Building an Inclusive Future for Sandy Springs

By Dontaye Carter

This week, I had the honor of speaking with the Atlanta Black Chambers about why I’m running for mayor of Sandy Springs and the vision I have for our city’s future.

Sandy Springs is a vibrant, growing city filled with potential. But too many of our neighbors—especially minority entrepreneurs and working families—still face barriers to opportunity. That must change.

I’m running because I believe in a Sandy Springs where success isn’t reserved for a few, but made possible for all. That means fostering a truly business-friendly environment—one that intentionally supports minority-owned businesses, expands access to city contracts, and builds pathways for growth and sustainability.

It also means addressing one of the most urgent issues in our city: housing affordability. The people who work here—teachers, nurses, first responders, small business employees—should also be able to live here. My plan includes smart, inclusive policies that increase affordable housing options while protecting the character of our neighborhoods.

Leadership isn’t about maintaining the status quo. It’s about having the courage to make change that matters. My agenda is rooted in equity, economic empowerment, and a belief that cities thrive when every voice is heard and every community is invested in.

I’m grateful to the Atlanta Black Chambers for providing a platform to speak with fellow business leaders, and I’m even more excited about the work ahead.

Together, we can build a Sandy Springs that is inclusive, innovative, and bold enough to lead.

Let’s get to work.

#CarterForSandySprings
#InclusiveLeadership
#SandySpringsForward

#DontayeCarter

You Can’t Push the People Who Built It to the Margins.

Let me be clear: this isn’t about ego. It’s about principle.

When we fought to bring Juneteenth to the City of Sandy Springs, it wasn’t because it was popular — it was because it was right. It was time to honor our ancestors, uplift our culture, and celebrate freedom the way it was always meant to be: by the people, for the people.

And for a while, it felt like the message got through.

But last year, something changed.

The very city we partnered with — the city where we helped build Juneteenth from the ground up — tried to take the holiday we fought for and sideline the very people who gave it life. They tried to strip it of its roots and repackage it without the voices that made it meaningful.

Let’s not rewrite history.

Juneteenth wasn’t born in boardrooms. It wasn’t sparked by city councils or press releases. It was forged through pain, struggle, and ultimately, triumph. Some of us have been celebrating this holiday for decades — long before it became a federal holiday. We didn’t have to look it up in 2020. We lived it.

So when I was told that my advocacy was “dividing the city,” I had to laugh — because what really divides a city is erasure. What divides a city is when those in power co-opt the work of Black organizers and community leaders, then try to push them out once the cameras start rolling. That’s not unity — it’s disrespect.

And the receipts don’t lie.

Thanks to an open records request, we saw the emails — the paper trail. And honestly? I just wish they had been smart enough not to leave one. Because what we saw confirmed what so many of us already knew: the erasure wasn’t accidental. It was calculated.

But here’s the deeper truth: what happened around Juneteenth is just a snapshot of a larger problem — a microcosm of how this city treats its marginalized residents, its workers, and anyone passionate about progress.

For years, Sandy Springs has stalled — bouncing between bringing services in-house or outsourcing them, with no clear vision for measured, sustainable growth. It shouldn’t take someone running for office to force action on basic issues like police pay. If we truly value public safety, then invest in it.

Yes, the city has over 50 acres dedicated to parks and trails. But ask the people — especially young families — what they really want: affordable housing, accessible resources, and a rec center. These aren’t luxuries. These are building blocks for strong communities.

And let’s be real: this city runs because working families show up every day. But those same families are often overlooked. Ignored. Pushed aside.

Sixty-five percent of our community are renters. That’s the majority — and they still don’t have a meaningful seat at the table. That group is diverse. That group is vital. And just like what happened with Juneteenth, they deserve a voice that isn’t appropriated. They deserve to be seen. Heard. Valued.

And this isn’t just about me. It’s about us — the people. The ones this nation was built for.

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice...”

Justice is equity.
Justice is fairness.
Justice is what we will keep fighting for, no matter the obstacles.

God didn’t send me to point fingers. God sent me to give our kids hope. Hope that their voices matter. Hope that they can build something lasting. Hope that their future can’t be stolen or silenced.

This isn’t just an event. It’s a movement. And the community showed up — not for titles, not for credit, but for truth. For dignity. For power.

And while some tried to box us out, the work speaks for itself.

You don’t need a title. You don’t need permission. All you need is conviction, clarity, and the courage to stand for what’s right.

