City of Clarkston
A Small City with a Global Outlook
Blending cultural richness, innovation, and collaboration to enhance community living and spur economic growth.
Clarkston, Georgia, may not command the size or stature of Atlanta, its larger neighbor just a few miles away, but this small city packs a global punch. Spanning a compact 1.79 square miles, it is home to nearly 15,000 residents. Known as one of the most ethnically diverse municipalities in the United States, Clarkston is often called “the Ellis Island of the South.” Its streets hum with an energy born of cultural convergence, where tradition, resilience, and innovation coalesce into something truly special.
Mayor Beverly H. Burks paints a vivid picture of life in Clarkston. “We’re one of the most diverse cities per square mile,” she begins. “Many of the people who call Clarkston home are from other countries—refugees, immigrants, and native-born Americans all live together here.” She highlights the city’s cultural richness as both an experience and a resource. “You can literally go two blocks and experience cuisines and cultures from three different continents. It’s something you don’t find anywhere else, particularly in Georgia.”
This kaleidoscope of identities shapes more than just the city’s dining options; it informs every facet of community life. Mayor Burks notes that this diversity creates a unique fabric of shared experiences. “It’s a small geographic area, but it’s a place where you can really get a feel for the diversity of our world,” she says, emphasizing that Clarkston is not just a city; it’s a microcosm of global connectivity, distilled into walkable streets and vibrant neighborhoods.
Revitalizing Clarkston’s Downtown
Clarkston’s thriving, diverse community identity extends to its ambitions for a revitalized downtown core. Mayor Burks explains the city’s intentional approach to economic development. “We’ve established a Downtown Development Authority to focus on creating opportunities for growth in the designated downtown area,” she says. Over the past few years, Clarkston has worked closely with local businesses to make the area more appealing. “We’ve invested nearly $11 million in streetscape improvements,” she adds. “That includes adding pergolas, enhancing public seating, and creating a sense of place for the community to gather and enjoy.”
The city has also partnered with MARTA, Atlanta’s public transit system, to expand bus stops in the downtown area. “Inclusivity is key,” the mayor says. On the business front, the city is courting a mix of retail, restaurants, and commercial enterprises alongside a robust “live, work, play” strategy. “We just completed an affordable housing apartment complex,” Mayor Burks shares. “But we’re also focused on attracting businesses that will draw people to stay in the city and enjoy it—retail shops, dining options, and hospitality venues.”
Interim City Manager Tammi Saddler Jones emphasizes the importance of engaging Clarkston’s residents in shaping the downtown area’s future. “We want to know what our community desires,” she says. “This upcoming fiscal year, our goal is to develop a strategic plan that incorporates input from residents, as well as the mayor and city council, so we can determine exactly what needs to be done to make downtown more attractive.” Thoughtful planning, she notes, is central to ensuring that Clarkston’s growth benefits everyone who calls it home.
Green Spaces and Pathways
Clarkston’s compact size doesn’t limit its ambitions for outdoor spaces and trail connectivity. The city has strategically invested in parks, greenways, and pedestrian infrastructure to ensure residents can access recreation, nature, and walkable pathways. Mayor Burks points out the city’s involvement in the Stone Mountain Trail, a 19-mile route stretching from Stone Mountain to Atlanta. “We’ve invested over a million dollars in upgrades to our portion of the trail,” she explains. “That includes improvements to sidewalks and beautification efforts.” The trail passes through DeKalb County and is an essential artery for pedestrians and cyclists.
A key component of that vision is the Greenway Trail Feasibility Study, a project designed to connect Clarkston’s existing trails with neighboring cities. “Our community is very walkable, and many residents rely on walking as their primary mode of transportation,” Mayor Burks says. “We’ve identified walkways—whether formally created or developed naturally—and looked at how we can better connect them.” The study’s success has earned multiple accolades, including recognition from the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Georgia Planning Association.
Beyond trails, Clarkston takes pride in preserving its natural environment. Friendship Forest, an 18-acre wildlife sanctuary, provides a lush retreat within the urban core. “It’s critical for us to maintain an urban forest as we develop,” Mayor Burks emphasizes. “This area ensures we have true tree canopy coverage while protecting wildlife habitats.” Alongside larger spaces, Clarkston has incorporated pocket parks throughout the city, combining small recreational areas with thoughtful touches like bicycle repair stations and public art installations.
Art and environmental stewardship often intersect in these spaces. Mayor Burks notes a recent presentation of “Mother Heart,” a sculpture by local artists symbolizing environmental conservation. Another attraction, Milam Park, is a cornerstone of outdoor activity in Clarkston. “It’s one of our central gathering spaces,” Mayor Burks shares. “There’s a pool, soccer and volleyball facilities, playgrounds for kids, and plenty of areas where the community can come together.” To expand recreational opportunities, the city has also purchased additional land to increase its park offerings.
