The DeKalb Sustainable Neighborhoods Initiative (DSNI) is a pilot program that fosters a collaborative, cross-sector, community-based approach to improving the quality of life in DeKalb neighborhoods. Communities participating in the DeKalb Sustainable Neighborhoods Initiative have the opportunity to work with the assets in their area, including collaborating with a variety of agencies, organizations and institutions that share an interest in the community, in order to craft a comprehensive approach for improving the quality of life in their neighborhoods.

Seven areas were identified for this opportunity based on their eligibility to utilize resources available through the county's U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-funded programs and related federal, state and local initiatives. The seven areas, based on high school clusters, include: Clarkston, Columbia, Cross Keys, Lithonia, McNair, Stone Mountain and Towers.