This month’s update focuses on the budget, but I want to start with some exciting news about the team that serves you every day.

Best Places to Work

Last week, I had the honor of representing Dunwoody at the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Best Places to Work Awards, where our City earned a top-20 finish among large companies.

This program highlights organizations that go above and beyond to create outstanding workplace cultures, and the rankings are based on confidential employee surveys that measure teamwork, trust in leadership, communication, and more. To be included among the top employers in our region is a reflection of the dedication and spirit of our employees and leadership.

The registration fee was $250. The feedback from our employees is invaluable. 

Budget Planning

Over the next two months, you’ll hear a lot about the 2026 Budget, and I invite you to weigh in as the Dunwoody City Council considers and approves it. Before we get into the numbers, here’s a look at how the budget comes together.

The process began in early July, when department directors submitted their operating and capital requests based on short- and long-term goals and needs, ensuring the best use of limited resources. In August, I met with each director, along with the Finance team and assistant city manager, for a departmental review. These conversations helped us evaluate priorities and align funding requests with the City’s overall vision.

Mayor Lynn Deutsch is key to the next stage when we reviewed the budget as a whole and continued to refine it. This collaborative effort required looking at the big picture while also digging into the details. Together, we drafted the FY2026 Proposed Operating & Capital Budget, which was submitted to Dunwoody City Council and posted online last week. 

Budget Priorities

The proposed budget outlines several priorities for the year ahead:

• $14.5 million to support the Police Department with the people and tools they need
• More than $21 million for critical road, stormwater, and capital improvement projects
• Nearly $9.6 million to strengthen parks, facilities, and recreational programs

These investments are designed to enhance the quality of life for our residents today, while ensuring Dunwoody remains adaptable and resilient for the future.

I also want to highlight that Dunwoody continues to maintain reserves well above the City Charter requirement - more than six months of operating costs. This reflects our longstanding commitment to financial stability and preparedness.

Next Steps

I encourage you to review the full proposed budget on the City’s website and join us for upcoming discussions. We’ll present the plan at a Special Called City Council Meeting on Monday, September 29, at 10 a.m. at City Hall, followed by public hearings on October 14 and October 27 at 6 p.m.