Vision for Johns Creek’s Next Chapter
The country provides us with education, employment, and business opportunities, so I decided to give back by putting time into local committees and volunteering says Dilip Tunki, expressing his gratitude to the United States.
When Dilip Tunki first arrived in the United States in 1991, he carried a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, a suitcase, and big dreams. Born in 1968 in Telangana, India, Dilip Tunki was raised by his mother, Sujatha, who instilled a
strong sense of public service. He grew up observing his father, Ram Reddy, an Assistant Engineer in the state electricity board, approach his work with precision and dedication. Those early experiences instilled in him a respect for hard
work and a belief in the value of serving the community. Tunki moved to Texas to pursue a Master’s in Environmental Engineering at Lamar University in Beaumont near Houston. His professional career began across Texas and Louisiana, where he
worked on landfill designs, waste treatment plants, and soil contamination cleanup projects. These technical challenges laid a foundation that would later prove invaluable in city planning and governance.
But life had other plans. In December 1997, Tunki, along with classmates from Lamar University, co-founded Serenity Infotech, an IT Staffing and Services Company. “We are classmates and partners,” Tunki recalls, describing a venture that
began as a small startup and grew into a thriving business. This experience not only expanded his entrepreneurial skill set but also gave him insight into the challenges faced by small business owners, knowledge he would later use in public
service.
By 2000, Tunki and his wife, Padma, settled in Johns Creek, Georgia, several years before the city was officially incorporated in 2006. Their daughter, Sindhu, followed in her father’s footsteps of academic dedication, earning a bachelor’s
degree from the University of Georgia and a master’s in public health from Boston University. For Tunki, family extends beyond his household; it includes the broader community of Johns Creek, a city he would come to serve with the same
dedication he brought to his family and business.
Adventure and exploration have always been part of Tunki’s life. He has trekked Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, reached Everest Base Camp in Nepal, summited Mount Elbert in Colorado, and completed a rim-to-rim hike of the Grand Canyon. Weekend
outings with his family often included hiking trails, biking, and exploring local parks, activities that would later shape his advocacy for green spaces, walkable neighborhoods, and public recreation investments in Johns Creek.
Quick Facts on Johns Creek
- Population: ~85,000
- Median Household income $160,000 Educational Attainment: 65-70% with a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Crime Rate: Among the lowest in the U.S.
- Incorporated: 2006
Roots in Public Service
Tunki’s first engagement with public service began with the School Governance Council at Chattahoochee High School, where his daughter was enrolled. The principal invited him to serve as the School’s Treasurer, a role he embraced from 2016
to 2019. One project, in particular, became a defining moment. The principal said, ‘For funds, the school is presenting projects.’ They had been doing small projects like furniture and school expansions,” Tunki recalls. “I think we can do
it better. What if we do a big project? Let’s look at a greenhouse. The proposed greenhouse came with a $300,000 price tag, prompting skepticism from the principal. “The county won’t approve this. “This is too big,” Tunki remembers him saying. But he insisted: “It’s okay, let’s try it.”
The Fulton County School Board not only approved the proposal but also increased the budget to $400,000 after Tunki and the principal presented it. The completed greenhouse became a state-of-theart facility, with hydroponics and an option
with an open roof for butterflies and a water feature. When the principal suggested naming it after him, he declined. “What’s more important is that the kids will benefit. I’m not really interested in those things,” he says.
After his daughter graduated in 2019, Tunki expanded his civic engagement. He joined the boards of the Johns Creek Arts Center and Parks and Recreation, contributed to the Town Center task force, and mentored small business owners through
SCORE, a partner of the Small Business Administration. Over two years, he conducted three to four mentoring sessions per week, sharing insights from his own experience running multiple businesses.
Mentorship and Community Philosophy
Beyond formal roles, Tunki has consistently emphasized the importance of mentorship and giving back. “I wanted to share my experience with small business owners,” he explains, reflecting on his work with SCORE and the Small Business
Administration. His guidance focused on practical problem-solving, accountability, and sustainable growth, helping entrepreneurs navigate earlystage challenges while fostering long-term business resilience. Equally central to Tunki’s
philosophy is the belief that civic engagement starts at the local level. “City elections impact our daily lives more directly than presidential elections,” he says. From roads and zoning to parks and public safety, local government shapes
the environment where families live, work, and play. Tunki views his role not just as an officeholder but as a steward of the city’s future, a perspective informed by his engineering mindset, business acumen, and personal investment in
Johns Creek.
Through decades of professional work, volunteer service, and elected leadership, Tunki has demonstrated that dedication, persistence,and thoughtful planning can transform communities. His journey from Telangana to Johns Creek embodies the
promise of public service and the power of one individual to make a lasting difference.
Before announcing his candidacy, Tunki sought to better understand city operations and governance. He enrolled in and graduated from the Citizens Police Academy, Citizens Fire Academy, and Johns Creek Leadership program.
These experiences gave him a clearer perspective on how the city functions and deepened his commitment to public service, and city governance.
A Historic Candidacy
In 2019, a city council seat for Post 2 opened in Johns Creek, and Tunki decided to run. His candidacy was historic, as he became the first Indian person to seek elected office in the city. Despite a spirited campaign, he lost by a narrow
margin. Rather than retreating, he treated the experience as preparation for future service. In 2021, another city council seat, Post 1, became available. Tunki launched a two-month campaign that combined door-to-door visits, more than
4,000 homes, with flyers, mailers, and social media outreach.
