Spending we can defend, taxes we can afford, and growth we can shape.
Running to protect what makes Doraville, Doraville.
My name is Brian Kyser. I have lived in Doraville with my wife Jennifer (an avid baker) and our fur babies for over 10 years. You can often find me digging in my garden, enjoying a morning run through the hills of our neighborhood and serving as unpaid courier to deliver my wife's baked goods to various neighbors. When I'm not doing any of that, I'm working as a Solution Engineer at SAP.
But here's what I really want you to know:
I love this city. Not in a polished, campaign-speechy kind of way but in the real way we all love a place that feels like home. Here in Doraville, we're a small city with a big personality. We have our quirks. We have our struggles. Yet even though we may not always agree, at the end of the day, we still show up for each other. That's the Doraville I know and love.
As metro Atlanta grows and changes, a lot of cities are starting to look the same. I don't want that for Doraville. Doraville is something different. We are not Chamblee. We are not Brookhaven. Doraville has its own history, its own people, and its own charm. Growth is still welcome, but on our terms, in our voice, and at our pace. Our scrappy character is an advantage and I believe protecting it is one of the most important things we can do as we grow.
I'm running for City Council, District 2 because I want to make sure that as Doraville changes, we don't lose what makes Doraville, Doraville. I plan to bring that same neighborly spirit to City Hall. That means listening first, working across differences, leading with transparency, and making decisions that serve the people who actually live here. I envision a Doraville that grows thoughtfully, stays connected to the community, and never forgets who we are.
I'd be honored to earn your vote on November 3rd.
-Brian
Full profile on LinkedIn
A strong city is built from the foundation up, not the wish list down.
Doraville's budget grows every year, but families keep feeling squeezed. Before we fund the next new idea, let's make sure every dollar we spend is doing real work. I'll implement a simple one-question test: does this serve Doraville families first? That includes stronger homestead exemptions for long-time homeowners who shouldn't be taxed out of the neighborhoods they helped build.
Every developer incentive hits residents' pocketbooks. So every deal should deliver something real and be enforceable. I'll push for clear answers on what Doraville gets in return, enforcement clauses with real teeth, and milestone checkpoints across the timeline. Because good deals don't happen relying on blind trust. They need accountability built in.
Nature isn't a luxury. I'll push for stronger mature tree preservation, smarter stormwater planning, and wildlife-friendly building standards and ordinances that protect our songbirds, pollinators, and natural spaces as we grow. And currently, if you want to responsibly recycle electronics, paint, Styrofoam or hard-to-recycle material, you're driving to another city. I'll work towards creating CHaRM-style drop-off events right here in our community.
Too often, major decisions get made before residents even know about them. I want regular town halls, clearer communication between council and the public, and a better, more positive relationship between the police department and the people they serve, including clearer channels for feedback and follow-up. If we're going to ask residents' to trust our government, then we need to listen first because trust goes both ways.
Big chains and outside big developers get all the attention, but small businesses are the heartbeat of Doraville. I'll push for faster permitting, fair tax incentives for local owners, and dedicated support programs to help homegrown businesses open and stay open. Let's build wealth right here in our communities.
Traffic congestion isn't just frustrating, it's dangerous. I'll push for logical, effective traffic calming measures that work and aren't just a flashy band-aid. I want to push for things like greater enforcement of traffic violations, creating safer crossings and protected bike lanes where it makes sense.
Before asking for your vote, here's what I've already been doing on my own time.
Spoke at multiple Doraville City Council meetings advocating for larger homestead exemptions to protect existing homeowners from rising assessments.
Publicly questioned tax abatements granted to large developers and asked the council to prioritize returns to residents over incentives to outside capital.
Urged the city council to re-consider allowing backyard chickens in Doraville. They voted 'cluck yes!'
Urged the council to cancel their Flock contract and instead reinvest those funds to expand transparency and trust between the city, police department and its citizens.
Short council recaps and honest updates from the trail. New posts also go out to the email list.
Flock Safety's camera network is quietly becoming one of the largest surveillance systems in the country and there's little evidence it actually reduces crime. Here's what Doraville residents should know.
Read moreA quick note on why I filed to run for Doraville City Council, District 2 — and what I hope to bring to City Hall.
Read moreCampaigns are won neighbor by neighbor. Pick whichever one fits — even 15 minutes helps.
Free yard signs for Doraville residents. I'll drop one off myself.
Help canvass, phone bank, table at events, or hand out flyers. Any amount of time helps.
Prefer a real conversation? Meet me for coffee in Doraville. I read every request.
Invite a few neighbors and I'll come talk, answer questions, and listen. Small groups only.
Doraville City Council is elected by you. Here are the dates, deadlines, and the nearest places to cast your ballot.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Polls open 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
On Election Day you must vote at your assigned precinct. Confirm yours at mvp.sos.ga.gov.
October 13 – 30, 2026
Weekdays 7 AM – 7 PM · Sat Oct 17 & 24, 9 AM – 6 PM · Sun Oct 18 & 25, 12 – 6 PM
During early voting you may vote at ANY early-voting location in DeKalb County — not just your assigned precinct.
During early voting, any registered DeKalb County voter can use any site below. Doraville voters' assigned Election Day precinct is listed separately.
Nearest early-voting site to Doraville.
Early voting only. Nearest sites.
Early voting only.
Not sure of your precinct, or want every DeKalb site? See the full DeKalb County list.
Life in motion.
Questions about the campaign? Want a yard sign, want to volunteer, want to canvass, or just meet for coffee in Doraville? Send a note. I read every email personally.