Featured in Rough Draft: Advancing the Conversation in Sandy Springs
Dontaye Carter’s mayoral campaign priorities on housing affordability and family-centered infrastructure were featured in Rough Draft Atlanta coverage of the Sandy Springs City Council Retreat. Learn how his ideas continue shaping city policy.
Featured in Rough Draft Atlanta
Ideas That Continue to Shape Sandy Springs
In February 2026, Rough Draft Atlanta highlighted how key issues from my mayoral campaign — recreation access, family-centered infrastructure, and housing affordability — are now central to city leadership discussions at the Sandy Springs City Council Retreat.
While I did not attend the retreat, I shared my perspective with the publication.
“I’m encouraged to see the city advancing a conversation that’s been decades in the making. Over the last two election cycles, I’ve urged the city to be more intentional about investing in recreation and family-centered infrastructure.”
For years, I’ve advocated for smart investment in parks, accessible public spaces, and long-term infrastructure that serves families in every zip code — not just those closest to City Hall.
As discussions move forward around Hammond Park and other recreation planning, I emphasized what must remain front and center:
“Hammond Park makes sense given its proximity to City Hall, but as we move forward, the city still has to grapple with geography, traffic, and access — especially for families on the north and south ends of Sandy Springs.”
Housing: Leadership Requires Hard Conversations
Housing affordability — one of the defining issues of the 2025 mayoral race — was also addressed during the retreat.
Following the December runoff, I had a productive and candid meeting with Mayor Rusty Paul where housing policy was a central topic.
“We spoke at length about housing and the importance of follow-through on ideas raised during the campaign, including the concept of a focused task force. We discussed the need for leadership that can responsibly manage expectations on both sides — developers who want to do business with the city and the hardworking, tax-paying residents who want to remain in the communities they call home.”
The city’s housing assessment confirmed what many families already feel:
Sandy Springs lacks entry-level homeownership opportunities
Housing stock for residents earning under $50,000 continues to decline
Redevelopment is often replacing existing homes rather than expanding attainable ownership
There is no “magic wand” solution. Real leadership means navigating political realities while protecting long-term community stability.
These are complex policy choices — but avoiding them is not an option.
Influence Beyond the Ballot
The 2025 election may be over.
The work is not.
The ideas we elevated — equitable access, thoughtful growth, responsible housing policy, and family-first planning — are now shaping the city’s direction.
Leadership is not measured solely by election results.
It’s measured by whether your ideas move the city forward.
And they are.
Dontaye Carter Earns SPLC Action Fund Endorsement in Sandy Springs Mayoral Election
Civil rights advocate and community leader Dontaye Carter has earned the endorsement of the SPLC Action Fund in the Sandy Springs mayoral election. With additional support from the Atlanta North Georgia Labor Council, Working Families Party, and Run for Something, Carter’s campaign is building a powerful coalition to deliver affordable housing, equity, accountability, and opportunity for every resident of Sandy Springs.
SANDY SPRINGS, GA — Our campaign continues to build powerful momentum. Today, the SPLC Action Fund, one of the South’s most respected civil rights organizations, announced its endorsement of Dontaye Carter for Mayor of Sandy Springs. This endorsement is a clear signal that our vision for equity, accountability, and opportunity is resonating across our city.
The SPLC Action Fund highlighted Dontaye’s long history of leadership and advocacy. As vice president of the Atlanta NAACP and chair of the North Fulton Democrats, Dontaye led grassroots organizing efforts around voting rights, criminal justice reform, and community empowerment. He worked closely with the family of Ahmaud Arbery to demand accountability and ensure that Arbery’s story was told with accuracy, humanity, and dignity.
“Dontaye Carter understands that, as a public servant, you are chosen to represent every member of the community, not just the wealthy few,” said Madison Hollon, program manager of political campaigns, SPLC Action Fund. “It’s not enough to listen to constituents; leaders at the local level need to include them in that planning and decision-making that can help power their cities toward a more vibrant future. Carter has committed to giving those who have typically been pushed to the side a seat at the table and creating a local government that is reflective of the amazing diversity in Sandy Springs, which will help to address existing inequities in the city and make it a better place to live for everyone.”
“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the SPLC Action Fund,” Dontaye Carter said. “This campaign is not about politics as usual — it’s about people, family, and community. It’s about making sure that every resident of Sandy Springs — from our children to our seniors — has a voice in the decisions that shape their lives. At a time when our values and humanity are being tested, it takes courage to stand tall. That’s what this moment demands, and that’s the kind of leadership I will bring. Karen, Kyleigh, and I are proud to be part of a movement rooted in love, justice, and the belief that when we stand together, we can build a brighter, more united future for our city.”
A Growing Coalition for Change
This latest endorsement builds on a wave of support for Dontaye Carter’s mayoral campaign in Sandy Springs. To date, Dontaye has been endorsed by:
Atlanta North Georgia Labor Council – representing thousands of working people across the region, advocating for good jobs, fair wages, and stronger communities.
Working Families Party – standing up for equity, dignity, and opportunity for working families.
Run for Something (RFS) – supporting the next generation of progressive leaders across the country.
These endorsements demonstrate the broad and diverse coalition rallying behind Carter — from civil rights advocates to labor leaders to progressive organizations — united by a shared belief that Sandy Springs deserves bold leadership focused on people, not politics.
A Campaign Rooted in Community
As a small business owner, husband, father, and lifelong advocate, Dontaye Carter is running for mayor to make Sandy Springs a city where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. His campaign is centered on:
Expanding affordable housing so that teachers, first responders, and working families can live where they work.
Investing in safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and community programs for youth and seniors.
Building a more transparent, accountable government that listens to all residents, not just the powerful few.
Strengthening partnerships with community organizations to expand economic opportunity and ensure equity across every corner of Sandy Springs.
Moving Forward Together
The endorsements from the SPLC Action Fund, Atlanta North Georgia Labor Council, Working Families Party, and Run for Something reflect a growing movement to bring progressive leadership to Sandy Springs.
On Tuesday, November 4th, voters will have the opportunity to elect a mayor who will put community, family, and humanity first. Together, we can create a Sandy Springs where every voice is heard, every family is valued, and every resident has a fair chance at success.