Chief Development Officer Jacob Vallo and Chief Housing Officer Alan Ferguson from DeKalb County join Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss how DeKalb County is investing in housing and economic development that will boost the lives of its residents.

How is DeKalb County shifting its focus toward housing and economic development?

Under the leadership of CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson, DeKalb County is experiencing a strategic reinvestment phase. With 13 municipalities and several unincorporated areas, she recognized the need for a sharper focus on housing and development.

The county has significant opportunities connected to public investment in infrastructure, remediation and other improvements, and those investments often pave the way for private development.

Ferguson said, “Whenever there’s public investment, that’s a predecessor for private investment.”

From the housing perspective, the priority is to ensure that new residential projects, whether for rent or for sale, incorporate attainable housing and add to the workforce by leveraging every available tool and resource.

What housing and economic development programs is DeKalb County involved in?

DeKalb County already has strong players on the field: a successful Housing Authority and Decide DeKalb, the county’s economic development agency. Through these initiatives, Ferguson and Vallo work together to align resources and ensure common goals are met. In their first year with DeKalb County, they have already accomplished so much. Some major highlights include:

• Tackling long-delayed water and sewer upgrades, supported by a $425 million bond issuance.
• Partnering with Grady Memorial Hospital on a third health clinic to better serve residents.
• Finalizing a master transit plan to prioritize new connections across the county.
• Launching an $8 million housing initiative to help families transition out of extended-stay motels.
• Envisioning a mixed-use redevelopment at 4380 Memorial, a 24-acre site with room for affordable housing and county services.

Ferguson said, “What it really boils down to is three Cs: connection, capacity and creation.”

What is on the horizon for DeKalb County residents?

Vallo said, “If you can’t see the whole chessboard, it’s kind of hard to be strategic about your work.”

DeKalb County recently unveiled a comprehensive housing plan designed to give industry leaders and policymakers a clear picture of local housing demand and the types of products most needed. The plan highlights where county officials are more supportive of higher-density development and where single-family homes remain the preferred option. Officially set to launch in October, the initiative will guide future housing decisions across the county.

Ferguson said, “It’s going to provide direction for outside partners, as well as it’s going to provide a document that’s going to drive how we invest the county’s time and resources towards making things happen.”

Ferguson explains that DeKalb County is “on the cusp of beginning its zoning rewrite,” a process that will introduce new “missing middle” housing options for residents. With demand for attainable housing on the rise, the county aims to expand its housing inventory while avoiding the burden of excessive costs.

With a broader view and a shared commitment, DeKalb County is investing in housing and economic development as the foundation for a stronger future. Tune into the full episode to learn more about DeKalb County and visit www.DeKalbCountyGA.gov.

About DeKalb County

Located in the metro Atlanta area, DeKalb County is Georgia’s fourth most populous county with more than 764,000 residents. Cities such as Brookhaven, Decatur, Dunwoody and Stonecrest are entirely contained within the county. Notable attractions in DeKalb County include Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the Michael C. Carlos Museum and the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Esteemed universities, Agnes Scott College, Emory University and Oglethorpe University, are also found in DeKalb County.

Podcast Thanks

Thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006 and podcasting since 2011. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will suit your needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.

About Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio

Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it. Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio was recently honored on FeedSpot’s Top 100 Atlanta Podcasts, ranking 16th overall and number one out of all ranked real estate podcasts.