Dunwoody City Council Strategic Planning Retreat 2025 - Day 2

The Dunwoody City Council held a strategic planning retreat on March 13, 2025, focusing extensively on capital investment projects, public safety enhancements, and operational improvements. Key procurement-related discussions included the upcoming bid for the Veterans Memorial construction project, estimated at $450,000, with plans to issue the bid by late March or early April. The council also reviewed plans to rebid contracts for various city services, including finance, community development, and public works positions, with a goal to bring some contracted roles in-house to improve continuity and oversight. Additionally, the council discussed funding strategies for public safety, including the potential creation of a special tax district to support increased police and fire services, and the integration of new technology such as drone first responders and advanced surveillance systems, with a recurring operational cost of approximately $200,000 annually. The meeting also addressed capital improvements in parks, transportation, and commercial areas, emphasizing the need to prioritize projects within limited budgets and to align with community input and master plans. Several policy and charter amendments related to tax districts, board and commission operations, and environmental protections were proposed for future consideration. Overall, the retreat set action items for further study, budget planning, and upcoming procurement activities to support Dunwoody's strategic goals.