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DEKALB COUNTY, GA–CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson delivered her second annual State of the County address on Thursday, May 7, 2026, outlining a bold vision for DeKalb County centered on economic development, infrastructure investment, housing, innovation, and government accountability.
This year’s theme, “Mission Possible: Believe the Unbelievable,” was unveiled through a cinematic, Matrix-themed presentation that framed DeKalb County’s progress as a choice to move beyond limitations and actively build the future through intentional leadership, innovation, and collective action.
Throughout her remarks, CEO Cochran-Johnson emphasized a unified strategy that connects economic development, infrastructure, housing, and government operations into a single, coordinated vision for the county’s future.
“The future of DeKalb County is not something government builds alone,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “It is something we build together.”
The CEO highlighted economic development as a key driver of DeKalb’s long-term growth, citing major assets such as DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, the county’s workforce, and its network of nine colleges and universities. She reinforced her administration’s commitment to expanding opportunity and ensuring growth reaches communities across the county.
Infrastructure investment also served as a central focus of the address, including the county’s $4.7 billion water and sewer infrastructure plan. CEO Cochran-Johnson described the initiative as a historic investment in systems critical to public health, sustainability, and future economic growth.
“We are no longer shifting blame; we are owning our condition,” she said, while acknowledging the challenges associated with long-term infrastructure improvements and rate increases.
Housing affordability and stability were also highlighted as priorities for the administration.
The CEO outlined efforts to expand homeownership opportunities, preserve existing housing, prevent displacement, and invest in emergency shelter and rapid housing initiatives. She noted that housing stability remains directly tied to economic mobility and community resilience.
CEO Cochran-Johnson also detailed improvements to county operations, including modernized permitting systems, expanded performance dashboards, enhanced communications efforts, and the launch of a redesigned county website focused on improving transparency and customer service
Closing the address, the CEO returned to the event’s central theme, reinforcing that DeKalb’s momentum is being driven by accountability, execution, and partnership.
“Progress is not about perfection,” CEO Cochran-Johnson said. “It is about direction.”
The sold-out 2026 State of the County Address was hosted by the Council for Quality Growth, DeKalb County Government, and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce at Assembly Studios, drawing more than 800 attendees, including business leaders, elected officials, residents, county staff, and community partners. The annual luncheon was presented by Amazon, Discover DeKalb, and The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority.
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