Chris Morris
Chris Morris has served as the Director of the DeKalb County Community Development Department since 1979. As Director, Chris is responsible for the administration of approximately $9 million annually from the Community Development Block Grant Program, the HOME Program, the Emergency Shelter Grants Program, and other funds received by DeKalb County to improve the housing and living conditions of low to moderate income persons. Additionally, Chris is responsible for implementing the Neighborhood Stabilization Program in DeKalb County, an $18.5 million grant authorized under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA).
Chris is a graduate of Mercer University with a bachelor’s degree in English and Georgia State University with a master’s degree in Urban Government and Administration.
Departmental Summary – Community Development
The mission of the Community Development Department is to develop viable urban communities. The Department works extensively with all segments of the community to make a positive difference in the quality of life of low-to moderate-income neighborhoods and thousands of families throughout the County.
The Community Development Department provides the resources for decent and affordable housing, improvement and expansion of community facilities and infrastructures, and creation of new job opportunities. Additionally, the Department works collaboratively with nonprofit agencies, governmental entities at all levels, the business community, the faith-based community, citizens, and the public school system.
The Community Development Department administers the following entitlement grants received (approximately $8.5 million per year) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
- The Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)
- Emergency Shelter Grants Program (ESG)
- Additionally, we work with the City of Atlanta and Fulton County to manage the Tri-Jurisdiction Continuum of Care and the Tri-J SUPER NOFA Homeless Grant
The County receives a total of.
The Department also administers the stimulus funds awarded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. |