This isn’t about dividing the city.
This is about unifying the people.
And if you’re tired of performative politics, tired of being told to wait your turn, tired of being unseen — you’re not alone.

The true fight is not with each other. It’s with those who benefit from keeping us divided.

But not anymore.

We’re here. We’re ready. And we’re not going back.

A Movement in the Margins

This Memorial Day, my family and I are spending time on the margins—where the true heart of America lives. It’s in the neighborhoods too often overlooked, the voices too often unheard. But it’s here that you feel the pulse of what makes this country beautiful: resilience, community, and the unwavering hope for something better.

Our soldiers gave everything for all of us. That sacrifice deserves more than just remembrance—it demands representation. That’s why I’m out here—not just campaigning—but listening, learning, and showing up.

If you want to have real kitchen table conversations, you’ve got to sit at real kitchen tables. With people who look like you—and with people who don’t. You’ve got to meet them where they are, not where it's most comfortable. That’s what this moment requires.

This election is about more than politics. It’s about people. It’s about protecting their way of life—and their livelihoods. It’s about reminding folks of what we can become when we stop writing each other off and start writing a new chapter together.

Today, I had the honor of speaking at the First Annual Youth Summit. Standing next to my brother, James Weaver—a consistent and courageous leader in Sandy Springs—reminded me of why this fight matters. I showed up for him today, just like he’s always shown up for us.

A young person asked me, “When did you find your purpose?”
My answer: In the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office.

It was there that I saw how laws—crafted by the hands of elected officials—shape the lives of everyday people. I realized that systems that once upheld slavery, banned interracial marriage, and denied voting rights were all legal… because someone wrote it that way. That moment changed everything for me.

I stopped waiting for someone else to fix it.
I became the voice I had been searching for.

This Memorial Day weekend has been long. I’ve been out knocking doors, shaking hands, and hearing stories. And you know what? It’s worth every second. Because more and more people are coming up to me saying:
“We’re riding with you.”

There’s a movement rising in the margins.
It’s rooted in purpose.
Fueled by hope.
Led by people who refuse to sit this one out.

We’re just getting started.
Let’s build the future together—one conversation, one community, one courageous step at a time.

#PurposeDriven #MovementInTheMargins #VoiceForThePeople #KeepGoing
#DontayeCarter #CountOnCarter #SandySpringsGA #MemorialDay #WeThePeople

Sandy Springs Repeals Unconstitutional Buffer Zone Ordinance After ACLU, Mayoral Candidate Dontaye Carter Speak Out

On April 1, the Sandy Springs City Council passed a reckless, unconstitutional ordinance that would have criminalized free speech across our city. I stood up and spoke out against it immediately. So did the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). We warned the city. We told them it violated the Constitution. And now, just weeks later, they’ve been forced to repeal it.

Why? Because the threat of legal action and public backlash finally made them do what they should have done the first time — listen.

📺 Watch My Breakdown on the Buffer Zone Ordinance
📺 Live Response to the Council’s April 1 Vote

Let’s be crystal clear: this ordinance was never about public safety — it was about control. It would have allowed the city to arrest people simply for standing within 8 feet of someone who disagreed with them. That’s not about preventing violence. That’s about silencing voices.

Imagine this:
You’re peacefully attending a rally. You’re holding a sign. You’re not blocking traffic. You’re not being aggressive. Under this ordinance, just being too close to someone who objects to your presence could’ve made you a criminal.

This law could’ve been used to shut down protests, intimidate dissent, and chill free expression across the city. The ACLU called it blatantly unconstitutional, and they were absolutely right.

This Was a Direct Attack on the First Amendment.

The ordinance didn’t just threaten free speech — it criminalized proximity. It was dangerously vague, overly broad, and it granted sweeping power to silence people anywhere in the city. That’s not how democracy works. That’s how authoritarianism creeps in.

The ACLU warned the city before the vote. I warned them. And instead of doing their due diligence, the City Council moved forward anyway. That’s not leadership. That’s negligence.

Our City Deserves Better.

When city government fails to read the Constitution, it’s not just a legal problem — it’s a moral one. We deserve elected leaders who understand that protecting public safety can never come at the cost of fundamental rights.

We need leadership that listens the first time.
That respects civil liberties.
That governs with clarity, courage, and competence.

This repeal was necessary — but it never should have been needed in the first place.

