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The deadline to complete and return your household’s 2020 Census form has been extended until October 31. By responding to the 2020 Census each resident ensures that Georgians receive their appropriate share of over $675 billion in federal aid that is distributed to state and local governments using census numbers every year. These monies support a host of projects that are instrumental in keeping us safe and improving our quality of life right here at home. Census data is also used for federal, state, and local funding distributions, intergovernmental agreements drawing state and federal legislative districts, school districts, and congressional reapportionment.

If you have not already submitted your information, here are the ways to get counted:

1. Enter your information online at My 2020 Census (You don’t have to know your Census ID number to complete the form and languages other than English are available.)

2. Call the 2020 Census hotline at 844-330-2020 (Languages other than English are available.)

3. Return the paper form you received in the mail back in October 31st.

4. Stop by the City’s information tent on Friday, October 16th from 5pm to 8pm during the FAB Friday event on the Decatur Square to complete the form on a mobile device.

Speaking of FAB Friday, residents of Census Tract 226.02 (area shaded blue) should stop by the info tent to claim their prize for being the tract with the greatest percentage increase during the City Commissioner’s Census Tract Challenge back in September. 300 t-shirts are available so it’s first come, first served.

The National Weather Service has issued Tornado Watch #498 for DeKalb County (and may others) until 9PM tonight.

A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornados to occur. Stay tuned to a weather radio, a local TV/radio station or a weather app for updates.

If you hear the tornado sirens today, seek shelter immediately.

The Decatur Strategic Plan is ramping back up! We’d like to continue hearing from you but you’ll have to let your creativity loose. Just grab some sidewalk chalk and answer this question with drawings or words on your sidewalk or driveway: “How can Decatur ensure a high quality of life for all?” Snap a photo, post to Facebook or Instagram with #decatur2030 so we see what you come up with. Happy Chalking!

The City of Decatur is undergoing a communications audit and your input is needed. Please provide your feedback to consultants here by Oct. 23. Contact Renae Madison, renae.madison@decaturga.com, with any questions.

The October test of the Tornado Outdoor Warning Siren System will happen tomorrow, October 7, at 5:00 p.m. The test should last approximately one minute. Should the weather become inclement, the test will be postponed until Thursday, October 8.

If you have questions or want more information about the siren system, check out the Siren page on the City’s website or contact Police Lt. Barry Woodward at 404-373-6551.

A message from the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (The ATL):

The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (The ATL) is seeking public input on the 2020 ATL Regional Transit Plan (ARTP) through Monday, October 19. Learn more about the future of transit in metro Atlanta and share your feedback.

Updated annually, the ARTP serves as the foundation for transit planning in the Atlanta region for the next twenty years, ensuring transit projects work together to create a seamless network and customer experience regardless of transit operator. This year the ARTP includes 245 proposed projects that either expand, maintain, or create new transit service opportunities across the 13-county ATL region.  

Projects included in the ARTP are anticipated to:

  • Increase transit trips in metro Atlanta overall by 39 percent, and to regional employment centers by 31 percent
  • Increase the proportion of low-income households within ½ mile of a high capacity transit station to 33 percent
  • Save over 99,000 gallons of gasoline used by Metro Atlanta residents, annually  
  • Result in a return of investment of over $140 billion, equaling a five dollar return on every dollar spent on transit, if fully funded.  

WAYS TO PARTICIPATE

This year, to prioritize the health and safety of metro residents, the ATL’s series of public outreach efforts called District Downloads offers several new ways to learn and comment on the 2020 ARTP. Participants can:

  • Request information by phone by dialing 404-893-2100
  • Text “ATLTransit” to 474747
  • Visit the 3D virtual open house
  • Attend a virtual live meeting for your District
  • Connect on Social Media using #ATLTransitPlan and #PublicComment

Have you reviewed and commented on Decatur’s draft Storm Water Master Plan? Well, now is the time! We’re down to the final week of our month-long public comment period so make sure we hear from you by Friday, October 2. Visit the link below to provide your input:

Trees Atlanta still has several great varieties of trees and plants left to choose from – including beautiful oaks. Online ordering will officially close on September 30 at 1:00 PM.

Orders will be available for pickup on Saturday, October 3 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday, October 4 from 9:00 AM to noon. Please check your email for order pickup instructions after ordering.
 
If you’ve already placed an order, make sure you’ve selected a time slot here to pick your order up (unless you selected to have your items delivered).  

If you want to shop their remaining selection in person, they’ll be offering a Second Chance Sale at Freedom Farmers Market at The Carter Center on Saturday, October 10 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Selection and quantities are limited, and many items typically sell out within the first few hours.

If you share your newest additions with your friends and family on social media, be sure to tag @treesatlanta.

We’re in this together, masking up makes a difference.

There is still time to submit your response to the US Census Bureau to be counted in the 2020 Census. Between now and next Wednesday, September 30, complete your household’s form by going to https://my2020census.gov/, calling 844-330-2020 or mailing in your form.

Don’t forget we are in a city to city challenge with Avondale Estates. Avondale Estates currently has a self-response rate of 74.9%. We currently stand at 74.2%. If we lose, the City Commissioners will have to sport Avondale Estates logo wear and we’ll have to hang a banner on Decatur City Hall announcing that Avondale Estates is better. I doubt anyone wants to see that happen. Help us with a come from behind win!

Remember, Every One Counts.