Author: Patti Garrett

Welcome to my new newsletter and my new website. Many thanks to Hector Amador for the lovely photos that are on my website. I am honored to be running unopposed in the November election and appreciate your support and input for the next four years. 

I want to share with you some information about an exciting project that I am helping to lead. In August 2020, DeKalb County District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson and I came together to form The John Lewis Commemorative Task Force. Former CEO Burrell Ellis co-chairs this task force which was formed to honor Congressman John Lewis through a new public artwork to be installed on the site of the previous Confederate memorial in front of the Historic DeKalb County Courthouse. The Task Force believes the location in the late Congressman Lewis’ 5th District where the obelisk stood is a significant site to remember Lewis as an American hero for his pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s and his lifelong fight for human rights, dignity, and equality for all people as a Congressman representing Georgia’s 5th Congressional District for over 30 years. I hope you will take a few minutes to find out more about this project and the Task Force and will consider a donation to the John Lewis Tribute Fund. I can say without hesitation that this will be a lasting, impressive and incredible addition to the Square. The artist and project will be announced in late September: 
https://legacydecatur.org/johnlewistribute/

August 16, 2021

Decatur Launches Retail Incubator to Encourage Brick-and-Mortar Development

Decatur Downtown Development Authority Commits $25,000 to Innovative Program

The City of Decatur and Decatur Downtown Development Authority (DDA) announced the launch of a retail recruitment incubator, which will provide online-only businesses with the opportunity to test their concepts in a brick-and-mortar location for a six-month period.

The DDA allocated $25,000 for this program in July 2021, which will provide rental assistance toward a pop-up or co-op space for up to six businesses currently operating either solely online or in festival/expo settings. In addition to negotiating the short-term leases for the six-month term, the incubator will offer a training and mentorship component to help recipients gain institutional and invaluable knowledge from a wide array of successful members of the business community, including fellow small business owners, accountants, bank representatives and more.

“This incubator program presents a tremendous opportunity to entrepreneurs who have built a strong business online and are confident the market will support a physical presence,” said Conor McNally, DDA chair. “Our research showed similar programs have been very successful in places like Memphis, Tenn., and Dayton, Ohio, so we are excited for the economic growth and innovation this can spur for Decatur.”

To be eligible for the retail incubator, applicants must have been operating for at least two years, have no more than 10 employees, pay for half of the rent associated with the temporary space, share income statements and produce a business plan. The application window opens on Aug. 16 at 8 a.m. and closes on Sept. 5 at 5 p.m., with up to 10 finalists chosen by Sept. 12. The six winners will ultimately be selected by Sept. 15 and moved into the retail space by Oct. 15.

“From The Square to the Old Depot District, our economy is largely built on experiences, so the incubator is an investment both in our future and budding entrepreneurs,” said Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett. “We hope this program signals Decatur is committed to bringing people back together and supporting the brick-and-mortar retailers that make our culture second to none.”

The application process is being conducted entirely online at DecaturDDA.com/Incubator, and for more information, please email Shirley Baylis at [email protected].

About the City of Decatur

The City of Decatur, located just east of Atlanta and home to 22,000 people, is characterized by world class big-city business assets, progressive attitudes, highly educated people, an accessible government and superb quality of life for those who live and/or work here. The city was recently listed as the 2018 Best Neighborhood in Atlanta by Creative Loafing. Decatur already is home to Emory Health Care, Agnes Scott College, Columbia Seminary, the Task Force for Global Health and a vibrant mix of small, local professional firms.

About the Decatur Downtown Development Authority

The Decatur Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was founded in 1982 to implement the Decatur Town Center Plan and to provide day-to-day management of the downtown development program. Since that time, our role has expanded to include responsibility for all of Decatur’s commercial districts. The Downtown Development Authority works with the traditional, downtown business district and the Development Authority has jurisdiction over the neighborhood districts. Both Authorities share a board and staff and exist to provide assistance to prospective business owners and developers interested in investing in Decatur’s economic development plans. These programs are housed within the City’s Community & Economic Development Department. 

###

Media Contacts:

Adam Schick                                         Renae Madison          

The Wilbert Group                                City of Decatur

404-510-9597                                       678-553-6561

[email protected]          [email protected]

At the recent “virtual” Atlanta Regional Commission’s annual State of the Region “breakfast” meeting, I noted some take away messages that I wanted to share. This year’s theme was “Finding Our Courage” and as we look forward to 2021, we realize that the challenges and fatigue that we are experiencing are going to continue for now. Each year as part of the event, ARC presents “ Atlanta Metro Speaks” and the top 3 issues confronting the region this year identified by survey participants are: Public Health; Racial Inequality; and the Economy. I cannot ever remember a time when Public Health even made the top 5.

So as we all continue to “Find our Courage”, I hope you will continue to stay safe, wear a mask and wash hands. Our collective community depends on our individual actions. My hope is that you and your families have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving, even though it may be at a distance this year.

US Senate Run-off elections

Public Service Commissioners Run-off election

Who are the candidates?

There are two different U.S. Senate races. You can vote for one candidate in each race.

• Senate Race One
  • Kelly Loeffler – Republican (Incumbent)
  • Raphael Warnock – Democrat
• Senate Race Two
  • David Perdue – Republican (Incumbent)
  • Jon Ossoff – Democrat
• For Public Service Commission
  • Lauren Bubba McDonald – Republican (Incumbent)
  • Daniel Blackman – Democrat

Voter Registration Deadline: You must be registered to vote by December 7th, 2020 to participate in this runoff.

In Person Early Voting Period: Begins December 14th, 2020. More details to come.

Election Day: January 5th, 2021. If you vote on election day, you will vote at your election day polling location.

Voting Absentee: You can request an absentee ballot now using the state’s absentee ballot request portal at https://ballotrequest.sos.ga.gov. You must have a valid GA Driver’s License or State ID to use the portal. If you are physically disabled or over 65 and claimed an exemption when you applied for an absentee ballot earlier this year, a new ballot will automatically be sent to you. 

Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes: Check back later for details.

Who can vote in this runoff? Anyone in Georgia registered to vote by December 7th, 2020, who will be 18 years or older on January 5th, 2021.

Participate in the “202’s” and dig deeper into the topics identified in the Roundtables held earlier this year. All events will take place on zoom and will be recorded. Speakers will be announced closer to event dates and more information can be found at: www.decatur2030.com

Put these important meeting/topic dates on your calendar:

Mobility:  Thursday, Nov. 19, 4 – 5:30 p.m.

Housing: Thursday, Dec. 10, 4 – 5:30 p.m.

Equity & Racial Justice:  Thursday, Jan. 14, 4 – 5:30 p.m.

Climate Change:  February 2021, Date TBD