DEKALB COUNTY SUPER DISTRICT 7
YEAR IN
REVIEW
2022 This year marked the Bicentennial Anniversary
of DeKalb County, the end of Commissioner
Lorraine Cochran-Johnson's 1st term, and the
successful victory of her re-election as the
Commissioner of DeKalb County's 7th District.
COMMISSIONER LORRAINE COCHRAN-JOHNSON
THE DISTRICT 7 TEAM G. LEAH DAVIS, Ph.D. Chief of Staff
[email protected]
LORRAINE COCHRAN-JOHNSON, M.P.A. Super District 7 Commissioner
[email protected]
ALLISON M. SLOCUM District Manager
[email protected]
JONATHAN “J.P.” PHILLIPS Constituent Liaison
[email protected]
AMARIS M. SAWYER Constituent Services Director
[email protected] CONTACT OUR TEAM
@Lorraine4Change
Manuel J. Maloof Center 1300 Commerce Drive Decatur, GA 30030 404.371.2899 – Office
TABLE OF CONTENTS 02
MESSAGE FROM
COMMISSIONER LORRAINE
COCHRAN-JOHNSON
03
COMMITTEES, BOARDS &
COUNCILS
14
RESOLUTIONS
60
HOUSING
16
PROPOSED LEGISLATION &
ORDINANCES
62
IN THE NEWS
30
TOWNHALLS
66
PROCLAMATIONS
36
FUNDING ALLOCATIONS
68
CONSTITUENT
CONCERNS REPORT
38
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
70
WEB ANALYTICS REPORT
42
MEETINGS & SPEAKING
ENGAGEMENTS
71
KEY AGENDA VOTES
56
EVENTS
73
AWARDS & HONORS
A WORD FROM THE
COMMISSIONER
Hello, I am Lorraine Cochran-Johnson,
Commissioner of the 7th District of
DeKalb County and I could not be more
excited about entering ending my first
term in office and looking ahead to the
start of my second term. As you read this report, it is my hope
that you will gain insight into the strides
being made to strengthen our
community and make lasting positive
change. At the beginning of 2020, I shared that
my strategic focus for the year would
center around the following initiatives:
Small Business Support and Expansion,
Youth and Teen Enrichment, Enhanced
Community Communications Now, two years later, I am pleased to
report that I have been successful in
creating indelible impressions in each
area, and expanded my focus in 2021 to
encompass many important issues. A
few included: COVID-19 Awareness,
Veteran Support, Green Initiatives This report will assist you in learning
more about the work we've been doing
in District 7, and I encourage you join
our efforts where our interests align.
DeKalb is OUR county; we make it better
together. I am truly honored to serve. Thank you
for the opportunity to represent you
and please feel free to reach out to my
office with any questions or concerns
that you may have. Your Commissioner,
LORRAINE COCHRAN-JOHNSON
COMMITTEES, BOARDS & COUNCILS
PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has served as the chair of the PWI
Committee since 2020. The Public Works and Infrastructure (PWI) Committee has
the largest budgetary oversight of any standing committee within DeKalb County
government and its primary function centers around infrastructure. The PWI
Committee has the authority to handle subject matter concerning MARTA, Roads &
Drainage, Sanitation, Beautification, Storm water, and Watershed Management. During the 2022 fiscal year, the PWI Committee made major strides in moving the needle forward concerning transportation in DeKalb County, including holding
several special called county-wide Public Works & Infrastructure (PWI) Committee
meetings as well as spearheading a Peer City Tour to San Diego, California in which
key DeKalb County stakeholders and elected officials were educated on mass
transit options and the pros and cons of various transit options. 2022 PWI COMMITTEE MEMBERS Lorraine Cochran-Johnson – Chair Robert Patrick – Member Ted Terry– Member
PWI Total Amount = NEED TOTAL PWI Savings = NEED TOTAL *PWI cost savings from audit review.
TRANSIT STEERING COMMITTEE &
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING As a part of the 2022 PWI Agenda, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was
drafted and presented by the PWI Committee to create a Transit Infrastructure
and Services Steering Committee whose purpose is to engage and recommend
potential funding mechanisms and modes of transportation for adoption by the
Board of Commissioners.
COMMITTEES, BOARDS & COUNCILS
TRANSIT STEERING COMMITTEE & MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING CONT. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING DEKALB COUNTY TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICE INVESTMENT STRATEGY BY AND BETWEEN DEKALB COUNTY, CITY OF AVONDALE ESTATES, CITY OF BROOKHAVEN, CITY OF CHAMBLEE, CITY OF
CLARKSTON, CITY OF DECATUR, CITY OF DORAVILLE, CITY OF DUNWOODY, CITY OF LITHONIA, CITY
OF PINE LAKE, CITY OF STONECREST, CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN, CITY OF TUCKER, THE
METROPOLITAN ATLANTA RAPID TRANSIT AUTHORITY, GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION,
ATLANTA-REGION TRANSIT LINK AUTHORITY, AND THE ATLANTA REGIONAL COMMISSION
THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (“Agreement”), effective as of __, 2022 (the
“Effective Date”) is made by and between DeKalb County, the City of Avondale Estates, the
City of Brookhaven, the City of Chamblee, the City of Clarkston, the City of Decatur, the City
of Doraville, the City of Dunwoody, the City of Lithonia, the City of Pine Lake, the City of Stonecrest, the City of Stone Mountain, the City of Tucker, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid
Transit Authority (“MARTA”), the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority (“ATL”), the Georgia
Department of Transportation (“GDOT”), and the Atlanta Regional Commission (“ARC”).
