Since taking office at the beginning of 2017, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond has made fighting blight around the county a top priority. The Board of Commissioners approved $3.8 million in reallocated funds for a multi-departmental effort that has been underway, and now the county is encouraging citizens to join the blight fight.

So far in 2017, DeKalb County employees have removed more than 5,600 tons of debris, illegally dumped material and litter from more than 3,500 miles of roadway. More than 20 illegal dumping sites have been cleared and barricaded. By the end of the year, DeKalb will have addressed more than 80 dilapidated properties, either demolishing or removing vegetation and securing the property.

“DeKalb employees have made tremendous progress toward improving the health and safety of county roads and neighborhoods,” said CEO Thurmond. “This is not a task we can accomplish alone; we need citizens, businesses, and civic and church groups to show pride in their communities and get involved in eliminating litter and illegal dumping.”

DeKalb County citizens can learn more about participation in beautification efforts through Keep DeKalb Beautiful. The division offers resources to support and maintain clean and sustainable communities. To learn more about activities and participation, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/kdb, email [email protected] or call 404-294-2010.