Tax Allocation Districts for Working Families: A New Vision for Sandy Springs
Sandy Springs has relied on tax breaks for developers while families continue to be priced out. Dontaye Carter’s plan for Tax Allocation Districts for Working Families flips the model — investing in affordable housing, schools, and small businesses to keep our community strong.
Sandy Springs is a city full of potential, but right now we’re facing challenges that can’t be ignored. Our population is declining. Our schools are losing enrollment. And too many families — including teachers, police officers, nurses, and service workers — are being priced out of the very community they help keep strong.
For too long, City Hall has leaned on the same playbook: give tax breaks and incentives to developers and hope the benefits “trickle down” to the people. The results are clear — luxury apartments, high-priced retail, and a city that feels less affordable every year.
It’s time for a new approach.
What Is a Tax Allocation District (TAD)?
A Tax Allocation District is a tool cities use to reinvest future tax growth back into a specific area. Normally, these districts are set up to fund large-scale development projects. As property values rise, the new tax revenue (called the “increment”) goes into the district rather than the general budget, paying for infrastructure and improvements.
In other words: instead of spreading that tax growth across the city, it stays in the district to fund its redevelopment.
The Problem With the Old Model
Here in Sandy Springs, and across Georgia, TADs have almost always been designed with developers in mind. That means public dollars are used to fund projects that don’t directly address the needs of working families.
We’ve seen this play out: families pushed out by rising rents, schools losing students, and neighborhoods left behind.
My Proposal: TADs for Working Families
I believe we can flip this model. As Mayor, I will push for Tax Allocation Districts for Working Families — districts designed not for developers, but for the people who call Sandy Springs home.
These TADs will prioritize:
Affordable Housing: Ensuring teachers, police officers, nurses, and service workers can afford to live here.
Neighborhood Investment: Funding sidewalks, parks, and transit access where families live — not just in commercial corridors.
Stronger Schools: Partnering with Fulton County Schools to support safe routes, after-school programs, and facilities that help stabilize enrollment.
Small Business Growth: Creating incentives for local businesses that keep dollars in our community, not just national chains.
Why It Matters
This is about more than tax policy. It’s about values.
Do we want a city that works only for developers and big business?
Or do we want a Sandy Springs that invests in families, strengthens schools, and creates a future where everyone has a chance to thrive?
I’m running for Mayor because I believe it’s time to put families before developers, people before politics, and community before profits.
Together, we can make Sandy Springs a city that works for all of us.
— Dontaye Carter
Candidate for Mayor of Sandy Springs
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.