I’m running for Mayor of Sandy Springs because our residents deserve a city that puts freedom first and people over politics. We need to be proactive, not reactive. And we need to build a government that protects every voice, not just the ones it agrees with.

That’s the city I believe in. That’s the city I’ll fight for.

Let’s move forward — together.
Dontaye Carter
Candidate for Mayor of Sandy Springs

ALEX SOMER SUSPENDS MAYORAL CAMPAIGN, ENDORSES DONTAYE CARTER FOR MAYOR OF SANDY SPRINGS

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — Today, Alex Somer announced that he is suspending his campaign for Mayor of Sandy Springs and offering his full endorsement to community leader Dontaye Carter. After months of conversations with residents, stakeholders, and city leaders, Somer said the decision comes from a place of clarity and commitment—not just to a campaign, but to the future of Sandy Springs.

“This decision was not made lightly,” said Somer. “I entered this race because I believe deeply in the potential of Sandy Springs. After thoughtful reflection and honest conversations with people I trust, including Dontaye, I’ve come to see that the most impactful path forward—for both our community and myself—is not a contest between visions, but a collaboration toward shared purpose.”

“Dontaye Carter has consistently demonstrated the clarity of leadership, commitment to ethical governance, and unshakable passion needed to lead our city through its next chapter,” Somer continued. “I am proud to stand with him and offer my full endorsement for his candidacy for mayor.”

Somer also announced that he will now be pursuing a seat on the Sandy Springs City Council, representing District 4. He emphasized that his decision to refocus his campaign is grounded in a desire to create meaningful change where it matters most—at the intersection of community needs and government action.

“My heart is in this city, and I know that service doesn’t require a title—it requires a purpose,” Somer added. “By stepping into the race for City Council, I can focus on delivering tangible results for families, small businesses, and schools right here in my district.”

Mayoral candidate Dontaye Carter praised the move as a testament to Somer’s integrity and shared commitment to the future of Sandy Springs.

“Alex and I have had a powerful discussion about making an impact in the city we both love,” Carter said. “We are both passionate about education and ensuring that we’re building a city that is not just home to all but welcoming to all. This city deserves transparent, honest, and ethical leadership—leadership focused on building a city that we can all—and I mean all—call home. We both have young children, and it matters deeply to us what this city looks like for the families who are investing in Sandy Springs now and for generations to come.” Carter continued, “I’m honored to receive Alex’s endorsement, and I’m equally proud to publicly endorse his campaign for City Council in District 4. His thoughtfulness, conviction, and collaborative spirit make him exactly the kind of leader we need on the Council. I look forward to working alongside him to help move Sandy Springs forward—together.”

This alignment between Carter and Somer signals a new era of collaboration and shared vision in Sandy Springs—one that prioritizes progress over politics and people over personal ambition. This alliance sends a clear message: a unified vision, rooted in integrity and inclusion, will shape a brighter future for all who call this city home.

A City Without Civil Rights Is a City Without Justice

In early May, our campaign issued a strong statement denouncing hate in all forms and affirming our unwavering commitment to equality and justice in Sandy Springs. Unfortunately, just last night, I was informed of another deeply troubling incident—an act of blatant discrimination targeting a local restaurant.

This is more than just unacceptable—it is a moral and legal failure.

The City of Sandy Springs currently lacks a comprehensive civil rights ordinance. That means there are no enforceable local protections for residents who face discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. This legal gap leaves far too many in our city vulnerable to harm, indignity, and exclusion—and it must be closed immediately.

Sandy Springs is one of the most diverse communities in Georgia. Our residents represent a rich tapestry of cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds. Yet our local code does not reflect our values. It does not guarantee that someone can practice their faith, speak their language, or live their truth without fear of being targeted. It does not ensure that our city government, our businesses, and our institutions are accountable to the principle of equal protection under the law.

That changes on Day One.

As Mayor, I will introduce and fight to pass a Civil Rights Ordinance that establishes clear, enforceable protections from discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, city services, and education. This ordinance will align Sandy Springs with constitutional principles, federal law under the Civil Rights Act, the Fair Housing Act, and Title IX—and with the moral responsibility we have to one another as neighbors.

This is not just about policy—it’s about the soul of our city.

We cannot call ourselves inclusive while tolerating injustice. We cannot claim to value community while allowing hate to go unchallenged. I will not stand by while anyone is treated as less than human in the city I hope to lead.

