Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Board of Commissioners - District 6
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Commission Districts
A Resolution to Establish a DeKalb Environmental Justice Commission
Body
Information Contact: Commission Edward C. “Ted” Terry
Phone Number: 404-371-4909
PURPOSE:
To establish a DeKalb Environmental Justice Commission that is resident led, similar to the model of DeKalb County’s SPLOST Oversight Committee, Charter Review Committee, or any other DeKalb County resident led advisory board. The DeKalb Environmental Justice Commission’s mission will be to conduct a scientific analysis, including case studies, and prepare a comprehensive report of DeKalb County’s current state towards environmental justice. In addition, they will hold organizational meetings and public hearings, prepare budget considerations for the Board of Commissioners, prepare model legislation for consideration by the Board of Commissioners, monitor progress and make recommendations towards DeKalb County’s current environmental efforts, and provide quarterly updates to the Board of Commissioners.
NEED/IMPACT:
Environmental Justice is a critical issue for DeKalb County, which has a large and diverse population that is disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards and risks. Establishing a DeKalb Environmental Justice Commission will ensure DeKalb County prioritizes Environmental Justice initiatives, aligns itself with the Biden Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, and is a direct response to DeKalb residents’ concerns for the environment and the lack of community involvement in crucial decisions that impact our environment and therefor health. The DeKalb Environmental Justice Commission is DeKalb County’s opportunity to give residents a seat at the table in affecting county-wide improvements and equitable protection for the environment and resident health, especially in areas that have been historically under invested and overburdened by pollution.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact to DeKalb County
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
To approve the resolution to establish a DeKalb Environmental Justice Commission and authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute all the necessary documents/contracts to appoint and execute this Commission.