DeKalb County, the cities of DeKalb County, ATL, MARTA, GDOT, and ARC may collectively be
referred to as the “Parties” and individually as the “Party.” WHEREAS, MARTA is a joint public instrumentality of DeKalb County, Fulton County, Cobb
County, Clayton County, Gwinnett County and the City of Atlanta and is the exclusive
provider of heavy rail in the region; and, WHEREAS, MARTA provides public transit services for use by all citizens, including those from
the City of Brookhaven, the City of Chamblee, the City of Dunwoody, the City of Doraville
(collectively “North DeKalb Delegation”); and the City of Clarkston, the City of Tucker, the City
of Avondale Estates, the City of Decatur (collectively “Central DeKalb Delegation”): and the,
City of Lithonia, the City of Pine Lakes, the City of Stonecrest, the City of Stone Mountain
(collectively the “South DeKalb Delegation”); and, WHEREAS, the ATL is a state authority established for the purposes of planning and funding
transit projects and collaborates with transit authorities within the 13-county ATL jurisdiction
comprised of Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett,
Henry, Paulding and Rockdale counties; and WHEREAS, GDOT plans, designs, constructs, maintains, and improves state roads and bridges, and
interstate highways; and provides planning and financial support for other modes of transportation
including rail, transit, general aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian programs; and WHEREAS, the ARC, as the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization, works with state
and local transportation agencies and local governments to develop and manage a long-range
transportation plan, known as the Regional Transportation Plan and recognizes that mass transit
services in the Atlanta region plays a major role in alleviating congestion and improving air quality,
while promoting regional land use and development goals; and WHEREAS, all Parties have a shared interest in the successful operation of transit service in DeKalb
County; and WHEREAS, all Parties are committed to collaboratively planning, building, and operating public
transportation services that improve accessibility and mobility, drive economic development, and
enhance the quality of life for all who live, work, and play in DeKalb County; and, WHEREAS, DeKalb County is exploring following the procedures in Title 48 of the Official Code of
Georgia Annotated to impose within the special district a transit special purpose local option sales
and tax for use only for transit projects and recognizes several conditions precedent must be met
prior to any referendum authorizing the same and wishes to coordinate with the Parties to ensure
those conditions precedent are met if such a referendum is determined to be in the best interest of
DeKalb County. NOW THEREFORE, For and in consideration of the mutual promises, the public purposes and
acknowledgements and agreements contained herein, together with other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows 1.
Establishment of Transit Infrastructure and Services Steering Committee.
The Parties hereby create the Transit Infrastructure and Services Steering Committee to explore
funding options for transit services and to develop a strategy for creation of additional transit
services in DeKalb County. 2.
Mission and Duties.
To provide as necessary appropriate advice, reviews, reports and recommendations to the DeKalb
County Board of Commissioners, the DeKalb County CEO and the governing authorities of the City of
Avondale Estates, the City of Brookhaven, the City of Chamblee, the City of Clarkston, the City of
Decatur, the City of Doraville, the City of Dunwoody, the City of Lithonia, the City of Pine Lakes, the City
of Stonecrest, the City of Stone Mountain and the City of Tucker regarding funding, planning, building
and operating new transit services in DeKalb County and coordination of the same with MARTA, ARC,
GDOT and the ATL. The focus of the Transit Infrastructure and Services Steering Committee shall be to
identify funding options for public private partnerships, value capture financing, competitive federal
transit administration process, any associated required local match funding, and any other available
funding source; and to define transit projects and make recommendations to the DeKalb County
Governing Authority for transit projects to be funded by any future sales taxes referendum for transit.
The Transit Infrastructure and Services Steering Committee additionally shall endeavor to educate,
engage and provide forums for citizens throughout DeKalb County on transit. 3.
Membership.
The Transit Infrastructure and Services Steering Committee shall be composed of a non-voting
chairperson, who shall be the chairperson of the Dekalb County PWI Committee, one voting appointee
selected by the DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer, one voting appointee selected by each member of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, one voting appointee from the North Dekalb
Delegation, one voting appointee from the Central DeKalb Delegation and one voting appointee from
the South DeKalb Delegation , as nominated and approved by the appointing Parties or Delegations.
Additionally, MARTA, ATL, GDOT and ARC shall each have one non-voting member of the Transit
Infrastructure and Services Steering Committee. 4. Terms. Each member shall serve for a term of one (1) year. Members filling vacancies shall serve the
remainder of the term to which they were appointed. A consecutive appointment is permissible.
Members whose terms expire shall continue to serve until a replacement is appointed or a
consecutive appointment is made. 5.
Governance.
The Transit Infrastructure and Services Steering Committee may adopt bylaws for the governance of
the Committee. The committee shall set its own meeting schedule and establish the meeting
agendas but shall endeavor to meet on a monthly basis. Meetings shall be governed in accordance
with the Open Meetings Act found within the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. The chairperson and
any nine (9) members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, except that a lesser number shall
be sufficient to recess or adjourn any meeting; but no official action shall be taken or formal
recommendation made except upon the affirmative vote of at least nine (9) members of the
Committee. The Transit Infrastructure and Services Steering Committee shall elect a vice chairman to
conduct meetings in the absence of the chairman. Elections shall be held at the first regular meeting
of the calendar year. The vice chairman shall serve for one (1) year or until re-elected or a successor
is elected. The Committee shall select one of its members to be the secretary. The chairperson of the
2022 DeKalb County PWI Committee shall be the Committee’s first chairperson. The Committee shall
complete its work by December 31, 2024 and automatically dissolve unless the Committee’s term is
extended by additional action of the DeKalb County Governing Authority. 6.
No Partnership or Agency.
No partnership or agency relationship between or among the Parties shall be created as a result of
this Agreement. 7. Governing Law; Jurisdiction and Venue. The transactions contemplated hereunder and the validity and effect of this Agreement are
exclusively governed by, and shall be exclusively construed and enforced in accordance with, the
laws of the State of Georgia.
8.
Amendments.
