What is the DeKalb Community Academy?

    The DeKalb Community Academy is an initiative aimed at empowering communities and fostering partnerships through education on policy, zoning, land-use, and other planning-related matters. Our goal is to advance the vision of a livable, equitable, sustainable, beautiful, and prosperous DeKalb County. The Academy will eventually serve 18 neighborhood districts in total through a series of trainings and educational resources. 

    What is Community 101?

    The “Community 101” program is a newly launched training under the DeKalb Community Academy and is designed to provide tailored training to residents in unincorporated DeKalb County, equipping them with essential knowledge about the services offered by the DeKalb County Planning & Sustainability Department.

    Additionally, the goal of the training is to serve as an empowerment tool for citizens interested in being actively engaged in the planning process of their communities. 

    Who is the target audience for this initiative?

    The DeKalb Community Academy aims to provide education to all unincorporated DeKalb County citizens. DeKalb County residents within incorporated cities are welcome to participate, however these cities have different planning processes and some information may not be relevant to your community. 

    What is Long Range Planning?

    The Long-Range Planning Division's primary purpose is to support the County's Strategic Priorities by developing and maintaining sustainable neighborhoods and communities. The Division is responsible for the development of policy recommendations and services to guide the county's growth, while preserving the quality of life for its citizens and stakeholders.

    What is Current Planning?

    The Current Planning Division helps implement the plans of the County by administering the zoning regulations in a range of capacities: reviewing and making recommendations on zoning and subdivision applications; facilitating public hearings of the Board of Commissioners, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Historic Preservation Commission; providing technical assistance to Community Councils; and responding to requests for information from citizens, professionals, and elected officials.