As we celebrate the gentlemen in the community, Chamblee City Lifestyle turned to Chamblee Mayor Brian Mock. Brian Mock was first elected to Chamblee City Council in November of 2013 where he served for eight years and appointed as Mayor Pro Tempore by his peers, three of those years. He was elected Mayor of Chamblee in 2021. Here’s what Mayor Mock had to say about the city he calls “the best community in the world.”
Mayor Mock recalls that mayors often say, ‘if you don’t believe your city is the best city in the world, you probably shouldn’t be serving as mayor.’ “I find this to be an accurate statement,” he says. “I certainly believe Chamblee to be amongst the best cities in the world, and I can’t imagine calling another place home.”
For Mayor Mock, it all boils down to some important questions such as, Is our city one that you feel good about coming home to at the end of the day? Is it a good place to raise kids? Is it friendly and welcoming? Given the urban environment, is it clean, and do we feel safe? “For me, it’s a resounding yes, and I hope our residents feel the same,” he says.
Mayor Mock says he also realizes things aren’t perfect. “Even the best places, the best people, have challenges,” Mayor Mock says. As for challenges, like most cities across the nation, Mayor Mock says housing affordability is one of our biggest burdens. “Finding a home is tough enough,” he says. “Finding one that's affordable is even more difficult. I’ve always said if you want to call Chamblee home, I want you to be able to. Given that, we completed the Chamblee Housing Study and identified priority strategies to preserve affordability and expand housing options.”
Mayor Mock believes in smart, planned growth, while protecting existing housing and being mindful of displacement. “Urban renewal in my mind is improving livability without destroying established neighborhoods. This is why I’m very protective and cautious when folks approach me about projects along the Buford Highway corridor.”
And Mayor Mock recalls a time not too long ago, when there wasn’t much activity in downtown Chamblee. “As a downtown resident, I [used to] walk my dog at night and hardly encountered a soul, he says. “Now, I don’t get as far on my walks, as I’m constantly encountering people along the way to talk with." And as for new businesses? “Who would’ve ever thought we would have a dozen restaurants with lines often extending out the door," Mayor Mock says. “And who would've thought we would have a trail network leading to our neighborhoods allowing the ability to walk to these great places and not have to get into our cars? It’s happening, folks.”
With more people choosing to call Chamblee home, Mayor Mock says enhanced walking trails, outdoor spaces, parks and improved infrastructure benefit all of us, and he urges residents to venture over to Dresden Park. “As some may know, the city received $12 million in COVID ARPA funding. Investing all of this into Dresden Park and transforming it into what it is today is one of my proudest accomplishments while serving," he says. "I also want to thank our citizens for approving our request for a parks bond to fund $30 million of future improvements to many of our parks and trails, including Keswick and Huntley Hills. Amazing things are on the horizon for our parks and green space.”
Mayor Mock says things that keep him awake at night include the unhoused population – especially those who are chronically homeless and those with mental health conditions, and as one of the most diverse cities in the state, inclusivity in an environment where that’s not always the case anymore. But he says he knows the city well as a community and as neighbors. "I know we will all get through it, together," he says. “And in that spirit, I appreciate those who are involved, willing to give of their time and talents to continue to build a better Chamblee. And I encourage those who are not actively involved to find small ways within your neighborhood and within the community to pitch in. It’s all of us working together, the small things, that make us the best place to live, to work and to play. It takes a village, I’m grateful to our city council, our city staff, those who serve on our boards and authorities, and our community members as a whole. All of the things that I believe to be great about our city are only possible through our all working together toward the common goal; to live in the best community in the world.”
I certainly believe Chamblee to be amongst the best cities in the world.