Balancing Industry and Housing
Clarkston’s future hinges on expanding industrial opportunities and addressing housing challenges. Mayor Burks notes Clarkston’s industrial potential. “We have an industrial park that’s well-suited for warehouse operations, and businesses there benefit from an excise tax incentive,” she explains. The area is already home to companies like Sprocket, which specializes in manufacturing and other small-scale production and healthcare businesses.
Proximity to I-285 is a major selling point. “You’re less than half a mile from the highway,” the mayor emphasizes. “That makes it ideal for shipping, with easy access for trucks to get products in and out quickly.” The city is targeting industries interested in “micro-manufacturing,” which Mayor Burks describes as a good fit for Clarkston’s size and infrastructure. “Our location makes it convenient for businesses that need efficient logistics but don’t require a massive footprint,” she adds.
On the residential front, Clarkston is tackling two major challenges: affordability and accessibility. “We’re in a unique position,” Mayor Burks says. “While our area is still affordable compared to Decatur or Tucker, we’re starting to feel some of the rising costs.” Clarkston’s population density—7,000 residents per square mile—signifies its high concentration of apartments, with over 4,000 units already in the city.
Clarkston recently updated its zoning code to allow for duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes to address the need for diverse housing options. Mayor Burks notes that this flexibility is key to managing the city’s growth. “We want to balance the congestion that comes with being densely populated while also creating opportunities for additional housing stock,” she explains.
Innovative housing solutions are also part of Clarkston’s strategy. “We have a tiny home or cottage community, which is unique for the area,” the mayor shares. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have also been incorporated into the city’s zoning, providing more options for residents. The city is also actively pursuing new developments to increase its housing inventory and meet demand. “We understand the need to be flexible while ensuring we maintain a livable environment for everyone,” Mayor Burks says.
Collaboration as a Competitive Advantage
Collaboration is essential for a city as diverse and compact as Clarkston. With a population representing over 70 languages and dialects in just 1.79 square miles, the city relies on partnerships across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to address its unique challenges and opportunities. Mayor Burks identifies the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) as a key partner.
“I’ve participated in their housing advocacy cohort and their Regional Leadership Institute,” she says. “The ARC’s work in the ten-county metro Atlanta area provides us with invaluable content, resources, and strategic insight.” This collaboration has translated into tangible projects like the city’s downtown placemaking efforts. “We recently added a mural to our sidewalks, which was possible through partnerships like these,” the mayor adds.
Clarkston also benefits from its proximity to educational institutions. Georgia State University’s Clarkston campus and Georgia Piedmont Technical College are within reach. “These institutions are incredible resources that help us think strategically and plan effectively,” Mayor Burks explains. Partnerships with schools, particularly those focused on early learning, are especially critical given that 34% of the city’s population is under 18.
Interim City Manager Jones expands on the city’s reliance on state and municipal partners. “We lean heavily on entities like the Georgia Municipal Association and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs,” she says. Nonprofit organizations also play a crucial role in Clarkston’s ecosystem. Mayor Burks explains the importance of collaboration with refugee resettlement agencies, which have long been a cornerstone of the city’s identity. “These nonprofits fill critical gaps, supporting both foreign-born and native-born residents,” she says.
Collaboration isn’t always straightforward, but Clarkston approaches it with flexibility and intention. “Communication and teamwork aren’t a straight line,” Mayor Burks observes. “We meet people where they are, whether that means providing interpreters, offering translation services, or tailoring our outreach depending on the project.” Jones sums up the city’s ethos succinctly. “Our focus is always on going from good to great,” she says. “That means working together—our staff, elected officials, and community—to ensure residents are proud of their city.”
Looking Ahead: Building a Stronger, Inclusive Clarkston
As Clarkston moves forward, Mayor Burks points to the importance of teamwork in achieving its goals. “It’s not a one-person shop,” she says. “It takes all of us—staff, council members, and community leaders—to make this city a place where people want to live and visit, and where businesses feel encouraged to grow.” She credits the city’s staff, calling them “ambassadors” who keep Clarkston running smoothly. Mayor Burks also praises the city council for making thoughtful policy decisions that benefit the community.
In the coming months, housing will remain a top priority, with efforts to expand accessible options while maintaining the city’s livability. Economic development will focus on attracting and retaining businesses that align with Clarkston’s needs and values, ensuring that growth supports residents and commerce. At the same time, improvements in transportation infrastructure and enhancements to parks will play a vital role in shaping a more connected, engaged, and vibrant city.
Clarkston’s plans for the next 18 months are ambitious, but they are rooted in the collaborative ethos that defines the city. Clarkston’s leaders are laying the groundwork for an inclusive, innovative future built on mutual respect by prioritizing teamwork and thoughtful action. Mayor Burks shares a personal philosophy that guides her work as mayor and informs how she approaches leadership. “One of the most important things to remember is to treat people with dignity and respect,” she says. “You have to make sure there’s fairness, honesty, and trust—something people can always count on.”
AT A GLANCE
City of Clarkston
What: A diverse, thriving city focused on housing, economic development, and community engagement
Where: DeKalb County, Georgia
Website: www.clarkstonga.gov
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