The 2025 DHA Candidate Forum, Membership Perks, and Community Summer Socials with Julia Frament
This episode at a glance
What’s Up Dunwoody podcast host Matt Weber sits down with Julia Frament, a key volunteer leader with the Dunwoody Homeowners Association, to focus on the upcoming DHA Candidate Forum, the refreshed membership drive, and a practical guide to the DHA Summer Socials happening at favorite Dunwoody restaurants. If you are living in Dunwoody or thinking about moving to Dunwoody, this conversation explains how to plug in, stay informed, and meet neighbors while supporting the traditions that make our city feel like a small town.
Why the DHA Candidate Forum matters this election season
The DHA Candidate Forum is the rare, nonpartisan local event where Dunwoody residents hear directly from candidates in a structured, moderated format. The DHA has hosted forums for mayor, city council, state house and senate, congressional seats, and other races. Questions are sourced from the community via an online form, curated by DHA leadership, and shared live so voters can compare clear, on-the-record answers.
What this means for Dunwoody: When you vote for city leadership, you influence traffic policy, the feel of Dunwoody Village, how Brook Run Park is activated, and the future of development near Perimeter Mall. Local decisions hit closest to home, whether you live in Dunwoody North, The Branches, Village Mill, or near Roberts Drive and Spalding Drive.
Timing and tone: The forum is tentatively scheduled for October ahead of Election Day. Expect a full room, a tight agenda, and a respectful tone that lets you evaluate ideas side by side.
Why you should go even if you “already decided”: The Candidate Forum is where platform details meet real neighborhood questions. You will hear how candidates approach zoning, traffic calming, sidewalks, schools, and how they would support signature community traditions.
Monthly DHA meetings now come with featured speakers
Julia explains that DHA board meetings now feature a topical guest speaker each month. In July, the DHA hosted DeKalb County School Board representative Andrew Ziffer. A mayoral address is planned for early fall, and more names will be announced soon.
Parade, Farmers Market, and Light Up Dunwoody in 60 seconds
Dunwoody 4th of July Parade: A beloved staple that draws families from all across Metro-Atlanta.
Dunwoody Farmers Market: Weekly at Brook Run Park with produce, baked goods, and local makers.
Light Up Dunwoody: The pre-holiday kickoff at the Cheek-Spruill Farmhouse in Dunwoody Village.
Food Truck Thursdays: Monthly at Brook Run Park with rotating food truck favorites.
Julia Frament’s playbook for a stronger DHA membership
Julia focuses on connection and clarity, using social media and “Notes from the President” to highlight DHA work. She explains that the team will be introducing new membership tiers in the future, along with a membership card that will offer local business perks.
The future DHA membership perks and card
Julia and the team plan to modernize membership so people can see and feel the value.
Two-tier membership: Planned for the future — a base level and an enhanced level with added perks.
The DHA membership card: Will be introduced to unlock offers at participating local businesses.
Member-only events: Expected in the future to include mixers and early access experiences.
A cleaner sign-up flow: A website refresh with Kapp Koncepts will make joining easier.
Your 2025 DHA Summer Socials
Julia is helping organize DHA Summer Socials — informal gatherings at favorite Dunwoody spots designed for quick conversations and easy renewals.
Kickoff at Good Vibes in the Village Dunwoody
Round two at Chupito’s
August at Vino Venue
September Trivia Tuesday at Dunwoody Tavern
October on the patio at Joey D’s
These socials will usually feature the new DHA tent by Heyward Wescott of Custom Signs Today, making the group easy to spot.
Why Summer Socials work
Access for busy families: Drop in without committing a whole evening.
Early feedback: Share your ideas in real time.
Merchant lift: Brings customers to local businesses.
Community impact and real estate
A connected community keeps the Dunwoody real estate market strong. A visible DHA signals stability and quality of life to anyone looking at homes for sale in Dunwoody.
Who should join the DHA now
New residents
Civic-minded locals
Merchants and service owners
Anyone who wants to keep up with what's going on in Dunwoody
How to join, follow, and stay plugged in
Join online: Annual membership supports events, forums, and advocacy.
Follow the DHA: Instagram @DunwoodyHOA and Facebook.
Show up: Attend a Sunday meeting or a Summer Social.