Any amendments, deletions, additions, changes or corrections hereto must be in writing executed by
the Parties hereto. 9.
Entire Agreement.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof. 10.
Severability.
In the event any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable by any court of
competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not invalidate or render unenforceable any other provision
hereof. 11.
Counterparts.
This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument. 12.
Notices.
Any notices, requests, demands or other communications that may be required hereunder, shall be in
writing and transmitted via hand delivery, overnight courier, or certified mail to the Parties at the
respective addresses set forth below. Notices may also be sent by email provided that the recipient
acknowledges receipt. Notices will be deemed to have been given when received, unless otherwise
noted in the Agreement.
Georgia Department of Transportation Attn: Russell McMurry 600 West Peachtree St., NW
Atlanta, GA 30308 Phone: 404.631.1000 Email:
[email protected]
MARTA Attn: Collie Greenwood 2424 Piedmont Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30324 Phone: 404.848.5432 Email:
[email protected]
Atlanta Regional Commission Attn: Anna Roach 229 Peachtree St., Ste. 100
Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: 470.803.6154 Email:
[email protected]
Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority Attn: Heather Zimmerman Aquino 245 Peachtree Center
Ave., NE, Ste. 2300 Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: 404-893-2055 Email:
[email protected]
DeKalb County Attn: Michael Thurmond 1300 Commerce Dr., Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: 678.382.6700 Email:
[email protected]
City of Dunwoody Attn: Lynn Deutsch 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Rd.
Dunwoody, GA 30338 Phone: 678.382.6700 Email:
[email protected]
City of Avondale Estates Attn: Jonathan Elmore 21 North Avondale Plaza
Avondale Estates, GA 30002 Phone: 404.644.8080 Email:
[email protected]
City of Lithonia Attn: Shameka Reynolds 6920 Main St.
Lithonia, GA 30058 Phone: 770.482.8136 Email:
[email protected]
City of Brookhaven Attn: John Ernst 4362 Peachtree Rd. NE
Brookhaven, GA 30319 Phone: 404.637.0710 Email:
[email protected]
City of Pine Lake Attn: Melanie Hammet PO Box 1325
Pine Lake, GA 30072 Phone: 404.999.4901 Email:
[email protected]
City of Chamblee Attn: Brian Mock 5468 Peachtree Rd.
Chamblee, GA 30341 Phone: 470.395.2320 Email:
[email protected]
City of Stonecrest Attn: Jazzmin Cobble 3120 Stonecrest Blvd.
Stonecrest, GA 30038 Phone: 770.224.0200 Email:
[email protected]
City of Clarkston Attn: Beverly Burks 1055 Rowland St.
Clarkston, GA 30021 Phone: 404.292.9465 Email: bburks@city of Clarkston.com
City of Stone Mountain Attn: Beverly Jones 675 Main St.
Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Phone: 770.498.8984 Email:
[email protected]
City of Decatur Attn: Patti Garrett 509 North McDonough St. Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: 404.370.4102 Email:
[email protected]
City of Doraville Attn: Joseph Geierman 3725 Park Ave.
Doraville, GA 30340 Phone: 678.373.9137 Email:
[email protected]
13.
City of Tucker Attn: Frank Auman 1975 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 350A Tucker, GA 30084
Phone: 678.597.9040 Email:
[email protected]
Effective Date. This Agreement shall not be effective until it has been fully executed by all Parties hereto.
ADOPTED by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, this_____ day of ________________, 2022. _________________________________ ROBERT J. PATRICK Presiding Officer Board of Commissioners DeKalb County, Georgia
APPROVED by the Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County, this_____ day of ________________, 2022. _________________________________ MICHAEL L. THURMOND Chief Executive Officer DeKalb County, Georgia ATTEST: _______________________________________ BARBARA SANDERS, CCC Clerk to the Board of Commissioners and Chief Executive Officer DeKalb County, Georgia
APPROVED AS TO FORM: _________________________________ VIVIANE ERNSTES County Attorney DeKalb County, Georgia ____________________________________ Russell McMurry, Georgia Department of
Transportation
____________________________________ Jazzmin Cobble, City of Stonecrest
____________________________________ Anna Roach, Atlanta Regional Commission
____________________________________ Beverly Burks, City of Clarkston
____________________________________ Collie Greenwood, MARTA
____________________________________ Beverly Jones City of Stone Mountain
____________________________________ Heather Zimmerman Aquino, Atlanta-Region
Transit Link Authority
____________________________________ Patti Garrett, City of Decatur
____________________________________ Michael Thurmond, DeKalb County
____________________________________ Frank Auman, City of Tucker
____________________________________ Lynn Deutsch, City of Dunwoody
____________________________________ John Ernst, City of Brookhaven
____________________________________ Jonathan Elmore, City of Avondale Estates
____________________________________ Melanie Hammet, City of Pine Lake
____________________________________ Shameka Reynolds, City of Lithonia
____________________________________ Joseph Geierman, City of Doraville
____________________________________ Brian Mock, City of Chamblee
The Transit Memorandum of Understanding will be used as a tool to assist in
the creation of the DeKalb County Transit Infrastructure & Service Investment
Strategy Committee. The Committee will bring together representation from
North, Central, and South DeKalb as a collective unit to address the future of
high capacity transit in DeKalb County.
THIS PAGE IS BLANK PURPOSEFULLY. I WILL ADD INFORMATION HERE TO BALANCE OUT THE TWO-PAGE SPREADS IN THE REPORT.
COMMITTEES, BOARDS & COUNCILS TRANSIT STEERING COMMITTEE & MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING CONT. Each of DeKalb County's 13 municipalities will play an important role in the
success of the MOU.
