Page 3 - Welcome-to-DeKalb-2018-Newcomers-Guide

Welcome
Welcome

to DeKalb County!

On behalf of our citizens, welcome to DeKalb!

It is an honor to serve as DeKalb’s chief executive offi cer
as well as former Superintendent of the DeKalb County
School District.

With 700,000 residents and an emphasis on collaboration,
DeKalb boasts the perfect complement of diversity and
unity. It is home to immigrants from more than 100
countries, speaking more than 100 languages.

DeKalb is synonymous with success. The county is home
to artists, athletes, architects and entrepreneurs; owners
of construction companies and auto dealerships; high-
tech and engineering fi rms. Blessed with a lush tree
canopy and wide green spaces, DeKalb is also home to
some of metro Atlanta’s most prestigious residential
communities and you’ll fi nd some of the nation’s most
prominent houses of worship and revered spiritual leaders
here as well.

DeKalb is home to more than a half dozen great
educational institutions, including Emory and Oglethorpe
Universities. Our School District is a leader in STEM
curricula, and students can receive tailored education with
program options such as theme, magnet, international
baccalaureate and Montessori.

DeKalb houses many of the region’s leading medical
facilities and hospitals, including DeKalb Medical Center,
the renowned Children’s Hospital of Atlanta and, of
course, the nation’s Centers for Disease Control.

And that’s not to mention thousands of acres of parks,
including Stone Mountain Park, Arabia Mountain and
many other natural assets.
It is with a collectively warm heart and open door that
we invite new residents and encourage citizens from
throughout the region, the nation and the world to make
DeKalb County home!

Photo by Travis Hudgons

Michael L. Thurmond
Michael L. Thurmond
Chief Executive Offi cer of DeKalb County
DEKALB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • www.dekalbchamber.org | 3