If you’ve driven down Memorial Drive lately or tried to navigate the school drop-off line in Decatur, you know DeKalb is changing. Fast. Between the frantic pace of new developments and the constant buzz of local politics, keeping up with DeKalb County Georgia news can feel like a full-time job.
Honestly, it’s a weird time for the county. We’re sitting at the start of 2026, and the air is thick with a mix of "new year, new me" energy and the looming shadow of a massive election cycle. It's not just about who’s in charge; it’s about how the county handles its growing pains. From the Board of Education’s leadership shuffle to the reality of a housing market that refuses to cool down, there is a lot to unpack.
The School Board Shuffles the Deck
Just this week, the DeKalb County Board of Education made a major move that caught some people off guard. On January 12, 2026, the board elected Allyson Gevertz as the new chair and Awet Eyasu as vice chair.
Gevertz isn't new to this—she’s a former school psychologist and has been on the board for eight years. But her leadership comes at a pivotal moment. The district is currently pushing a heavy legislative agenda, basically begging the General Assembly to fix the QBE (Quality Basic Education) funding formula. They’re arguing that the current state math doesn't account for the actual cost of gas for buses or the crushing impact of poverty on student performance.
More Play, Less Stress?
One bit of news that actually made parents smile (for once) is the recess update. By the start of this 2026 term, every elementary school in the district is officially required to provide 30 minutes of daily recess.
Remember last year when some schools tried to cut it down to 15 minutes to squeeze in more literacy time? Yeah, that didn't go over well. Parents revolted, and the district listened. Superintendent Devon Horton basically admitted that kids need a mental break to actually learn anything. It’s a small win, but in the world of DeKalb education, small wins are huge.
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The 2026 Election Cycle is Already Here
You might think it’s too early to talk about voting, but DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections (DeKalb VRE) disagrees. They just dropped the 2026 training schedule for deputy registrars.
Why the rush? Because May 19, 2026, is the General Primary. We aren't just talking about local seats; we’ve got the Governor’s race, U.S. Senate, and three big County Commission districts (2, 3, and 7) on the line. If you want to have a say in how your property taxes are spent or how the police are funded, the registration deadline is April 20.
Voter turnout in DeKalb is always a hot topic. Executive Director Keisha L. Smith is already pushing for more community partners to get trained. They’re doing everything online via Zoom now, which makes it easier to get involved, but the stakes feel higher than ever given the national spotlight on Georgia’s election integrity.
Crime, RICO, and the Fight for Public Trust
It hasn’t all been good news. District Attorney Sherry Boston’s office has been busy cleaning up a mess that’s been brewing for a while.
On January 13, 2026, we saw the final convictions in a RICO case involving the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Four people were caught funneling nearly $200,000 into their own pockets through fake contracts. One of the wildest parts? They charged the state $120,000 for a "ghost" online tool that literally never existed.
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Corey Alston and Quinton Tate were the last to go down, with Alston getting 20 years (three in custody). It’s the kind of story that makes residents roll their eyes at local government, but the fact that they actually got caught and sentenced shows the DA is trying to take a "zero tolerance" stance on public fraud.
Safety on the Streets
Public safety remains a mixed bag. On one hand, the DeKalb Police Department just secured a six-figure H.E.A.T. grant (about $120,779) to crack down on aggressive drivers. If you’ve spent any time on I-285, you know that money is desperately needed.
On the other hand, we’re still seeing violent incidents that rattle quiet neighborhoods. Just this week, police were called to Baynes Hill Circle for a shooting that left one person seriously injured. These aren't just statistics; they’re events happening at apartment complexes and street corners where people live. The county is also grappling with a 60% spike in flu-related 911 calls, which has the emergency response teams stretched thin.
Real Estate: The Intown Squeeze
If you’re waiting for DeKalb house prices to drop before you buy, you might be waiting a long time.
Real estate experts like Jim Getzinger and Brian Woodworth are seeing a weird phenomenon in 2026. Interest rates are hovering in the high 5% to low 6% range, which is "historically great" according to the pros, but inventory is still tight.
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What’s happening in the DeKalb market right now:
- Turnkey is King: Buyers are tired. They don't want "fixer-uppers." Homes that are renovated and ready to move in are seeing bidding wars, while dated properties sit for weeks.
- The $130k Bump: One local seller reportedly put $45,000 into a renovation and saw their list price jump by $130,000. That’s the kind of ROI that’s driving the current market.
- Zoning Overhaul: The county is currently in "Phase 1" of updating its Zoning and Sign Ordinances. They’re trying to align things with the 2050 Unified Plan. If you care about what kind of buildings can go up in your backyard, there’s a virtual open house on January 27, 2026.
Staying Warm and Looking Ahead
We can’t ignore the immediate reality of January in Georgia. It’s cold. DeKalb has activated its warming centers through January 16 at locations like Exchange Park and Mason Mill. If you know someone who needs a place to stay, Frontline Response on Gresham Road is the primary hub for transportation.
Looking at the big picture, DeKalb is in a transition phase. We are moving from a county that felt like a "suburb of Atlanta" to a powerhouse in its own right, with its own complex legal battles and economic identity.
Actionable steps for DeKalb residents:
- Register to Vote: Check your status at DeKalbVotes.com before the April 20 deadline.
- Join the Zoning Talk: Sign up for the virtual open house on January 27 via the "Engage DeKalb" portal to voice your opinion on local development.
- Health Check: With flu-related 911 calls up 60%, health officials are urging residents to use urgent care for non-emergencies to keep the lines open for trauma cases.
- Update Your Home: If you’re planning to sell this spring, focus on the kitchen and bathrooms. Even minor cosmetic updates are currently yielding a massive return in the local market.
The narrative of DeKalb in 2026 is still being written. Whether it’s through the ballot box or the school board meeting, the "news" is really just the result of people finally deciding to show up and pay attention.
Resources and References
- DeKalb County District Attorney's Office (RICO Case Updates)
- DeKalb County School District (2026 Legislative Priorities)
- DeKalb VRE (2026 Election Calendar)
- Georgia Department of Community Affairs (New Standard Codes effective Jan 1, 2026)