truthseekersjournal
By Milton Kirby | Douglasville, GA| April 17, 2025
More than 300 people filled the Douglasville Conference Center on Wednesday, April 16, for the 2025 State of Douglas County Address. The event was sold out and brought together business leaders, residents, and elected officials. It was hosted by the Council for Quality Growth and the Douglas County Chamber. Amazon was the presenting sponsor.
Douglas County Chairwoman Dr. Romona Jackson Jones gave the annual speech. Her theme was “Why Not Douglas.” She spoke proudly about the county’s location near the airport and its role as the western gateway to metro Atlanta. She said these qualities help attract both small companies and big corporations.
Dr. Jackson Jones also discussed new plans to update the county’s image. This includes changes to its social media, website, and logo. A new strategic plan is coming soon. It will replace Douglas Forward 2025 and include goals and performance measures shaped by community input.
One major highlight: the county has no debt. The Chairwoman said Douglas County is using $97 million in grants and has raised over $55 million through a special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST). These funds support public safety, parks, transportation, and other county services.
She also shared updates on $200 million worth of current infrastructure projects. These include new bus routes, connections to MARTA, and replacing 11 buses. “Transit improvements take time,” she said, “but they are worth it as the county grows.”
Economic development was another key focus. The Chairwoman said new homes are going up along Highway 92, thanks to better transit. The county is also growing its film industry. It earned a “Camera Ready” status and opened a Film and Entertainment Office.
In tech news, Douglas County has become a hub for data centers. Companies like T5, Stack, and Switch have invested in the area. The biggest news: Amazon Web Services will invest $11 billion in the county and create 550 jobs focused on artificial intelligence. It is the largest corporate investment in Georgia’s history.
Michael Paris, President of the Council for Quality Growth, said partnerships like these help guide the county’s future. “Working together ensures that we all have a voice in how we grow and thrive,” he said.
Sara Ray, President of the Douglas County Chamber, added, “Together, we inspire leadership and boost our economy.”
Other speakers included Yvette Jones, Chief Communications Officer for Douglas County, and Trevor Quander of Georgia Power. Amazon’s Terreta Rodgers also spoke, along with Danny Johnson from the Atlanta Regional Commission.
This was the sixth of eight “State of the County” events planned across metro Atlanta this year. Each one brings together local leaders, governments, and businesses to shape the future of their communities.
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