Jimmy's Chamblee Recap - Week of October 6, 2025
- Jimmy Furst
- Oct 7
- 7 min read
Catch up on all things Chamblee!
The Locomotive - One Big Thing:
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Chamblee First United Methodist Church is hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive at A Taste of
Chamblee on October 18, and you can contribute!
Collected food items will be delivered to local elementary schools and food pantries. When visiting their booth, you can drop off:
Canned Meats
Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruit
Mac & Cheese
Rice
Donations are accepted now through November 8th. For a full list of food items, visit chambleeUMC.org/fooddrive25
Left the Station - This Past Week's Events:
October 5: Saint Vincent DePaul Annual Block Party
I attended the 3rd Saint Vincent DePaul Block Party, where I was honored to be one of the guest speakers. It was a fantastic community event filled with energy, connection, and purpose. From guided tours of the center and learning about the incredible services offered, to enjoying games and music, the day truly had something for everyone. I was especially grateful for the opportunity to share the stage with Mayor Mock and connect with local organizations that are making a real difference in lives.
October 4: Embassy of Ukraine Passport Event
For the fourth consecutive year, the City partnered with the Embassy of Ukraine to host a two-day event at Chamblee City Hall on October 4 and 5, offering passport and visa services for Ukrainian nationals. With the nearest embassies located in Washington, D.C., and Houston, this event provided a convenient and cost-saving option for those in the region.
October 5: 3rd Spot Watch Party UGA vs. Kentucky
We had a great turnout and beautiful weather for the big game!
At the Station - Ongoing Events in Chamblee:
October E-Signal
The October E-Signal is here! Learn more about A Taste of Chamblee, the Mural Grant Program, election information, and more!
Hispanic Heritage Month - Honoring Chamblee's Own: Manuel Barcenas
We're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring Chamblee's Own and my friend, Manuel Barcenas. If you have been to a Chamblee event, you've seen our volunteer of the year! He also serves as a "trusted voice" to those within the Hispanic community.
Hispanic Heritage Month- Honoring Chamblee's Own: We Love Buford Highway
We're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring Chamblee's own We Love Buford Highway.
Honoring Chamblee's Own: Cross-Cultural Ministries
We continue celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring Chamblee's own Cross-Cultural Ministries. Cross-Cultural Ministries supports immigrant children and their families through education. Learn more about their impact in the City of Chamblee!
Trail Saftey
Enjoying the Chamblee Rail Trail? Here are some safety tips provided by the Chamblee Police Department's Neighborhood Resource Unit.
Malone Drive and Peachtree Road Closure Update
Due to infrastructure upgrades being completed as part of the Peachtree Boulevard Water Transmission Main Replacement Project, the intersection of Peachtree Road and Malone Drive will be closed for up to eight weeks, through November 21, 2205, barring any weather delays.
Detour signage is installed to direct traffic around the affected area. For inquiries, call the DWM Project Information line at 1-800-986-1108 or email projectinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov.
For 24-hour emergencies, please call: 770.270.6243.
Smart911
Alerts powered by Smart911, RAVE is the official emergency notification system used by the City of Chamblee to communicate with community residents during emergencies. Sign up now to receive alerts from the City of Chamblee via text message, email, and/or voice message.
Add your address to receive geo-targeted alerts.
Indicate what types of alerts you want to receive, including weather, traffic, emergency, and more.
Indicate how you want to be notified by text, email, and/or voice message.
Sign up to receive emergency notifications here.
This service is provided by the City of Chamblee at no cost to the public; however, message and data rates may apply depending on your provider and phone services. Please refer to your mobile phone's service plan for more information. Visit smart911.com to create your free safety profile.
Chamblee Launches Road Closure Notification Application
Stay Ahead of the Traffic!
We're excited to announce the launch of our new Road Closure website- your go-to source for real-time updates on road closures, detours, and construction projects happening in our area.
The website features:
Interactive Maps with Live Updates
Closure Timelines and Project Details
Alerts for Major Disruptions
Easy Mobile Access for on-the-go info
Click HERE for more info!
September/October Signal
A Taste of Chamblee, Chamblee Chalk Walk, Leaf Collection Season, and more are featured in the September/October Signal newsletter! Check it out here: https://www.chambleega.com/communications/signal.php
Planning and Development FAQ
Want answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding permitting, inspections, and planning & zoning? We've designed an FAQ webpage with everything you need to know! Click HERE to read the FAQ.
