CEO Cochran-Johnson Announces $4.27 Billion Infrastructure Investment During DeKalb Day at the Capitol

DeKalb County just made history! Speaking at the Georgia State Capitol, CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson announced the approval of a $4.27 billion investment, the largest in county history, to modernize water and sewer infrastructure.

This bold initiative will ensure clean, reliable water services, strengthen economic growth, and create over 6,400 jobs.

What This Investment Means for DeKalb

Reliable Water & Sewer Services – Addressing aging infrastructure to prevent failures, outages, and contamination risks.
Economic Growth & Jobs – A stronger infrastructure will attract new businesses, boost property values, and create career opportunities for residents.
Infrastructure & Transportation – While this is a major step forward, DeKalb continues to advocate for additional funding to improve roads, bridges, and transit systems.
Public Safety & Behavioral Health – Alongside infrastructure improvements, DeKalb is focused on enhancing law enforcement support and securing $9-10 million in state funding to complete the $25 million Behavioral Health Crisis Center.

CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson’s Vision

“Yesterday, we made history with the passage of the largest infrastructure investment in DeKalb County’s history,” said CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “This $4.27 billion commitment to modernizing our water and sewer infrastructure is a transformational step toward securing clean, reliable, and sustainable services for our residents for generations to come.

This momentous achievement would not have been possible without the support of our Board of Commissioners, mayors, city councils, and our state and federal delegation. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for your leadership and commitment to building a stronger DeKalb.”

Understanding DeKalb’s 4.47B Water Investment: Watch & Explore Resources

On January 25, 2025, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted to “opt-in” the statewide homestead exemption.

Since Dekalb County has its own Homestead exemption that is more advantageous than the state floating local option sales tax, DeKalb county homeowners will continue to receive the benefit of our current tax exemption until 2030 or until further action is taken by the General Assembly that would alter the current law. Currently, in 2030 a referendum will take place to determine if Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax (EHOST) will continue.

To learn more about EHOST click here.

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Atlanta Daily World

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