Michael Thurmond CEO | DeKalb County , GA
Brian Mock Mayor | Chamblee, GA
Jonathan Elmore Mayor | Avondale
Estates, GA
Beverly Burks Mayor |Clarkston, GA
John Ernst Mayor | Brookhaven, GA
Patti Garrett Mayor | Decatur, GA
Joseph Geierman Mayor | Doraville, GA
Lynn Deutsch Mayor | Dunwoody, GA
Jazzmin Cobble Mayor | Stonecrest, GA
Shameka Reynolds Mayor | Lithonia, GA
Beverly Jones Mayor | Stone
Mountain, GA
Melanie Hammet Mayor | Pine Lake, GA
Frank Auman Mayor | Tucker, GA
COMMITTEES, BOARDS & COUNCILS
FINANCE, AUDIT AND BUDGET COMMITTEE The Finance, Audit and Budget (FAB) Committee is responsible for the review of the
Chief Executive Officer’s proposed budget in accordance with the Organizational
Act and making recommendations on the budget and related policies prior to its
final adoption by the Board of Commissioners. Committee members review and
monitor the financial statements submitted monthly by the Chief Fiscal Officer of
the DeKalb County Finance Department, as well as review and recommend any
items that affect revenues or expenditures of various areas. Commissioner Cochran-Johnson has been a part of three successful years of the
FAB Committee as a member and has assisted in crafting and ensuring a balanced
budget that meets the needs of the various departments of DeKalb County
government and the needs of the people related to public safety, retirees, and
front-line pay increases associated with the global pandemic. She has also
assisted in addressing many key agenda items, including CARES Act expenditures,
American Rescue Plan expenditures, mid-year budget considerations, internal and
external audit reports, workforce reports and more. Important discussions that took
place in the FAB Committee included CARES Act hazard pay, the county pension
plan and water and sewer debt financing.
FAB COMMITTEE MEMBERS Jeff Radar – Chair Lorraine Cochran-Johnson – Member Larry Johnson – Member
The FAB Committee meetings are held
the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month
from 3:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Live broadcasting of Committee
hearings can be viewed on DCTV.
FUTURE DEPARTMENT FUNDING MEASURES
DOCUMENT NEEDED
BOARD APPOINTMENTS Commissioner Cochran-Johnson is honored to serve as a member on several boards and work alongside other executives and professionals in providing each organization with strategic direction and purpose. Her board appointments consist of the following:
Operation Hope • 2020 - Present Operation HOPE is a nonprofit for-purpose organization whose
mission is to expand economic opportunity, making free
enterprise work for everyone. Their focus is financial dignity and inclusion and through personal coaching, they equip
young people and adults with the financial tools and education education they need to secure a better future. Through partnerships with financial
institutions, corporations, municipal agencies, and community organizations, they use
HOPE Inside— their award-winning model of community uplift, to scale and sustainably
package and deliver, financial dignity and economic empowerment programming in
communities around the country, at no cost to the client.
Agnes Scott College Parent Council President • 2021 The Parents Council of Agnes Scott College represents all parents and acts as a liaison between parents and the college
and its administrators. The council serves to guide current parents toward increased understanding, support and enthusiasm for Agnes Scott
and provides a vehicle for improved communication between parents and the college.
Parents are a valuable resource for Agnes Scott, and the college provides mutually
beneficial ways for them to be involved and contribute to their student's educational
experience. Parents Council works through three committees: Communications,
Internship and Career Development and Parents Fund.
Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership • 2020 – Present The Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership (ANDP) was
created in 1991 as a result of the merger of the Metropolitan
Atlanta Chamber of Commerce’s Housing Resource Center and
10 the Atlanta Economic Development Corporation’s Neighborhood
Development Department. It is their mission to develop, finance,
and advocate for affordable housing at scale that promote racial equity and healthy communities where families thrive. ANDP has supported the
creation of more than 11,000 units of housing for people of low-to-moderate incomes.
www.safeamerica.org
SAFE AMERICA FOUNDATION The mission of Safe America Foundation is to improve the safety,
health, and well-being of communities, homes, schools and
workplaces through education, programs, counseling and support. Safe America Foundation is a nonprofit organization that partners with corporate, government,
public and private sector organizations, as well as other nonprofits to save lives by
emphasizing safety education and emergency preparedness. Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson joined Safe America in 2022 as an advocate and in
that role she will support the organization’s new “TV PSAs” initiative as an on-air national
correspondent to raise awareness concerning human trafficking, as well as assist in saving
lives in the Ukraine and abroad. On September 1, 2022, she was featured as a speaker at the BE
Safe America Safety Summit & Think Tank at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Her speech kicked-off the portion of the program addressing the support of new programs
surrounding safety, after which other speakers will share information regarding nonprofits, new
food, filtered water, and ways to improve teen driving.
Safe America Foundation has several programs that work in tandum to keep
America safe. The following are a few highlights:
WORLDSAFE Launched in 2021, this
initiative built a ‘donor
advised fund’ (DAF) with
the goal to help Safe
America and other non-
profits grow funds to ‘do
good.’ .
VETV This initiative helps
veterans transition back
into their civilian life by
providing guidance and
information on housing,
education, employment
and accessing VA
benefits.
COMMUNITIES OPTING FOR PUBLIC SAFETY (COPS) The COPS initiative puts
community safety as one of
it's top priorities with a
series of programs that
include safeguarding
babies in cars and helping
save girls from human
trafficking.
NACo TRANSPORTATION POLICY STEERING COMMITTEE The National Association of Counties (NACo) Transportation Policy Steering Committee is
responsible for all matters pertaining to federal transportation legislation, funding and
regulation and its impacts on county government. This includes highway and bridge
development, finance and safety, public transit development and finance, transportation
planning, airport development and service, passenger and freight railroads, ports and
waterways, freight movement, and research and development of new modes of
transportation. Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson joined the Transportation Policy Steering
Committee in 2022.
