Sustainability in Chamblee: Past, Present, and Future.

I originally ran on a sustainability platform, and while we’ve made meaningful progress, there’s still more work to do.

When I took office, Chamblee had recently adopted its first-ever Sustainability Plan in September 2020. That plan was tactical—meant to check a box—and had already run its course by the time I was sworn in.

One of my first actions was to successfully lobby for “A Sustainable Community” to be added to the city’s strategic priorities. I then pushed for funding in the next budget cycle and secured the dollars to develop a new, comprehensive Sustainability Plan with McKinstry. That plan has now been adopted, and importantly, it weaves sustainability directly into city operations.

Key Sustainability Goals:

1. Reduce total carbon emissions by 30% by 2030

2. Generate 50% of city electricity from onsite solar by 2028

3. Electrify all non-patrol passenger vehicles and install full charging infrastructure by 2030

4. Maintain a fiscally responsible net lifecycle cost

Roadmap Initiatives:

Decarbonization Strategy

• Upgrade buildings for energy efficiency (LED lighting, air sealing, retro-commissioning)

• Electrify the city’s vehicle fleet and install EV chargers

• Install solar energy systems

• Transition HVAC systems to heat pumps as older systems phase out

.Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
. IaaS is a delivery model where a provider designs, finances, installs, operates, and maintains infrastructure. The city pays through a fixed or prorated contract over time.
Benefits include:

• Accelerated progress toward sustainability goals

• Budget stability with predictable payments

• Cost savings through comprehensive system design

• Maximized access to current federal incentives

• No need for additional city staff to manage infrastructure

In addition to climate-focused initiatives, I’ve also prioritized creating green spaces and improving connectivity across the city. I helped create three new parks: Arrow Creek Park, Wood Acres Park, and Fish Bolt Park. I also served on the Steering Committee for the Chamblee Trails Master Plan, a bold vision to reconnect neighborhoods and connect to regional trail systems through a network of greenways. The first project—a trail along a Nancy Creek tributary—is already in motion.

To help fund these projects, I led the GO Bond Ballot Campaign (aka. Parks and Trails Bond), which passed with 81% of the vote, clear evidence that Chamblee residents support a greener, more connected future. Thank you to all that voted in favor to help fund the future projects, and more info is coming shortly on what those projects will be.

I’ve also worked to expand our city’s recycling capabilities. We’ve added electronics, metal, and glass recycling to our regular curbside program, making it easier for residents to divert more waste from landfills. I’m currently working to bring composting to Chamblee as our next step.

I continue to stay active with Keep Chamblee Beautiful and served on the board when we earned certification from Keep America Beautiful.

I’m running for re-election because this work isn’t done. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I’m committed to seeing it through, building a more sustainable, connected, and forward-looking Chamblee.