His campaign message focused on long-term city planning. “We want to prepare for future generations by creating places where people can work, live, and play without having to drive,” Tunki explains, reflecting his commitment to sustainable,
family-friendly development.
Achievements in Office
Since taking office in 2021, Tunki has been instrumental in guiding Johns Creek to national prominence. In January 2024, the City Council appointed him Mayor Pro Tem. Under his leadership, the city achieved remarkable milestones. In 2025,
“U.S. News & World Report” ranked Johns Creek the #1 Best Place to Live in America, citing factors such as education, safety, and economic vitality.
In the 2021 election, I won with 67% of the votes, one of the highest so far,” he says. “After the victory, I received a congratulatory call from the governor, who said he was looking forward to working with me.
Key Accomplishments (2021-2025)
#1 Best Place to Live in America (U.S. News & World Report, 2025)
Attracted Boston Scientific headquarters
Broke ground on a $600M mall and $40M park
Expanded athletic fields and greenways
Maintained lowest property tax rate in Fulton County
Under Tunki’s leadership, Johns Creek has seen significant economic growth. Boston Scientific relocated its research and logistics headquarters to the city, strengthening its position as a hub for healthcare and innovation. A $600 million
mall is currently under construction, with completion slated for 2026, signaling robust commercial investment. The city has also streamlined permitting processes and implemented policies to create a more business-friendly environment,
successfully attracting further investment and supporting local economic vitality.
Tunki has placed a strong emphasis on enhancing public spaces. A $40 million park featuring an amphitheater, boardwalks, and lakes is currently underway, while Cauley Creek Park has doubled its athletic fields and Shakerag Park has been
revitalized. Additionally, shared-use agreements with local school athletic fields have expanded access to sports facilities for residents, ensuring that the community enjoys more opportunities for outdoor recreation. Maintaining financial
stability has been a priority under Tunki’s guidance. Johns Creek continues to hold the lowest property tax rate in Fulton County, along with a Triple-A bond rating. Leveraging his engineering expertise, Tunki helped the city save $400,000
on a Makerspace and Robotics workspace project.
He also established grant programs to assist residents with costly erosion issues, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and responsibly. Public safety and community inclusivity have been central to Tunki’s agenda. Police
compensation has been increased and response times improved, while fire and police equipment have been modernized to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, Tunki initiated the city’s first Diwali celebration, reflecting Johns
Creek’s cultural diversity and fostering a sense of belonging among its residents.
Vision for the Future
As Tunki’s first term comes to a close, he is seeking re-election to continue projects designed for longterm impact:
203-Acre Park: Sports facilities including football, cricket, soccer, and pickleball, alongside a makerspace and robotics workshop.
University Partnerships: Exploring satellite campuses and tech hubs to prepare a future-ready workforce.
Business Growth: Further streamlining permits and boosting foot traffic in local shopping areas.
Distinct Identity: Evaluating a four-digit postal extension for Johns Creek to strengthen city identity.
The guiding principle, he emphasizes, is “smart growth, fiscal accountability, and a city that reflects the values and aspirations of its people.”
Tunki Runs for Re-Election
City council work, Tunki explains, is about action and results rather than titles. “Our role is similar to a board of directors, acting as a legislative body,” he says. Meetings are held bi-weekly at City Hall, with work sessions and public
votes. Any measure requires four affirmative votes to pass, and residents’ concerns are brought to the City Staff for resolution.
In the 2021 election, Tunki received the highest number of votes of any candidate, a reflection of his community engagement and reputation for delivering tangible results. “I am seeking everybody’s support to make sure we complete what we
started,” he says. From a young engineer stepping off a plane in Texas to Mayor Pro Tem of one of America’s top-ranked cities, Dilip Tunki’s journey is defined by persistence, adaptability, and a deep commitment to service. As Johns Creek
moves into the next decade, Tunki remains focused on leaving the city stronger, safer, and more vibrant for future generations.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dilip Tunki for nearly 10 years in different capacities, whether it was through the Johns Creek City Council, the Diwali Festival, the cricket tournament, and many other initiatives. I’ve truly enjoyed
our collaboration.As a scientist in my day job, it’s been excellent to have someone like Dilip on Council with me, someone who brings a strong engineering and data-driven perspective to policymaking. His private-sector successes have also
translated into valuable contributions in the public sector.Together, we’ve helped move Johns Creek forward with diverse initiatives that have improved the quality of life for our residents. Not only have we expanded services, but thanks to
Mayor Pro Tem Tunki’s focus on our investment policy, we’ve also increased revenues, which allowed us to lower our tax rate to the lowest in Fulton County.I’m looking forward to his next term and to seeing what more we can accomplish
together for the residents of Johns Creek. I’m proud to call him both a friend and a leader in our community.
– Chris Coughlin Johns Creek
City Council, Post 4.
Johns Creek is very fortunate to have Dilip Tunki leading the city. He has a vision for the city’s future success, which he works to achieve with his strong understanding of the city finances and problem solving approach. He’s such a great
asset to our team!
– Erin Elwood
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