Jimmy's Chamblee Recap - Week of February 2, 2026
- Jimmy Furst
- 10 hours ago
- 5 min read
Catch up on all things Chamblee!
The Locomotive - One Big Thing:
Neighborhood Engagement Program
The City of Chamblee’s Neighborhood Engagement Program (NEP) is back, and refreshed!
NEP brings neighbors together to actively partner with the City in strengthening and improving their community. This resident-driven program creates meaningful opportunities for neighbors to collaborate, share ideas, and take part in initiatives that support the overall well-being of their area.
At its core, NEP is about empowering residents to take ownership of their community. This year, the program will be held twice in each of Chamblee’s six communities, giving more residents the chance to participate. Department directors, elected officials, and the city manager attend each meeting to listen, engage, and answer your questions directly.
We’ve already held two NEP meetings in 2026, and the conversations have been productive and encouraging. You can learn more about NEP HERE, and be sure to keep an eye out for signs in your neighborhood with upcoming meeting details. We hope to see you there!
Left the Station - This Past Week's Events:
January 28: Downtown Development Meeting
Here's a recap of the January 27 Downtown Development Authority Meeting.
January 28: Blood Drive
Thank you to all who supported our blood drive!
January 28: CPD Citizens Advisory Committee
The first Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting of 2026 was held on Wednesday, January 28, in the Arrow Creek Community Room at the Chamblee Police Department. Thanks to all who came out! If you missed it, CPD holds this meeting on the last Wednesday of every month.
At the Station - Ongoing Events in Chamblee:
Citywide Stormwater System Survey & Assessment
Chamblee’s Stormwater Division has engaged a consulting team from Lowe Engineers, with a subconsultant, Atlas, to conduct a Citywide stormwater system survey and assessment. Field work is scheduled to begin in February 2026 and continue through October 2026.
Residents can expect to see field crews out with survey equipment, locating and documenting stormwater assets, such as inlets, manholes, and pipes, in the public right-of-way and from the street to the nearest outfall or stream. They will occasionally need to access private property for this purpose and will have identification.
Regular updates regarding the location of survey crews will be provided via social media. Questions can be directed to the Stormwater Division at stormwater@chambleega.gov.
Chamblee 101
Ready to get to know YOUR local government? Chamblee 101 is an 11-week course that offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the City of Chamblee provides high-quality services. See who's responsible for what, tour various buildings, and become more engaged with your city.
Sessions are held each Wednesday (except for two sessions).
Make a profound impact on your city and sign up for Chamblee 101 before the February 4th deadline! Click HERE to apply today.
Rail Trail Closure Update
Due to inclement weather, repairs and replacement of the overlook deck, just south of the Peachtree Boulevard Tunnel on the Chamblee Rail Trail, have been rescheduled to February 2, 2026. The Chamblee Rail Trail will be temporarily closed at this location during construction.
Arrow Creek Soccer Field
Arrow Creek Park Soccer Field has reopened with NEW field turf! Check it out at 4445 Buford Highway. The park is open 7 days a week from 7:00 am until 11:00 pm.
Public Works Employee of the Month
Please join us in recognizing Kenneth Shippey as the Public Works Employee of the Month for the month of February!
Kenneth Shippey has been recognized for his hard work and dedication over the past two weeks. KJ assisted two different substitute drivers in completing sanitation routes by ensuring each driver clearly understood which streets their truck was responsible for collecting. When assigned this task, KJ did not hesitate or complain—he simply responded, “I got it,” and followed through.
In addition, KJ volunteered to be part of the inclement weather treatment team during the recent snow and ice event. His willingness to step up and support operations is greatly appreciated.
The Signal
New Year, New Chamblee! Kick off the new year by staying connected!
The Signal newsletter is back with the latest updates, events, and important information to start the new year strong. Please stay in the know about what's happening in our community! Click HERE to read this month's issue.
Homestead Exemption
The City of Chamblee offers a 100% exemption from city property taxes to seniors and disabled residential homeowners. Chamblee residents who are 65 or older or disabled are eligible for this exemption if they reside in owner-occupied homes. The exemptions must be updated every three years. The renewal request resumes for residents located on streets N-Z.
To qualify:
All parties listed on the property deed must be 65 years or older on January 1, 2026, or be 100% disabled as declared by the SSA or VA.
The owner(s) must qualify for a homestead exemption by living in the home as the owner. Secondary homes and rental properties do not qualify for exemptions.
The deadline to apply is February 27, 2026.
To apply, visit https://www.chambleega.com/finance/homestead_exemption.php.
The Chamblee Free Little Art Gallery is OPEN!
The Chamblee Free Little Art Gallery has officially been installed and is now open for artists, art lovers, and curious passersby! Local teen Andrew Ladzinske built the gallery as his Eagle Scout project, with support from the Chamblee Public Arts Commission, making this gallery a true community project.
Find it at Ride Share Park, at the corner of Peachtree Road & Chamblee Dunwoody Way.
How it works:
View art
Trade art
Take art
Leave art
If you’re adding art, please keep it tiny, family-friendly, and non-political. Artists are welcome to bring their own mini display items, and we’ll do our best to keep the gallery stocked with extra tiny easels and pins.
Chamblee Launches New Mural Grant Program
The Public Arts Commission is offering grants of up to $10,000 to support mural projects across Chamblee.
Qualified census tracts may receive full funding with no match. Other areas are eligible for a 50% match up to $10,000.
Apply now and help brighten our city. Apply Here
Arriving Soon - Upcoming Events in Chamblee
February 4: Design Review Board
The Design Review Board will meet on Wednesday, February 4, at 6:00 p.m. at Chamblee City Hall. The meeting will be livestreamed on the City's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.
February 6: Jimmy's Office Hours
Office hours are this Friday! No appointment is necessary. Just drop by, and we can discuss anything related to Chamblee. Note: I will be at lunch from noon to 1 PM.
February 11: Chamblee 101 Reunion
Attention Chamblee 101 graduates! We invite you to join us on Wednesday, February 11, from 7 to 8:30 pm at Brews and Hops (5255 Peachtree Boulevard, Suite 103, Chamblee, GA 30341).
Come enjoy refreshments, catch up with old friends, meet your elected officials, and assist us in welcoming the incoming class of 2026! A cash bar will be available.
Please RSVP at https://bit.ly/2026_chamblee101_reunion or email blindsay@chambleega.gov by February 9. (Space is limited)
The Caboose
I would love to hear your questions, comments, or concerns.
Email: Jfurst@chambleega.gov
Mobile: 770-901-1121 The legal stuff: The views expressed represent the views of the author and may not reflect the views of the Chamblee City Council. Comments posted in response to a Councilmember-initiated communication may be subject to public disclosure under the Open Records Act. If you are a resident of Chamblee and would like to discuss city business, please go to chambleega.gov or contact me at the email above.
Comments