DeKalb CEO rolls out ‘Clean Streets, Safe Spaces’ push — new programs for mowing, litter, compost, rain barrels and community partnerships

DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran Johnson, joined by Sanitation Director Tracy Hutchinson, Code Compliance Deputy Director Timothy Hardy and Chief Operating Officer Zach Williams, used a public town‑hall on June 3 to present a coordinated “Clean Streets, Safe Spaces” program that the county plans to deploy across unincorporated areas.

"Clean and safe communities are the foundation of strong neighborhoods," Johnson said in opening remarks, framing the briefing as part of a broader push to reduce blight and speed remediation of problem properties. She announced new tools, a pledge to streamline response times and a promise to improve public transparency about complaints and remediation work.

Sanitation Director Tracy Hutchinson described the department’s operational calendar and programs: right‑of‑way mowing (April–November), a residential mediation/abatement list for county‑owned properties, 52‑week litter removal efforts, curb‑bumping (detail edging and cleanup) crews and an Adopt‑a‑Road/Stop program to register volunteer groups for repeat cleanups. Hutchinson said the county maintains several hundred abated parcels and that liens are placed on properties for county mowing or maintenance costs when owners do not comply.

Hutchinson introduced a county rain‑barrel workshop (scheduled, registration forthcoming) and explained how residents can access free compost at four county locations or request bulk delivery (fee applies for deliveries above a 10‑cubic‑yard minimum). She also described upgrades to curbside recycling carts (a larger 45‑gallon recycling cart replacing a previous 35‑gallon model) and noted limits on curbside glass recycling, directing residents to specialized drop‑off facilities.

Deputy Director Timothy Hardy reviewed code‑compliance priorities and enforcement processes. He emphasized the department’s multifaceted inspections — hotel/motel sweeps, multifamily interior and exterior inspections, nuisance abatement and a commercial quarters enforcement unit that performs coordinated sweeps with police, fire and health departments. Hardy described the in‑rem nuisance abatement process, noting that files referred to the law department require title searches and notices and can take months to reach court. He also highlighted the county’s vacant property registration requirement and the international property maintenance code the county adopted that expands emergency measures for unsafe structures.

Chief Operating Officer Zach Williams said the administration is pursuing improved software and case‑tracking systems to reduce delays and make permitting, code enforcement and sanitation data more transparent to residents. He said the county will review enterprise permitting platforms and aim to modernize web and back‑office systems used by code, permits and sanitation staff.

Johnson and department staff emphasized collaboration with residents: sanitation supplies and safety gear are available for volunteer cleanups; Adopt‑a‑Stop and Adopt‑a‑Road partners receive signage and recognition; and the county will run a compost and rain‑barrel program to help residents reduce yard runoff and save on water bills.

Many resident questions focused on enforcement speed and consistency — for example, repeat offenders who receive citations but show no long‑term compliance — and the CEO urged citizens to report specific addresses and follow up with the county’s new beautifydekalbcounty@dekalbcountyga.gov email or the sanitation call center. Johnson said the county will press judges and magistrates for consistent enforcement and noted recent administrative steps to manage costs and hiring while expanding targeted programs.

Why it matters: The announcement packages operations (mowing, litter remediation, curb work) with community engagement and clearer tracking, seeking to reduce visible blight and the “signal” effect that neglected properties can have on crime and investment. The programs mix short‑term remediation and longer‑term systems upgrades.

What’s next: A rain‑barrel workshop, compost distribution and a community beautification/grant program are scheduled; the county will announce registration details and roll out new tracking software and a public‑facing case‑status system in coming months. Residents were asked to report problem addresses for prioritized follow‑up.