LETTER OF
APPOINTMENT NEEDED
COVID-19 TASK FORCE COVID-19 Strategic Task Force was formed in March 2020 by DeKalb
County CEO Michael Thurmond to provide professional, technical and
strategic counsel related to protecting the health, safety and economic
well-being of DeKalb’s 750,000 residents. The Task Force consists of several members, including medical experts, DeKalb
Municipal Association, the DeKalb State House and Senate Delegations,
representatives of the DeKalb County School District, DeKalb public safety leaders,
economic development experts and members of the Board of Commissioners, As a member of the COVID-19 Task Force, Commissioner Cochran-Johnson has
worked alongside committee members and the community to sphere-head
initiatives to meet the needs of many DeKalb County residents who have been
adversely affected by the pandemic. Many of those initiatives are ongoing and
address public education, as well as rent, utility and food assistance.
1,394,319
total doses
administered
69.8%
of residents with at least one dose
63.4%
of residents fully
vaccinated
34%
residents have an
additional dose
Fully Vaccinated DeKalb County Residents
Counts shown reflect the number of vaccinated residents as of 1/4/2023 using the date of administration.
MAJOR
HOUSING CRISIS RESOLUTION At present, Georgia is ranked #7 in the top 10 worst states for affordable housing by the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Higher rents are a national
phenomenon and in 2021 rental rates rose in 48 of the nation’s 50 largest metro cities,
with the average monthly cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Georgia rising more than
20% in 2021. With this information and other extensive research, Commissioner Lorraine
Cochran-Johnson has drafted legislation that will establish a rental registry that enables
researchers and policymakers to study the business practices of corporate landlords so
counties can respond with appropriate local measures. Moreover, it will implement
broad-based tenant protections, as the growing rental affordability challenges point to
the need for nationwide, broad-based tenant protections to limit rent increases, ancillary
fees, and fines and to promote security of tenure to ensure that the property rights of
landlords do not take priority over the fundamental role of housing in supporting the life,
safety, and welfare of all citizens. In addition, it will urge Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-
Johnson and her fellow colleagues to consider limiting the market share of corporate
landlords, through legislation, as policymakers explore these possibilities to disincentivize
their expansion, stabilize rent, and increase the pool of homes available for purchase by
first-time buyers and families.
VIEW THE RESOLUTION
RESOLUTIONS
Resolutions sponsored by Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson
GUN CRISIS RESOLUTION As a result of growing gun violence both locally and nationally, Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has developed legislation to address these acts and ensure safety at high-risk business establishments throughout DeKalb County. Her legislation outlines a comprehensive approach to gun violence in order to address this growing crisis that includes the adoption of common-sense gun control legislation, the enforcement of laws that govern the criminal misuse of guns, and the expansion of research. In addition, the resolution urges the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to restore funding removed under the Dickey Amendment for firearms and gun violence prevention research.
VIEW THE RESOLUTION
PROPOSED LEGISLATION
INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING COMMISSION To avoid partisan politics
and ensure voting districts
are created in the best
interest of the people,
Commissioner Cochran-
Johnson has drafted
legislation that asks the
General Assembly DeKalb
Delegation to create a
Study Committee to
evaluate the establishment
of an Independent
Redistricting Commission
with the intent to operate
all redistricting and
reappointment
requirements for the State
of Georgia.
To view each
piece of legislation
in their entirety,
click here.
DESIGNATED TRAILS FUNDING RESOLUTION Trails and greenspaces are
considered by many to be
of the utmost importance in
enhancing one’s quality of
life. With this in mind,
Commissioner Cochran-
Johnson has proposed
legislation that seeks to set
aside a specified amount of
funds to be determined by
the Board of
Commissioners from Hotel-
Motel Taxes and possible
SPLOST dollars for the
development of the Trails
Master Plan, as well as
guarantee its timely
implementation.
BIG TRUCKS RESOLUTION As we seek to transport
products in record time
and face ongoing supply
chain issues globally,
Commissioner Cochran-
Johnson has drafted
legislation that calls for
the State of Georgia to
not increase the weight
or size limits of big trucks
on roads and highways.
HOUSING CRISIS RESOLUTION
POLICE TRANSPARENCY & HIRING STANDARDS
GUN VIOLENCE RESOLUTION Commissioner Lorraine
Cochran-Johnson has
drafted legislation that will
serve as a comprehensive
approach to gun violence in
order to address violence to include the adoption of
common-sense gun control
legislation, the enforcement
of laws that govern the
criminal misuse of guns,
and the expansion of
research.
Commissioner Cochran-
Johnson has proposed
legislation that requires
police officer complaints
to be made available for
public consumption and
Peace Officer Standards
and Training are followed.
In addition, performance
records must be
submitted for review
during the hiring process
to ensure that knowledge
of an officer’s conduct is
on record and taken into
consideration.
Commissioner Cochran-
Johnson's Housing Crisis
legislation will establish a
rental registry that enables
researchers and
policymakers to study the
business practices of
corporate landlords so
counties can respond with
appropriate local measures.
Moreover, it will implement
broad-based tenant
protections, as the growing
rental affordability
challenges point to the need
for nationwide, broad-based
tenant protections to limit
rent increases, ancillary fees,
and fines and to promote
security of tenure to ensure
that the property rights of
landlords do not take priority
over the fundamental role of
housing in supporting the life,
safety, and welfare of all
citizens.
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE ORDINANCE
MIRTHA RAMOS DeKalb County
Police Chief
JOSEPH H. LUMPKIN DeKalb County Public
Safety Director
LORRAINE
COCHRAN-JOHNSON DeKalb County
Commissioner
On February 22, 2022, Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson introduced the Video Surveillance
Ordinance as legislation to address several acts of violence, murders, and drive-by shootings that
were occurring at gas and service stations, with the intent of ensuring the safety of residents at
high-risk business establishments throughout DeKalb County, Georgia.
