We’re Releasing Our New Campaign Video
We’re excited to release our new campaign video sharing Dontaye Carter’s vision for Sandy Springs. From stronger schools to safer streets, affordable housing, and smarter growth, this campaign is about building a city that works for all of us.
Today, I’m proud to share our new campaign video with the people of Sandy Springs. This is more than an introduction — it’s a call to action for the future of our city.
Our families deserve leadership that doesn’t just make promises but delivers real solutions. In this campaign, I’m committed to:
Stronger Schools – building partnerships to give every child a fair shot.
Safer Streets – commonsense safety strategies that protect our families.
Affordable Housing – ensuring teachers, first responders, and working families can afford to live in the city they serve.
Smarter Growth – revitalizing neighborhoods, holding property owners accountable, and protecting the character of Sandy Springs.
This video reflects why I’m running: to make Sandy Springs a city that works for all of us. It’s about people, not politics — about listening to our neighbors, lifting up every voice, and making sure no one is left behind.
📺 Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/qBGAfkf-mZE
📅 Election Day: November 4, 2025
Podcast Feature: Candidate Profile – Dontaye Carter for Mayor of Sandy Springs
Dontaye Carter, candidate for Mayor of Sandy Springs, was recently featured on The Georgia Politics Podcast’s Candidate Profile series. In the episode, he shares his journey from journalist and community advocate to mayoral candidate and outlines his vision for affordability, equity, and transparency in Sandy Springs.
I’m honored to have been featured in The Georgia Politics Podcast’s Candidate Profile series. In this episode, we dive into my journey, vision, and why I believe Sandy Springs deserves bold, inclusive leadership.
👤 What we cover:
My personal story — growing up in a military family, being raised by a single mother, and discovering early on what perseverance, service, and storytelling truly mean.
My work as a journalist and communicator, from leading public affairs in Fulton County to amplifying voices in nationally-important cases like Ahmaud Arbery and R. Kelly.
Who I am beyond politics — husband, father, small business owner, and volunteer: Vice Chair of my child’s school council, First Vice President of the Atlanta NAACP, Chair of North Fulton Democrats.
The challenges I see in Sandy Springs, and the solutions I’m advocating — affordability (especially for teachers and first responders), equity, transparency, smarter traffic and infrastructure planning, and boosting opportunity for minority-owned businesses.
🎯 Why this matters:
Sandy Springs is at a pivotal moment. Decisions we make now will shape our quality of life for years to come — for all residents, not just the privileged. I believe that through responsive leadership, shared resources, and inclusive policy, we can build a city that lifts every voice.
🎧 Listen here: [Georgia Politics Podcast — Candidate Profile: Dontaye Carter]
🏡 Making Sandy Springs More Affordable for Everyone
💡 A City That’s Affordable for Everyone
As home values rise, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to make Sandy Springs more affordable for working families, homeowners, and renters alike.
By lowering the city’s millage rate from $4.73 to $4.00, we can save residents hundreds each year without cutting essential services like police, fire, and parks. That means $146 a year back for the average homeowner and more stable rents for those who lease.
Smart budgeting means we don’t have to choose between a strong city and an affordable one—we can build both.
🔍 What’s Driving the Cost?
One factor affecting both homeowners and renters is the city’s millage rate—the amount the city charges in property taxes per $1,000 of taxable home value.
Current Millage Rate: $4.73 per $1,000
Proposal: Lower it to $4.00
Because home values have risen dramatically, the city can lower the millage rate and still collect enough to fund essential services—without cutting police, fire, parks, or infrastructure.
💸 What This Means for You
For Homeowners
Lowering the city’s millage rate from $4.73 to $4.00 means real money back in your pocket, no matter the value of your home—and without sacrificing essential city services like police, fire, parks, and infrastructure.
Here’s what those savings would look like:
If your home is valued at $300,000, you would save about $87 a year on your city property taxes.
If your home is valued at $500,000, your savings would be around $146 a year.
For a $750,000 home, you’d save about $219 each year.
A homeowner with a $1 million property would see an annual savings of $292.
And if you live in a $2 million home, that savings doubles to about $584 each year.
For those in $3 million homes, the savings could reach around $876 annually.
These savings might seem small on the surface—but for many families, every dollar counts. In a time where everything from insurance to groceries is going up, this kind of tax relief can help you keep pace with the cost of living while continuing to enjoy the city services that make Sandy Springs a great place to live.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or a new homeowner, these changes can help ease the financial pressure of rising home values and growing expenses—without sacrificing public safety, parks, or the quality of life we all value.
For Renters
Renters often pay indirectly for rising property taxes through higher monthly rent. When landlords face higher taxes, they pass those costs along. By lowering the millage rate:
✅ We help slow the rise in rent
✅ Keep more affordable units on the market
✅ Support working families and young professionals trying to stay in Sandy Springs
If your landlord owns a property valued at $1 million, for example, they could save nearly $300/year—and over time, that stability means fewer dramatic rent hikes.
🧩 A Smarter Approach to City Spending
We can invest in our future without pushing people out of the city they love.
As your next leader, I will:
✅ Advocate for a millage rate reduction that aligns with rising home values
✅ Demand transparent budgeting so we know exactly where your tax dollars are going
✅ Fight for policies that balance growth with affordability
✅ Ensure renters and working families are part of the city’s long-term plan
The Bottom Line:
Everyone wins when we manage growth responsibly.
Families can breathe easier knowing every dollar goes a little further
Renters have a fighting chance to stay in the communities they love
Homeowners, whether you're in a modest condo or a multimillion-dollar estate, get meaningful relief
And the city still has what it needs to operate safely and successfully