To the residents of Sandy Springs—whether you are Black, Jewish, Muslim, Arab, LGBTQ+, immigrant, or belong to any group historically marginalized—I see you, I value you, and I will fight for you.

Hate Has No Home in Sandy Springs.
We stand against:
❌ Anti-Black Racism
❌ Anti-Arab Bigotry
❌ Antisemitism
❌ Transphobia
❌ All Forms of Hate

Together, we rise. Together, we heal.

Dontaye Carter
Candidate for Mayor, Sandy Springs

Now Is Not the Time for Silence: Sandy Springs Must Stand for Justice, Protect Immigrant Families, and Defend Constitutional Rights

Originally released January 26

Sandy Springs, GA – This past weekend, I received a troubling report by phone about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) entering Sandy Springs and carrying out deportations. Sandy Springs has not yet been built on diversity, but that is exactly what I am fighting for. This city can and must become a place where all people—regardless of their background or immigration status—are embraced, protected, and guaranteed the rights they deserve under the law.

Our community deserves leadership that values human dignity, constitutional rights, and the inclusivity of every resident. While the current mayor and city council have failed to stand up against these harmful immigration policies, I am here to say: leadership is coming. I will lead with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that Sandy Springs becomes a city where every resident feels safe, valued, and respected, regardless of where they come from.

As Mayor, I will require that ICE may not enter any business, school, or private property within Sandy Springs without a judicial warrant. This is a critical step in protecting the constitutional rights of all residents and ensuring that due process is upheld.

There is an important distinction between judicial warrants and administrative warrants:

• A judicial warrant is signed by a federal judge or magistrate and is based on probable cause. This type of warrant is required to authorize entry into private property or to carry out an arrest consistent with the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

• An administrative warrant, on the other hand, is issued by a federal immigration officer and does not go through the court system. These warrants do not carry the same legal authority and cannot be used to force entry into homes, schools, or businesses without permission.

ICE agents often carry administrative warrants (such as Form I-200 or I-205), which do not grant them the authority to enter private property without consent. By requiring judicial warrants, we are not obstructing law enforcement—we are upholding the Constitution.

Deportation efforts like those witnessed this weekend not only create fear and mistrust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, but also violate the fundamental principles of due process and equal protection under the law. Every person—no matter their immigration status—deserves the right to a fair hearing, to be heard, and to be treated with dignity. The absence of these basic rights in our current policies is a direct threat to the fabric of our democracy.

Sandy Springs has a unique opportunity to be a beacon of hope and inclusion, and we must take responsibility for shaping our future with that vision. Our neighbors in Atlanta have long been leaders in Georgia’s rich civil rights history, and now is the time for Sandy Springs to step forward and play an active role in that ongoing legacy. The legacy of courage, justice, and equality that has defined the struggle for human rights in this state is not a history we should observe from the sidelines. It is a cause we must actively join, and a future we must help create.

The current state of immigration enforcement in Sandy Springs is not just an issue of local policy—it is an issue of human rights. We must protect due process rights and the constitutional guarantees afforded to every individual, regardless of their immigration status. When we fail to uphold these rights, we fail as a community. We fail to live up to the principles that our city, state, and country are built on.

This weekend’s report is a clear reminder that silence in the face of injustice is complicity. As your Mayor, I will ensure that Sandy Springs leads with integrity and acts decisively to protect the rights of immigrant families, foster trust between law enforcement and our communities, and preserve the fundamental rights guaranteed to every resident under the Constitution. A threat to one of us is a threat to all of us, and we cannot remain silent when our neighbors are under attack.

Sandy Springs’ future is not yet written, but together, we have the power to shape it. A future built on compassion, trust, and inclusion—where no one is forced to live in fear of being separated from their family, and where diversity is celebrated as the strength it is. That is the Sandy Springs I am fighting for—a city where diversity is not just a value we talk about, but one we actively protect and grow.

Together, we will rise. Together, we will lead.

Dontaye Carter Announces Candidacy for Mayor of Sandy Springs on MLK Weekend: Putting Working Families, First Responders, and Teachers First

Dontaye Carter Announces Candidacy for Mayor of Sandy Springs on MLK Weekend: Putting Working Families, First Responders, and Teachers First 

Sandy Springs, GA – On Sunday, January 19, 2025, Dontaye Carter, a dedicated community advocate and proven leader, officially announced his candidacy for Mayor of Sandy Springs at the historic King Center in Atlanta. Surrounded by residents and supporters, Carter shared his vision for a city that prioritizes working families, first responders, and teachers while addressing the real challenges facing everyday people.

