Economic Development

Economic development is critical to healthy, thriving communities. Economic development encompasses business recruitment, economic well-being, and the quality of life of a community. It embodies the physical, economic, environmental, social and demographics of our communities and does not simply occur – it is planned. In certain parts of Central and South DeKalb, we have seen an exodus of small businesses in once thriving communities. As CEO, I will create an environment that facilitates business and actively engages economic development partners to do business in DeKalb through proper policies and processes – I will ensure efficiency in Planning and Sustainability, ease of permitting, and continue important infrastructure enhancements to create a landscape of success. 

I will increase funding to key partners to expand their efforts to recruit internationally and domestically. I will be strategic about creating character and a sense of place as I grow DeKalb. In South Dekalb along Candler Road and Central DeKalb along Memorial Drive, continued and strategic development efforts are needed. As CEO, I will initiate strategic development projects that will jump-start revitalization and economic develop using a variety of tools including tax abatements, Public Private Partnerships (P3s), Tax Allocation Districts (TADs), Opportunity Zones, HUD-CDBG funding opportunities, and Historically Underserved Business Zones (HUB Zones) and custom incentives.