DeKalb considers creating a fund for data center revenue

A photo of the DeKalb County Commissioners
DeKalb County Commissioners Mereda Davis Johnson, Nicole Massiah, Michelle Long Spears, Chakira Johnson, LaDena Bolton, and Ted Terry, joining virtually, deferred a data center ordinance and proposal during a meeting on Nov. 20, 2025. (Zoe Seiler/Decaturish)

The DeKalb County Commission is considering a resolution that would allocate 50 percent of tax revenue generated by high-technology data centers to support resident equity and environmental restorations.

Commissioner Ted Terry introduced the “Establish a DeKalb For The People AI Tech Dividend Fund and Fiscal Stability Policy” resolution during the commission meeting on Jan. 6, according to a news release. The Finance, Audit and Budget (FAB) Committee will discuss the resolution on Tuesday, Jan. 13. The committee meets at about 3:30 p.m.

Of the allocation, 25 percent would go toward libraries, senior and youth services and beautification. The other 25 percent would go to the general fund reserves until the county has a 90-day operating fund balance.