Support Affordable Housing Policies in DeKalb
Last year, Commissioner Michelle Long Spears proposed reducing the minimum home size from 1,800 and 1,600 square feet to 1,400 square feet. This simple change could significantly increase affordable housing options, saving up to $30,000 per home.
That difference could mean more families achieving homeownership in DeKalb.
Smaller homes provide:
- ✅ Affordability: Helping first-time buyers, families, and older adults looking to downsize.
- ✅ Sustainability: Reducing the environmental impact.
- ✅ Community Diversity: Attracting a range of residents.
- ✅ Efficiency: Lower costs and time for Habitat to build homes.
Copy the letter below, click on your commissioner’s email, paste and fill in the appropriate information that’s [bolded]. Or call and speak with your commissioner directly.
Commissioner Contacts
- Dist. 1: Robert Patrick:
- [email protected]
- 404-371-2844
- Dist. 2: Michelle Long-Spears:
- [email protected]
- 404-371-2863
- Dist. 3: Nicole Massiah:
- [email protected]
- 404-371- 2425
- Dist. 4: Chakira Johnson:
- [email protected]
- 404-371-4907
- Dist. 5: Mereda Johnson:
- [email protected]
- 404-371-2159
- Super Dist. 6: Ted Terry:
- [email protected]
- 404-371-4909
- Super Dist. 7: LaDena Bolton
- [email protected]
- 404-371-2899
- CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson:
Not sure who your commissioner is? Use this search tool to find out.
[Date]
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
The Honorable [Official’s Name]
DeKalb County Board of Commissioners
1300 Commerce Drive
Decatur, GA 30030
Dear Commissioner [Official’s Last Name],
As a resident of DeKalb County, I strongly support the proposed housing policy changes being considered by the Planning, Economic Development, and Community Services (PECS) Committee of the DeKalb County Commission. These measures—reducing the minimum home size in R-75 and R-85zoning districts, establishing an Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and creating a DeKalb County Land Trust—are vital for strengthening our local economy, improving neighborhood stability, and ensuring that DeKalb remains a great place to live and work.
The rising cost of housing is pushing many families out of our communities and making it harder for young professionals, seniors, and hardworking residents to find homes and housing options that they can afford. These proposed policies offer real solutions that will allow DeKalb County to grow responsibly while protecting and enhancing our neighborhoods:
- Allowing for More Housing Choices: Reducing the minimum required home size will provide a greater variety of housing options for individuals and families at different life stages. This will help attract new homeowners, support long-time residents looking to renovate older homes, and create a more inclusive housing market that meets the needs of our diverse community.
- Investing in Affordable Housing: Establishing an Affordable Housing Trust Fund will provide dedicated resources to ensure that DeKalb residents—especially those earning more modest incomes—have access to safe, quality, and affordable housing. Investing in housing affordability will help keep our workforce in DeKalb, contribute to the county’s long-term economic growth, and help prevent homelessness.
- Creating a Land Trust for Lasting Affordability: A DeKalb County Land Trust will help prevent displacement, keep home prices within reach for local families, and create a pipeline for stable, long-term homeownership. A thriving community depends on residents’ ability to put down roots and build wealth through homeownership.
A strong and diverse housing market benefits everyone by attracting new businesses, supporting local schools, and increasing property values. I urge you to support these initiatives and make affordable housing and economic opportunity a priority for our county. Thank you for your leadership and dedication to making DeKalb County its best.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]