truthseekersjournal
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | May 9, 2025
In her first State of the County address, DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson delivered a powerful message of transformation, transparency, and urgency.
Speaking from the red carpet backdrop of Assembly Studios, Cochran-Johnson — the county’s first Black woman to serve as CEO — laid out a bold four-pillar plan centered on public safety, infrastructure, housing, and economic development.
“DeKalb County is not just reimagined,” she said. “It’s awakened.”
A Fast Start and a Bold Vision
Since taking office in January, Cochran-Johnson has moved swiftly. Within her first 100 days, she replaced the police chief, installed an interim leader, and committed more than $10 million to raise officer salaries, making DeKalb’s department one of the best paid in the region.
She also proposed a $2 million real-time crime center and announced a pilot program to use drones for emergency response.
“When it comes to public safety and water, water is a matter of public health – you can’t move slowly,” she said. “Give me grace and time, but know that urgency is necessary.”
Cochran-Johnson emphasized that public safety is more than policing — it’s the foundation for economic development. She called on DeKalb’s 12 city mayors to join her in fighting crime, building infrastructure, and ensuring opportunity.
Infrastructure Investment: “The Decision of My Life”
“After analyzing the data and evaluating the risks, it was one of the best decisions of my life,” she said. The CEO also addressed the county’s aging water and sewer system, which is under federal oversight. She backed a tough but necessary decision: a 10% annual increase in water rates over the next decade to support a $4.27 billion overhaul.
Atlanta Regional Commission, under the direction of Executive Director, Anna Roach, reinforced the urgency, noting metro Atlanta has one of the nation’s smallest water supplies for a major urban area.
Cochran-Johnson added that infrastructure is not just about pipes — it’s about quality of life, public health, and future growth.
Small Businesses and Economic Equity
Cochran-Johnson pledged to ensure that local, small, and minority-owned businesses are equipped to compete for government contracts. Her administration will focus on strategic economic development that attracts top-tier companies and creates jobs, particularly in underserved communities.
“We must build a more connected and transparent government,” she said. “We are being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars and innovative in our approach.”
To foster better communication and cooperation, she appointed an intergovernmental liaison to help align priorities across the county’s 12 cities.
Tackling Homelessness and Building Community
In the months ahead, Cochran-Johnson will unveil a comprehensive framework to reduce homelessness. She hinted at wraparound services and stronger partnerships with nonprofits and health agencies.
She also shared personal stories to highlight the commitment of county employees, including a Roads and Drainage crew that cleared snow for an ambulance so a pregnant woman could safely deliver her baby.
“That’s the spirit of DeKalb,” she said.
Fiscal Discipline and Innovation
Despite financial uncertainty due in part to potential federal funding cuts, Cochran-Johnson presented a balanced budget to the Board of Commissioners just 15 days after taking office. A temporary hiring and spending freeze is in effect as departments review cost-saving and revenue-generating ideas.
While acknowledging the challenges, she was resolute:
“Aggressive and bold moves are necessary,” she said. “Government may be a slow-moving vehicle, but there are times when you simply cannot move slowly.”
A County Reimagined
Throughout the address, Cochran-Johnson emphasized collaboration, accountability, and bold leadership. She expressed gratitude for past CEOs and vowed to lead with vision and courage.
“I’ve learned from those who came before me. But now is the time for bold action,” the CEO said. “The mission is possible — and DeKalb’s future starts now.”
Photo Gallery – 2025 CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson State of the County Address
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As a Dekalb County resident who has witnessed an erosion in living standards across parts of the county over the past two decades, I was excited to hear CEO Cochran-Johnson lay out her vision and framework for a stronger and improved future for our county. I’m especially hopeful for her commitment to the underserved communities where living standards have regressed, and officials have turned a blind eye to the suburban blight.
I’m also hopeful residents and businesses alike will be held to a higher standard of accountability for aesthetically maintaining their properties and surrounding areas. This small change of mindset and behavior among residents and businesses can create more welcoming environments and opportunities for Dekalb County to attract new homebuyers and patrons for local businesses. This can translate into increased revenue and less crime in the county.
I love living in Dekalb County and have proudly called it home for the past 30 years. So, I have a vested interest in our CEO’s success. And I am cheering her visibility as she collaborates with mayors across the cities for a win-win for all of Dekalb County residents. CEO Cochran-Johnson’s proven leadership is demonstrative of Black excellence. I am confident she will lead us forward with strength, determination, grace and compassion.