Improving Walkability, Memorial Drive Infrastructure, Support for Unhoused & Federal Budget Cuts

In this episode of Chakira’s Corner, Commissioner Chakira Johnson shares critical updates on funding proposals to support sidewalk construction along Mountain View Drive and other key infrastructure initiatives in District 4. She discusses mid-year budget requests, including $500,000 toward the SPLOST project, and how these investments aim to improve pedestrian safety and long-term mobility in the area. Commissioner Johnson also explains her efforts to secure general fund support for the Community Development and Beautification Departments to better serve DeKalb’s unhoused population.

Other topics include upcoming plans for mid-block crosswalks on Memorial Drive, highlights from the July 19 Community Connections Breakfast, and how the county is preparing for potential reductions in federal funding. Other topics addressed include the importance of wraparound services for the unhoused, public engagement, and maintaining momentum on revitalization efforts across DeKalb.

Featured Resources: • SPLOST Overview: https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/splost • Email: [e-mail] • Social & Updates: https://linktr.ee/commissionerchakira

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners More info: https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/board-commissioners

Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & OverviewCarrie Kordys introduces Commissioner Johnson and outlines topics including sidewalk safety, housing, and community development.

02:45 – SPLOST Proposal for Mountain View DriveCommissioner Johnson explains her $500K budget request for sidewalks on a high-traffic, low-shoulder stretch of road near Stone Mountain.

04:53 – Sidewalk Construction TimelineDetails on the design, permitting, and property engagement process, and why these projects take time to implement.

06:44 – Streetlight Installation for SafetyUpdates on recent safety improvements with help from Georgia Power and the DeKalb SPLOST team.

08:18 – Memorial Drive Mid-Block Crosswalk PlansHow proposed crosswalks will support safer pedestrian movement and link two of District 4’s focus areas.

09:36 – $250K for Community Development & BeautificationBreakdown of two funding requests: one to provide general fund support for services for unhoused residents, and one to clean up encampments post-transition.

13:41 – The Role of Wraparound ServicesWhy federal funding is too restrictive and why local support is crucial for job training, behavioral health, and housing stability.

16:31 – Federal Funding UncertaintyCommissioner Johnson discusses the importance of planning with the possibility of cutback of future federal funding.

19:50 – Community Connections Breakfast RecapHighlights from the July 19 breakfast, featuring Code Enforcement and Economic Development updates, and strong community turnout.

22:43 – Quarterly Meetings as Community CompassWhy Commissioner Johnson continues her predecessor’s tradition of open forums and how community feedback shapes district priorities.

24:45 – Contact Info & Staying ConnectedHow to reach Commissioner Johnson via email or social media, and a teaser for upcoming podcast episodes.