The legislation establishes guidelines for mandatory
video surveillance at such locations with a minimum
4MP resolution for clarity of footage. It also: requires minimum active video coverage of 75 feet creates guidelines for video storage gives visual notice of public of safety cameras establishes fines for non-compliance ties ability to renew business license to
compliance defines high-risk businesses for legal
purposes and, allows DeKalb County to extend such requirements to any business deemed high-risk to ensure public safety
After several months of revision and cogitation, the DeKalb County
Board of Commissioners approved the Video Surveillance Ordinance on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. It will officially go into
effect June 30, 2023, at which time all existing convenience stores
must be in compliance with all provisions of the ordinance. All convenience stores that have video surveillance systems
installed prior to the effective date will be required to ensure their
systems are in full compliance and must obtain an assessment
approval from DeKalb County Code Enforcement. In addition, all
convenience stores must be compliant with the provisions upon
opening their doors or before the renewal of their business license.
The approved
Video Surveillance
Ordinance is
available to view
in its entirety by
clicking here.
Failure to adhere to the requirements of the ordinance, upon
citation by a county employee and conviction of the violation in a
court of competent jurisdiction, may result in a fine and/or
imprisonment. To implement the program throughout unincorporated DeKalb, six
dedicated DeKalb County Code Enforcement personnel will be
hired. Other key items in the legislation state that convenience stores and high-risk businesses must:
Keep a video
surveillance system in
continuous operation
24 hours a day, seven
days a week, including
outside business hours.
Mandatory placement
of cameras at registers,
points of entry and exit,
gas pumps, loading
docks, and parking
areas.
Mandatory storage of
footage for 60 days
and the footage must
display proper date
and time.
Place notice of
presence of video
surveillance system at
the register and on
premise to inform the
public that the
premises are actively
monitored.
A digital video
recording must be
made available to the
Chief or any other
peace officer for
viewing no later than 72
hours after being
requested.
Mandatory inspection
of new construction
plans or a one-time
initial inspection of
video surveillance
system to ensure
compliance.
2022 DISTRICT 7 TOWN HALLS
Commissioner Lorraine
Cochran-Johnson held
eight town halls in 2022.
Among the most
paramount of issues
was that regarding the
current housing crisis
facing many residents.
DEKALB COUNTY HOUSING
CRISIS TOWN HALL On January 20, 2022, Commissioner Lorraine
Cochran-Johnson hosted the DeKalb County Housing Crisis Town hall, the first of many pertaining
to the topic of affordable housing. The town hall
consisted of a candid discussion on the state of
housing in DeKalb County, GA. It featured real estate,
development and housing experts who discussed
the county’s offerings and what aid was available to
residents who needed accommodations. In
addition, information was shared with attendees
regarding the current housing inventory shortage,
market trends and what lies ahead in the future of
housing for those in pursuit of the American Dream.
LORRAINE COCHRAN-JOHNSON DEKALB COUNTY
JOHN CORCORAN HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORP
SUSAN E. ADAMS ANDP
MICHAEL GERMAN HUD, RETIRED
ALLEN MITCHELL DEKALB COUNTY COMMUNITY DEV.
CHIANTI HARRIS GREATER PINEY GROVE
FARIZ MORANI ACCESS LOANS & FINANCING
CARNE A. MAHONE MORNINGSTAR URBAN DEVELOPMENT, INC.
BELVEDERE ZONE TOWN HALL The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority
(MARTA) sponsored a special town hall for the
Belvedere community which consists of East
Lake, Avondale, Oakhurst and Belvedere Park on
February 2, 2022. During the town hall,
information was shared with residents regarding
the MARTA-specific rideshare app created to
better connect local residents between bus and
rail. It dove into the program specifics of the six-
month pilot program as well as shared
information about the eight-passenger shuttle
buses and their routes. Local officials, including
Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson were
present to share their insights and hopes for the
program.
THE DEKALB COUNTY HOUSING
CRISIS: THE ROLE OF THE
CHURCH IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson hosted the
2nd town hall surrounding affordable housing titled The
DeKalb County Housing Crisis: The Role Of The Church
In The Development of Affordable Housing on February
24, 2022 to discuss the state of housing in DeKalb
County, GA and the role churches can play in the
economic development and revitalization of DeKalb's
local communities. Information on DeKalb's housing
inventory shortage was shred as well as tools that can
be used by the church to develop housing and much
needed economic and community projects.
VIOLENCE
PREVENTION
TOWN HALL On April 4, 2022, Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-
Johnson in partnership with Grady Health System
hosted the Violence Prevention Town Hall. The town hall
offered an in-depth discussion regarding community-
based programs that prevent, interrupt and reduce violence, as well as expand opportunity and decrease recidivism. Several xperts in
violence prevention participated including Mawuli Davis (attorney, chairman of Black
Man Lab and member of Let Us Make Man), Dr. Rochelle Dicker (vice chair and chief for
surgical critical care, UCLA Department of Surgery), Alfred Garner (director of Zone 3
Community Initiatives, CHRIS 180), Natalie Kaiser (senior associate, Atlanta Civic Site at
the Annie E. Casey Foundation), DeAngelo Mack (director of Equity Justice, Public
Health Advocates), Dr. Yolanda Wimberly (enior vice president and chief health equity
officer, Grady Health System), and Nate Snyder (community intervention worker).
DEKALB COUNTY PROPERTY TAX
& MILLAGE RATE TOWN HALL Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson hosted an
informational town hall on August 11, 2022, to help DeKalb County
residents gain a better understanding of the millage rate, as well
as how their annual property tax liability is assessed. Attendees
heard from several DeKalb County Government officials
including Irvin Johnson (Tax Commissioner), Calvin Hicks (Tax
Assessor) and T.J. Sigler (Office of Management & Budget)
regarding important tax topics including Understanding Your Tax Assessment, Appealing Your Property Taxes, and The Role of E-Host In DeKalb County Taxes.
