Your Community Needs You
Revitalizing a neighborhood takes more than bulldozers and blueprints. It takes people — residents who care deeply about where they live, who show up, speak up, and take action. At the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority (DRLBA), we believe that the most powerful force for change in any community is the community itself.
That is why getting involved with DRLBA is not just an option — it is an invitation. An invitation to be part of something bigger than any one organization, any one project, or any one property.
Here is how you can get involved and make a real difference in DeKalb County.\
1. Report Blighted Properties in Your Neighborhood
You know your neighborhood better than anyone. If you see a vacant, abandoned, or severely deteriorated property on your street, report it.
Blighted properties don’t improve on their own — they require attention, resources, and action. By reporting these properties to DeKalb County’s code enforcement or reaching out to DRLBA directly, you set the wheels in motion for something better. Your report could be the first step toward a demolition, an acquisition, or a full redevelopment that transforms your block.
How to report: Contact DeKalb County Code Enforcement or reach out to DRLBA through our
website or social media channels.
2. Attend Public Meetings and Community Forums
Public meetings are where decisions get made — and your voice belongs in the room.
DRLBA is committed to community-centered revitalization, which means the people who live in DeKalb County’s neighborhoods should have a say in how those neighborhoods are developed.
Attending public meetings, town halls, and community forums is one of the most direct ways to make sure your priorities are heard and reflected in DRLBA’s work.
When community members show up, it sends a powerful message: this neighborhood matters,
and the people in it are paying attention.
3. Stay Informed and Share What You Know
Knowledge is a powerful tool for change. The more informed our community is about DRLBA’s mission and work, the stronger our collective impact becomes.
Here is how to stay in the loop:
- Follow DRLBA on social media — Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for regular
updates, stories, and announcements - Subscribe to our newsletter — Get DRLBA news and updates delivered directly to your
inbox - Read our blog — We publish regular articles on topics like blight elimination, affordable
housing, community partnerships, and more - Share with your network — Pass along what you learn to neighbors, friends, and
community groups. Awareness is the first step toward action
4. Partner With Us
Are you part of a nonprofit, faith community, civic organization, or local business that shares DRLBA’s vision for a stronger DeKalb County? Let’s talk.
DRLBA actively seeks partnerships with organizations that bring resources, expertise, and community connections to the table. Whether you are interested in affordable housing development, community beautification, youth engagement, or neighborhood advocacy — there may be an opportunity to collaborate.
Reach out to us through our website or social media to start the conversation. Every great
partnership begins with a single conversation.
5. Support Equitable Redevelopment in Your Community
When properties in your neighborhood are redeveloped, the outcomes should benefit the people who already live there — not just outside investors or developers. You can advocate for equitable redevelopment by:
- Attending public hearings on proposed developments
- Asking questions about who will benefit from new housing projects
- Supporting affordable housing initiatives in your community
- Encouraging your local representatives to prioritize equitable development policies
Your advocacy matters. When community members speak up for equitable outcomes, it shapes
the decisions that determine what gets built, who benefits, and what kind of neighborhood
DeKalb County becomes.
6. Spread the Word About DRLBA
One of the simplest and most impactful things you can do is tell people about DRLBA.
Many DeKalb County residents don’t yet know that a Land Bank Authority exists in their community — or what it does. Every conversation you have, every post you share, and every neighbor you tell about DRLBA’s work expands our reach and strengthens our mission.
Word of mouth is powerful. Use it.
Together, We Build Something Better
Community revitalization is not something that happens to a neighborhood — it is something that happens with a neighborhood. At DRLBA, we are committed to doing this work alongside the people of DeKalb County, not just for them.
Every blighted property we acquire, every partnership we build, and every community member who gets involved brings us one step closer to a DeKalb County where every neighborhood is safe, vibrant, and full of opportunity.
That future is possible. And it starts with you.
Ready to get involved? Follow DRLBA on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or visit our website
to learn more about our programs and how you can be part of the change in DeKalb County.