Catherine Lautenbacher never saw herself running for office. But after years of leading the Leadership Perimeter program, she found herself pulled into public service. Now representing District 1 on Dunwoody City Council, Catherine focuses on community safety, connectivity, and building up future leaders.
She shares what she has experienced over the last four years and reflects on the moments that stood out during her time on the council. Public safety is at the top of that list. Catherine explains how Dunwoody police are using drones to respond more quickly and assess situations from above before officers even arrive. The city has also built a high-tech command center with live video feeds that help manage emergencies, traffic, and major events like the Fourth of July parade. It’s about being proactive, not just reactive, and she’s proud to see Dunwoody leading the way.
She also continues to mentor the next generation through Leadership Perimeter and remains a strong advocate for making Dunwoody more walkable, one sidewalk at a time.
A Familiar Face with a Passion for Community
In this episode of the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast, host Matt Weber sits down with Catherine Lautenbacher, a Dunwoody City Council member representing District 1. Over her four years on the council, Catherine has become a familiar face in the community, known for her grounded perspective, collaborative spirit, and commitment to making Dunwoody an even better place to live.
Rather than focusing on her reelection, this episode centers on what Catherine has accomplished, what matters most to her, and how she thinks the city can continue to improve. Two major themes rise to the top: enhancing public safety through innovative police programs and cultivating local leadership through the Leadership Perimeter program.
Breaking Down District 1
Catherine represents District 1, the westernmost section of Dunwoody. Imagine Dunwoody as a square cut vertically into three slices. Her district runs from Dunwoody Club Drive down to the Perimeter Mall area. It includes neighborhoods like Dunwoody Club Forest and the Branches, which are rich in community spirit and full of residents who are passionate about the future of their city.
For anyone thinking about moving to Dunwoody, understanding these district lines can help make sense of local governance and which council members are working directly on your neighborhood's behalf.
A Grounded Approach to Public Service
Catherine brings a refreshing approach to city government. She listens. She absorbs community feedback. And she acts where she can. Her early days on the council included unexpected constituent calls about everything from restaurant preferences to sidewalk safety near schools. She understands that sometimes people just need to be heard, and sometimes they need help making things happen.
Whether it’s coordinating with public works to install pedestrian crossing lights or escalating water main break issues to DeKalb County officials, Catherine sees her role as a bridge between residents and the machinery of city services.
Boosting Public Safety: From Drones to Proactive Policing
One of Catherine’s biggest points of pride from over the last 4 years is the evolution of the Dunwoody Police Department. The city has embraced cutting-edge technology like drones, which provide officers with a rapid, birds-eye view of emergencies. Catherine shared a recent story where drones were used to monitor a potentially dangerous situation at Ashford Lane. With drones on site quickly, police could assess the situation and respond more safely and efficiently.
The department also launched a high-tech response center that functions like a mission control room. There, staff can monitor cameras and coordinate resources in real time. It's another leap forward in keeping Dunwoody safe.
She explains that while the police department is currently reactive, showing up quickly when something happens, the goal is to become more proactive, stopping incidents before they occur. Hiring more officers and investing in tools like drones and surveillance helps make that possible.
For families living in Dunwoody or those considering moving to Dunwoody, these safety enhancements offer reassurance that the city is prioritizing both innovation and community protection.
Leadership Perimeter: Creating the Next Generation of Local Leaders
Beyond her council duties, Catherine serves as the Program Director of Leadership Perimeter, a community leadership training program that used to be known as Leadership Sandy Springs. It now includes participants from Dunwoody and Brookhaven, matching the footprint of the Perimeter Community Improvement District (CID).
Leadership Perimeter teaches residents about city and state government, education, economic development, the environment, and human services. Participants hear from local leaders, meet their elected officials, and get a mentor to help them find their path to civic engagement. It’s about turning passive residents into active changemakers.
A core feature of the program is its emphasis on real-world impact. Participants complete group projects, like teaching “adulting” classes in high schools, which cover vital life skills such as budgeting, resume writing, and navigating credit cards or mortgages. These projects benefit both the students and the adults who are learning to lead.
There’s even a youth track, led by Lori Peljovich, which introduces teenagers to similar themes and shows them how government and community service actually work.
Catherine herself is a product of the program — she went through Leadership Sandy Springs before ever considering a run for office. That experience showed her the inner workings of local government and gave her the confidence to step into a leadership role. She now sees it as her mission to spark that same realization in others.
Walkability, Sidewalks, and the Parks Plan
Another major area of focus is walkability throughout Dunwoody. Catherine is a strong supporter of the city’s trail and sidewalk master plan, which aims to link neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas through pedestrian-friendly pathways. While the recent city bond that would have fast-tracked these projects didn’t pass, Catherine remains committed to slowly implementing the plan.
A point of contention for many residents was the proposed width of sidewalks. The controversial 12-foot figure made waves, but Catherine clarified that this was more of a planning placeholder than a universal standard. Most sidewalks won't reach that width, especially in tight residential areas. Instead, the city is working on a case-by-case basis to find what fits best.
From Brook Run Park to Wildcat Park and Austin Elementary, improvements are slowly but surely taking shape. The goal is to make it easier for residents to walk or bike from one part of Dunwoody to another.
Economic Development and the Importance of Perimeter
Catherine also shed light on Dunwoody's economic engine: the Perimeter business district. While residents often associate Dunwoody with neighborhoods and swim teams, it’s the offices and restaurants in the Perimeter area that fund a big portion of the city’s budget.
Commercial taxes help keep property taxes low for residents, and as Catherine pointed out, the vacancy rate in the office market is a concern. That’s why walkability and vibrant mixed-use developments like High Street and Campus 244 are so important. They attract new companies that want to be close to MARTA, dining, and housing.
Bringing in businesses like TriNet and Marketwake helps keep Dunwoody thriving. For anyone living in Dunwoody, or thinking about moving to Dunwoody, this blend of residential charm and economic opportunity is a huge draw.
District 1: Where Local Issues Get Personal
Catherine's role often involves handling hyperlocal issues that matter deeply to residents. Whether it's fielding calls about speed limits, sidewalk paint near Austin Elementary, or water main breaks in Georgetown, she makes herself available and approachable.
One resident asked for a crosswalk light at Redfield. Catherine got in touch with Public Works, and a few months later, the light was installed. That kind of responsiveness may seem small, but it makes a big difference in people’s daily lives.
Speed control is another hot topic. Inspired by Brookhaven’s decision to lower some of its speed limits, Catherine explained that Dunwoody is also looking into traffic calming measures. Streets like Peeler Road and Nandina Lane are in the spotlight for possible redesigns that would make them safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Making Dunwoody Feel Like Dunwoody
Catherine's dedication shines through most in her passion for making Dunwoody a cohesive, livable, and welcoming city. Whether it’s coordinating parade logistics with drone support, pushing for community signage, or advocating for park improvements, she believes that details matter.
Even something as seemingly simple as a new welcome sign can create a sense of place. Catherine points to the big lit-up sign at Chamblee Dunwoody Road as a symbol of progress. People arriving at Perimeter Mall might not know they're in Dunwoody, and a new sign there will change that perception.
Final Thoughts and How to Get Involved
Explore Local Leadership: Check out the Leadership Perimeter program if you want to make a difference. From adult courses to youth engagement, it’s an eye-opener for anyone looking to serve.
Stay Informed: Attend city council meetings, reach out to your councilmember, and stay plugged into local issues.
Support Economic Development: Shop, dine, and work locally whenever possible. Your engagement helps shape Dunwoody’s future.