DEVELOPING AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN
DEKALB: WHAT TO EXPECT, SEMINAR #2 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson continued her affordable housing
series through a seminar on August 18, 2022. Executed in a hybrid format, the
topics of discussion included the following: Financing For Affordable Housing,
Incentives and Resources, Purchasing Land and Buildings for Renovation,
Partnering With the DeKalb Housing Authority, and Permitting Process.
DEKALB COUNTY HOUSING
CRISIS SOLUTIONS TOWN HALL The DeKalb County Housing Solutions Town Hall too place on
August 25, 2022 and furthered Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-
Johnson's focus on the state of housing in DeKalb County, GA.
This discussion revealed the currents steps taking place on the local and state level to provide permanent housing solutions as
well as topics surrounding DeKalb County’s TLAC program, the
home loan programs and assistance, current housing interest
and mortgage rates, DeKalb County’s current housing inventory,
and the DeKalb County Housing Authority selection process.
WALDEN POND UPDATE
COMMUNITY MEETING Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson
co-sponsored Georgia State Representative
Doreen Carter's (House District 92) Walden
Pond Update Community Meeting to give
local residents a detailed update on the
current status of Code Compliance and
county actions related to Walden Pond.
During this informative meeting, attendees
heard from several departments directly
responsible for court actions and future
enforcement of code compliance
associated with the community.
LORRAINE COCHRAN-JOHNSON Commissioner, District 7
DOREEN CARTER
Georgia State Representative House District 92
2022 DISTRICT 7
2022 DEKALB COUNTY DISTRICT 7
CORRIDOR CLEANUP On April 16, 2022, Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson sponsored the DeKalb County
District 7 Corridor Cleanup for the 2nd year in a row to pick up litter along Candler Road,
Lavista Road and Redan Road. Over 40 volunteers gathered at the three locations to
contribute to the community effort with the goal of furthering DeKalb's beautification efforts
in some of the busiest and blighted areas.
SPONSORED EVENTS
Commissioner Lorraine
Cochran-Johnson sponsored
many community and civic
events in 2022 with the goal
of empowering DeKalb's
residents.
STOP THE MADNESS RALLY The Rockbridge Coalition. The Black Man Lab, and Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-
Johnson partnered to host the Stop The Madness Rally on April 30, 2022. The
community rally which took place at the intersection of Redan Road and S. Hairston
Road, where two homicides occurred days apart in December 2021 at the local BP and
Chevron gas stations sought to encourage local residents and businesses to get
involved in reducing crime and violence, while going door to door in vulnerable
communities to reach teens and parents who may need support, resources and
ongoing mentorship. Other key partners included NAACP DeKalb County, The Hidden
Hills Civic Association and the DeKalb Pastors Alliance. Over 100 residents participated
and several community activists gave remarks surrounding peace and unity.
2022 GREAT AMERICAN
FRANCHISE EXPO ATLANTA For the 4th year in a row, Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-
Johnson, co-sponsored the Great American Franchise
Expo Atlanta on May 14 & 15, 2022 and participated as a
panelist on a forum focusing on African American
Entrepreneurship. Attendees networked with the best
franchise businesses representing hundreds of locations
in Georgia that were looking to expand.
COMMITTEES, BOARDS & COUNCILS
WOMEN VETERANS DAY IN GEORGIA On June 13, 2022 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-
Johnson participated in the first Women Veterans
Day in Georgia, a state holiday spearheaded by
Representative Sheila Jones and several other State
Representatives to celebrate and honor Georgia’s
women Veterans.
3RD ANNUAL DEKALB
COUNTY STUFF THE BUS
SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE The 3rd Annual Stuff The Bus School Supply
Drive took place on July 16, 2022 at South
DeKalb Mall and Northlake Mall to give
DeKalb residents the opportunity to
donate essential school supplies and
backpacks to local students in need.
Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson
and District 7 staff received an
overwhelming number of donations, which
were given to the DeKalb County School
District for dissemination for the upcoming
school year.
3RD ANNUAL
3RD ANNUAL DEKALB COUNTY
BUSINESS OWNER SUMMIT dekalbbusinesssummit.vfairs.com This year marked Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson's
3rd Annual Business Owner Summit and on October 5, 2022
DeKalb residents attended the virtual event with the theme of
"Going All In" to truly execute their business from inception to
creation. Attendees were provide with pertinent information on
funding resources, business incentives, and the Online Global
Marketplace, as well as what these programs, tools and
incentives offer and how they can impact a growing or
expanding business. In addition, there was a special session
detailing DeKalb’s Business Forecast For 2023. The 3rd Annual
Business Owner Summit was recently nominated for the Best
Virtual Conference by the Eventeer Awards, powered by vFairs. Featured Speakers Included: Lorraine Cochran-Johnson | commissioner, DeKalb
County District 7 Frankie Atwater | president & CEO, DeKalb Chamber of
Commerce Andrew Baker | director, Planning & Sustainability Dorian DeBarr | president, Decide DeKalb Terri L. Denison | Georgia District director, U.S. Small
Business Administration Phyllis Douglas, Esq. | procurement projects manager,
Purchasing & Contracting Yvonne M. Forbes | president, My Path Act, a Forbes
Management LLC Company Fernanda Kirchner | senior project manager, Georgia
Department of Economic Development John Lawson | ceo, ColderICE Media J.R. McNair | founder & CEO, The Velocity Company, Inc. Allen Mitchell | director, Community Development Fariz Morani | ceo, Access Loans & Financing
DEKALB
COUNTY
BUSINESS OWNER
SUMMIT
SESSION I:
DOING BUSINESS IN DEKALB: THE HOW, THE WHERE & THE WHY
SESSION II:
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME: INCENTIVES & REWARDS OF
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
SESSION III:
SHOW ME THE MONEY: FUNDING SOURCES FOR YOUR
STARTUP & BUSINESS
SESSION IV:
GLOBAL MARKETPLACE: HOW TO START & OPERATE
AN ONLINE BUSINESS
SESSION V:
WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON: DEKALB’S BUSINESS
FORECAST FOR 2023
DEKALB COUNTY
DISTRICT 7
BICENTENNIAL
CELEBRATION &
GLASS ORB QUEST dekalborbproject.com In 2022, DeKalb County celebrated it's 200th
Anniversary, and to commemorate the
Bicentennial, Commissioner Lorraine
Cochran-Johnson sponsored a fun-filled
glass treasure quest on October 22, 2022 at
the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature
Preserve. Attendees visited the park to search
for 200 limited edition, one-of-a-kind, hand
blown and engraved glass orbs created by
Decatur Glassblowing.
