiest airport, and we have access to public transportation. MARTA is working with us on a sweeping plan for the I-20 corridor, with a feasibility study forthcoming.
DeKalb also is Georgia’s most culturally diverse county with more than 64 spoken languages, and it is home to the nation’s second most-affluent African-American population.
Let there be no mistake: DeKalb County, and south DeKalb in particular, are economically viable and rich with resources. We are rich in assets, but we are also rich in spirit. By coming together as one, we will shape the economic trajectory of the region in a phenomenal way.
Think of this new season as a reawakening of all we know to be wonderful and true about south DeKalb. Be prepared, Renaissance 2.0 is upon us.
DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson represents District 3.