"Dr. King's legacy of justice and equality is a guiding force in my life," Carter said. "My great-great-grandfather, born into slavery in Selma, couldn’t have imagined his descendants would march with Dr. King and Rep. John Lewis across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Their courage made it possible for me to stand here today, ready to fight for a better future—for my daughter, for your families, and for everyone in Sandy Springs."

Carter’s campaign is focused on solving the problems that matter most to Sandy Springs' residents:

• Fair Housing for All: Stopping rent hikes and price gouging to protect renters.

• Capping Property Taxes: Keeping homeowners secure amid rising costs.

• Strengthening Communities: Building community centers that unite and empower residents.

• Smart Growth: Preventing predatory development while fostering sustainable progress.

"Mayors should be problem solvers tackling issues that impact everyday people," Carter emphasized. "From 45 city employees resigning in nine months to first responders and teachers being unable to afford homes or rent in Sandy Springs, the challenges are clear. Families are being crushed by rising rents, property taxes, and living costs while corporations get tax breaks. It’s time to prioritize people. Let’s incentivize corporations to lower costs and reinvest in the community that powers their success."

A Leader with a Legacy of Service

Carter, founder of Carter Media Group, is a successful small business owner and communications strategist. He has served as the elected Vice Chair of the School Governance Council at Dunwoody Springs Elementary, an Executive Board member of the PTO, and as Chair of North Fulton Democrats. He is also the 1st Vice President of the Atlanta NAACP and serves as the Communications Chair for the Georgia NAACP. Additionally, he served as a Board Member of CURE Childhood Cancer for two years, concluding in 2024.

Carter lives in Sandy Springs with his wife, Dr. Karen Creed, a board-certified OBGYN at Northside Hospital, and their six-year-old daughter, Kyleigh.

Endorsements of Leadership

Former Dunwoody Springs Principal Ivy Goggins said, 

"What Dontaye gave to my school didn’t require money; he gave something much more valuable: the gift of his time. He made a commitment to help my kids, and he showed up for them in a way that truly mattered, giving them hope and encouragement.

These boys may have missed their morning assignments on those days, but they gained something far more important: a sense of their worth, their value, and an understanding of what they could aspire to be as men. We noticed a decrease in their discipline referrals and an increase in their classroom engagement, which I attribute to the work Dontaye did with my boys. You see, some people think about stepping up. Some people talk about stepping up. And then there are people, like Dontaye, who actually do. Dontaye, you may not know for many years to come the extent of the impact you’ve had on those boys. But what I can tell you is that it didn’t matter to you whether they were your children or not. You recognized the need to step up for the kids at our school, and you did just that.

This is the type of selfless leadership we need in politics: someone who listens, acts, and works to address the needs of the community in meaningful ways. Dontaye is a great example of what happens when one person cares enough to take action and can rally the support of others to do the same. Dontaye has my full support because he consistently proves that his words are backed by actions, and his only agenda is to make his community better for everyone in it.”

Melissa Clink, Chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia's Seventh Congressional District, added,

"Each day, he leads with integrity and compassion, rooted in fairness and equity, ensuring that every voice is heard. He doesn't just talk about change—he works tirelessly to make it happen. Mr. Carter will continue to foster positive, progressive policies that benefit everyone in our community, regardless of race, religion, ethnic background, or socioeconomic status. I am confident that Dante will continue to serve others, not only in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr., but in his remembrance. I look forward to supporting his future endeavors because he is building a lasting legacy that we can all be proud of—a legacy that will benefit small business owners and workers alike, one that supports renters and homeowners, doctors and patients.

He is a bridge-builder. In this time of political division, we must stand in the gap and create unity locally. We must elect leaders who can foster unity in our small corners of the world, because our future depends on it. And you can Count on Carter."

Join the Movement

Carter’s campaign is a call to action for residents who want a city that values fairness, accountability, and opportunity. "Together, we can create a legacy of hope and progress for generations to come," Carter said. "This is our chance to build a Sandy Springs where everyone feels valued and supported."

About Dontaye Carter

Dontaye Carter is a committed community advocate with a proven record of leadership and service. He is devoted to building a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous Sandy Springs that works for everyone.