INAUGURAL SPIRIT OF
DEKALB AWARDS GALA The Inaugural Spirit of DeKalb Awards Gala
was 2022’s premier awards event and District 7
celebration in honor of DeKalb County’s
Bicentennial anniversary. Founded by
Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and
co-sponsored by DeKalb Chamber of
Commerce President & CEO, Frankie L. Atwater,
the Spirit of DeKalb Awards Gala took place
November 11, 2022 at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta
Perimeter at Ravinia. Hosted by Atlanta Radio
Personality and Motivational Speaker, Ryan
Cameron, and Broadcast Veteran and WABE
Radio Personality, Lisa Rayam, the event
recognized the accomplishments of DeKalb
County businesses, philanthropists and civic
leaders throughout the last 200 years and
brought an awareness to attendees regarding
the strides being made to usher DeKalb
County into the future.
The DeKalb County Bicentennial Commemorative
Publication was unveiled during
the Spirit of DeKalb Awards. The
hardback book looks back at
DeKalb County’s last 200 years
and looks forward to what’s to
come.
4TH ANNUAL
LOCK-IN FOR LIFE On Friday, December 9, 2023, Commissioner Lorraine
Cochran-Johnson in partnership with the DeKalb
County 100 Black Men and DeKalb County School
District hosted the 4th Annual Lock-In For Life event
for DeKalb County males ages 13-18 in middle and
high school. Over 50 students, 15 volunteers and 17
panelists and speakers convened for fellowship, fun
and enrichment through discussions ·that included
the following panels: Am I My Brother’s Keeper,
Ignorance Is No Defense, Social & Mental
Preparedness and A Call To Manhood. Attendees
bonded, made meaningful connections, had dinner
catered by Moe's Southwest Grill and left with t-shirts,
sweatshirts and swag bags filled with goodies.
3RD ANNUAL DEKALB
DISTRICT 7 STUFF THE BUS HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE DeKalb residents were given the
opportunity to make a difference in the
lives of children during the holiday season
by dropping off donations of new,
unwrapped toys for the 3rd Annual Stuff
the Bus Holiday Toy Drive, hosted by
Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson.
The event took place on December 17,
2023. and over a hundred toys were given to both New Birth Missionary Baptist
Church's Emerging Generations
Department for their community toy drive
and the Marine Toys For Tots to be given to
local DeKalb County chirldren in need.
2022 SPECIAL
SPONSORED
EVENTS In 2022, Commissioner Lorraine
Cochran-Johnson lended her support
to several community organizations by
sponsoring important special events.
E.M.B.A.R.C. COMMUNITY YOUTH
FARM VOLUNTEER WORK DAY Education, Market, Botanicals,
Agriculture, and Recreational Center
In 2020, Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson had the vision of a place where children can grow healthy fruits and vegetables year-round. In the spring of the following year on April 19, 2021, the ceremonial groundbreaking announced the E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm took place and since that time, development of the site has been ongoing. Located at 1185 Rock Chapel Rd in Lithonia, GA, the 40 acre youth farm will provide wonderful
experiences for constituents that include farming, food preparation, food consumption,
physical exercise and nature in one location. The youth farm will be an interconnected campus
of buildings, pavilions and outdoor space that will focus on wellness, food, exercise and nature.
It will include a country market store with a test kitchen, a green wall and herb garden, and
fields and crops that will yield produce and fruit that will be sold in the country store. DeKalb County Park Naturalist Jennifer McLaurin teamed up with Commissioner Lorraine
Cochran-Johnson to sponsor several community service projects in September, October and
December to clear out portions of the site, work on pollinator projects and start the planting
process. Over 30 volunteers participated in the community service projects.
PINK FROG FOUNDATION
BREAST CANCER
AWARENESS DAY AT
AGNES SCOTT COLLEGE The Pink Frog Foundation, Inc. is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to
providing support to breast cancer patients. In addition, the organization strives to provide
emotional, social and educational programming about the special needs and issues facing
individuals with breast cancer. Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson supported the Pink
Frog Foundation, Inc. in their efforts to raise awareness surrounding breast cancer on October
21, 2022 at their Pink Frog Foundation Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The event took place at
Agnes Scott College where attendees learned facts about Breast Cancer, as well as self exam
tips, and enjoyed, giveaways, food samples, and DJ entertainment.
SOLDIERS’ ANGELS MOBILE
FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine
Cochran-Johnson allocated $10,000 in
2022 to the Atlanta Community Food Bank
to support three Soldiers’ Angels mobile
food distributions for Veterans, two of
which took place in September and
October 2022. Over 700 boxes containing
75 to 100 pounds of food were given to
Veterans, and Commissioner Cochran-
Johnson was given the Golden Wings
Awards on behalf of the organization. This
is the third year the Commissioner
provided support to Soldiers' Angels.