Arriving Soon - Upcoming Events in Chamblee
October 8: Design Review Board Meeting
The Design Review Board will meet on Wednesday, October 8, at 6:00 p.m. at Chamblee City Hall.
October 10: Jimmy's Office Hours
Office hours are back, and I hope to see you this Friday at City Hall! No appointment needed. Just drop in.
October 12: Atlanta Pride Parade
Join us as we participate in the 55th anniversary of the Atlanta Pride Parade on Sunday, October 12, 2025!
If you'd like to march with your elected officials, city staff, and the Chamblee community, please complete the form. The sign-up deadline is September 12th, and space is limited to the first 100 participants. https://bit.ly/chambleepride2025
We're happy to announce that we will be adding a FLOAT to our parade group!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Josh Duarte at jduarte@chambleega.gov or 470-568-5578.
October 13: Indigenous Peoples Day - Sanitation
The City of Chamblee will be closed on Monday, October 13, in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day (Staff Appreciation Day). Offices will reopen on Tuesday, October 14, at 8:30 a.m. Monday's sanitation route will be collected on Wednesday, October 15.
October 14: Early Voting Begins
October 18: Chamblee Friends Fall Social and Membership Drive
Come out to the Chamblee Library on October 18 to learn more about Friends of the Chamblee Library and how you can support this local fundraising group!
October 18: Taste of Chamblee Returns!
Check out the vendors so far by clicking HERE.
October 25: Nacny Creek Stream Cleanup
Join Chamblee Public Works and Keep Chamblee Beautiful for this year's Rivers Alive Cleanup at Nancy Creek Stream. Register here.
October 25: Nacny Creek Stream Cleanup
Lace up those tennis shoes and participate in the Huntley Hills Elementary Run for the Hills 5K & Family 1-Mile Fun Run on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.
Register here: https://hhespta.square.site/october-2025-run-for-the-hills
November 4: Chamblee Municipal Elections
My Commitment to Public Safety
Public safety is a foundation of a strong and thriving community. In Chamblee, we have made it clear that protecting our residents, businesses, and visitors is our top priority.
I am proud of the steps we have taken together to ensure that the Chamblee Police Department has the leadership, resources, and support it needs to serve our city.
Strong Leadership
We brought in Chief Dieppa from the Miami-Dade Police Department. With deep experience in diverse urban environments, he is the right leader for Chamblee and is able to balance community engagement with law enforcement excellence.
Competitive Pay
Chamblee is one of the highest-paid police departments in Georgia. This ensures we attract and keep the best officers. We cannot afford vacancies, and competitive pay helps us stay fully staffed and ready.
Prioritizing Safety
Public safety is the largest part of our city budget. That reflects exactly what matters most to our residents and ensures our officers have the training and tools they need.
Expertise and Technology
Our officers serve on the DeKalb County SWAT Team, which strengthens regional collaboration and makes Chamblee more attractive to recruits.
We are also investing in technology:
Flock cameras are in place across the city, including the Rail Trail, to track stolen vehicles and provide real-time crime data.
A new Real Time Crime Center is under construction. Once complete, it will give officers live video feeds, alerts, and data in one place for faster, smarter responses.
Engaging the Community
The Citizens Advisory Committee meets monthly with the Chief and Command Staff. These meetings are open to all residents, businesses, and community groups.
The Neighborhood Resource Unit works on mental health referrals, homelessness, traffic issues, park enforcement, and more. They are a hands-on resource across the city.
Building Bridges
Chamblee is a diverse community, and we want every resident to feel supported.
Officer Brandon White serves as our LGBTQ+ liaison, building partnerships, providing training, and creating a direct point of contact for those in need.
Our Co-Responder Program pairs mental health professionals with officers to de-escalate crises and connect people with ongoing care. After its success, we funded two more positions to expand this critical program.
Through our partnership with Frontline Response, we connect individuals experiencing homelessness to housing, recovery programs, and other support services.
My Commitment
I have said it before, and I will say it again: Chamblee has the best police department in the state of Georgia. With the right leadership, the right resources, and the right partnerships, we are not only making our city safer, but we are also building a stronger and more compassionate community.
-Jimmy
The Passenger Car
Chamblee highlights in the media.
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.
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