Decide DeKalb Celebrates 2023 Achievements

In 2023, it sure was happening in DeKalb.

And as a result, DeKalb County remains one of the top counties in Georgia for business development, according to the Decide DeKalb Development Authority’s recently released annual report.

“Decide DeKalb’s contributions to DeKalb’s business ecosystem propelled progress and fostered economic growth, not as observers – but catalysts,” the report stated regarding 2023.

The report included the following highlights:

• In 2023, Decide DeKalb remained committed to prioritizing and expanding Workforce Development initiatives, including the Manufacturing, Automation and Distribution Emerging Initiative (MADE) in DeKalb educator fellowship that exemplifies the proactive approach to bridging the gap between education and industry. It’s a year-long program that connects the selected cohort of DeKalb educators with local businesses and industry leaders
• The Decide DeKalb team, in partnership with the county and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), successfully obtained the designation of the Candler Road and Memorial Drive retail corridors as state opportunity zones (OZs). OZs in Georgia offer a job tax credit toward corporate income tax and payroll withholding, making them one of the most appealing incentives for businesses
• Following the 2022 passage of the groundbreaking Market Square Tax Allocation District (TAD), the Decide DeKalb board approved the disbursement of $70 million in funds for redevelopment over 15 years, which is the future value of the $35 million of infrastructure improvements identified. These funds offer businesses the chance to transform the area around North DeKalb Mall, including Lulah Hills
• The state’s TV/film industry continues to flourish, with two new production soundstages opening in 2023, expanding DeKalb’s total production space to 3 million sq ft.. Last year, the DeKalb Entertainment Commission (DEC) launched its new brand and website complete with a custom-built locations database
• Several DeKalb dignitaries, including county CEO Michael J. Thurmond and DeKalb Schools Superintendent Dr. Devon Horton, also have a lot to say about what’s happening in DeKalb

To read the report, visit here.

And for more information about what all is happening in DeKalb, including consulting with our business and workforce development teams, please contact us!