Enforcing Loitering, Demolition, and Blight Tax with DeKalb Code Compliance | Chakira’s Corner

On this episode of Chakira's Corner, host Matt Shedd sits down with DeKalb County Director of Code Compliance and Enforcement Tonza Clark and Commissioner Chakira Johnson for a deep look at how DeKalb is reimagining property and code enforcement. Director Clark walks through the new proactive approach: six-day-a-week operations, hotel-motel sweeps, the loitering enforcement partnership with DeKalb Police that has reached close to 100% compliance at convenience stores and gas stations, and the new blight tax that can charge non-compliant property owners ten times the regular tax rate. Commissioner Johnson shares District 4 wins, including two recent demolitions on Shepherd Road and West Mountain Street, and connects her Engineer Progress for DeKalb vision with CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson's Reimagine DeKalb initiative. Tune in for the full conversation, plus how to reach Code Compliance directly.0:00 - Welcome & Meet Director Tonza Clark4:31 - Scope of Code Compliance6:08 - District 4 Constituent Complaints7:22 - Proactive Approach: Six Days a Week8:22 - Loitering Initiative & Police Partnership12:37 - Safer Communities in District 414:01 - The Enforcement Process Walkthrough16:25 - Vacant & Foreclosure Property Registry21:02 - Demolitions & the In-Rem Process26:59 - Party Houses & the Noise Ordinance33:50 - Final Takeaways & the New Blight Tax41:05 - How to Reach Code ComplianceRelevant Links and Contact Info:-DeKalb County Code Compliance (File a Complaint) - https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/code-compliance/code-compliance-Code Compliance Phone: 404-687-3700-Code Compliance Email: [email protected] Chakira Johnson, DeKalb District 4 - https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/government/board-of-commissioners/districts/chakira-johnson-Commissioner Johnson's Official Websitehttps://www.commissionerchakirajohnson.comAll of Commissioner Johnson's Social Handles https://linktr.ee/commissionerchakirajohnsonCommissioner Johnson Email: [email protected]