By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | March 27, 2026
DeKalb County leaders arrived at the Georgia State Capitol with a clear message: unity, coordination, and results.
At this year’s DeKalb Day at the Capitol, Lorraine Cochran-Johnson addressed lawmakers, community leaders, and more than 500 students, outlining a focused legislative agenda while emphasizing collaboration across all 12 cities.
“We are showing up as one DeKalb,” Cochran-Johnson said, reinforcing a theme that echoed throughout the event.
A Unified County Approach
This year marked the largest DeKalb Day turnout in the county’s history, with elected officials, mayors, commissioners, and state legislators aligned around shared priorities.
From the House and Senate delegations to the Board of Commissioners, leaders emphasized a coordinated strategy entering the legislative session, one designed to strengthen DeKalb’s voice under the Gold Dome.
Carla Drenner highlighted the county’s diversity and strength, noting that DeKalb represents more than 100 nationalities and over 140 languages.
“It takes a village to govern,” Drenner said. “We stand with each other because we are DeKalb strong.”
Transportation, Housing, and Economic Growth
At the top of the county’s agenda: transportation.
Officials pointed to a new transit master plan aimed at improving connectivity and expanding access across the region. Cochran-Johnson emphasized that mobility is central to DeKalb’s future.
Housing affordability also emerged as a critical issue. The county is backing rental registry legislation led in part by Mary Margaret Oliver to track investor-owned properties and improve housing conditions.
Cochran-Johnson noted that more than 50% of residential property sales south of Memorial Drive since 2020 have gone to investors rather than individuals.
Public Safety and Environmental Concerns
Illegal tire dumping—an issue that continues to impact DeKalb neighborhoods—was also front and center.
County leaders called for stronger penalties and highlighted cleanup efforts, including the removal of more than 30,000 tires through a county initiative.
Education and Student Voices Take Center Stage
A defining feature of the day was the presence of more than 500 students from DeKalb County schools, many of whom participated directly in the program.
Norman Sauce III outlined priorities including school funding reform, workforce development, and expanded mental health services.
And then something small—but powerful—happened. As Taliah McPherson walked up to speak, talking about mental health and what students are really dealing with, the CEO didn’t step aside. She stayed. Right there. Holding the microphone steady so the student’s voice could carry across the room. No announcement. No attention drawn to it. Just a quiet act that said: your voice matters enough for me to support it. And in that moment, the whole idea of “leadership” shifted. It wasn’t about position. It was about presence.
The students didn’t waste that moment.
They talked about stress. About pressure. About systems that don’t always work when they need help the most.
One student said it clearly: if leaders care about students, prove it.
Fund the support. Remove the barriers. Act.
McPherson called for greater awareness and access to mental health support for students, emphasizing the need to remove stigma and expand resources.
“Mental health should be something we can talk about openly,” she said.
High school senior Gavin Brown reinforced the urgency, pointing to barriers that prevent students from receiving timely care.
“The time for discussion has passed,” Brown said. “Now is the time for action.”
A Call to Civic Engagement
Throughout the program, leaders emphasized civic participation—especially for young people.
Cochran-Johnson encouraged students to see themselves as future leaders, reminding them that leadership begins with preparation and presence.
Moving Forward as “One DeKalb”
Closing remarks reinforced a shared commitment to collaboration, with leaders pledging continued focus on infrastructure, economic development, and education.
“As elected officials, our greatest strength is in working together,” said Chakira Johnson.
“Our partnerships are strong,” Cochran-Johnson said. “And our future is strong.”
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