July 9, 2026 Edition - Chakira’s Corner Newsletter
Podcast - New Episode Out Now
What does a Chief Operating Officer actually do? How are decisions made, and who keeps county government running day to day?
Commissioner Chakira Johnson and Chief Operating Officer Zach Williams answer those questions and more in this month's episode of Chakira's Corner. Learn how DeKalb is improving customer service, modernizing county operations, investing in critical infrastructure, and preparing for future growth—all while delivering the services residents rely on every day.
Watch the full episode to get an inside look at how DeKalb County works for you.
Chakira's Cookout Video Recap
Hundreds of DeKalb County families joined Commissioner Chakira Johnson for Chakira's Cookout: Full STEAM Ahead, a day dedicated to preparing students for a successful school year through education, wellness, and community support. Attendees enjoyed interactive STEAM experiences, free school supplies, health screenings, voter registration, haircuts, food, and connections with organizations serving families throughout DeKalb County.
"I do this because I love giving back to my community," Commissioner Johnson said. "As an engineer, I did not have this type of stuff growing up, and it would have meant a lot to me as a young child. I just love being able to give back and inspire young kids in our community." Watch the recap video above to experience the excitement of the day and hear from the students, families, volunteers, and partners who helped make this year's event one to remember.
Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined neighbors and community leaders at the Stone Mountain Historical Society's annual Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast, celebrating Independence Day while supporting local students through a school supply drive.
A Tradition of Community and Giving
Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined the Stone Mountain Historical Society for its annual Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast, where residents gathered to celebrate Independence Day while supporting local history and giving back to the community. Guests enjoyed breakfast together, connected with neighbors, and helped collect school supplies to support students as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
The annual tradition reflects the strong community spirit that makes Stone Mountain special, bringing neighbors together to celebrate, serve, and invest in the next generation.
Millage Rate Investment
Following a series of public hearings, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved the 2026 budget and accompanying millage rates. The adopted budget invests in housing affordability, public safety, healthcare access, infrastructure, workforce development, and other services residents have identified as priorities. It also increases the county's minimum wage to $19 per hour, helping strengthen recruitment and retention of the employees who serve DeKalb County.
"This is a consequential budget. It invests in our people, strengthens our infrastructure, and positions our county for long-term success," Commissioner Johnson said during the county's press conference announcing the adopted budget. Watch the video above to hear her remarks and learn more about how these investments will strengthen county services, support residents, and prepare DeKalb for the future.
To learn more about the approved 2026 millage rates, download the 2026 Millage Rates Public Hearing Presentation, which provides an overview of the adopted rates, budget priorities, and the information presented during the public hearings.
Data Center Moratorium
Protecting Our Communities: Commissioner Chakira Johnson Supports Data Center Moratorium Extension
I want to thank everyone who has remained engaged in the conversation surrounding data center development in DeKalb County. Your emails, phone calls, attendance at public meetings, and thoughtful feedback have played an important role in shaping this discussion.
On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2026-1109 by a 6-1 vote, extending the temporary moratorium on new data center development applications. This extension provides additional time to finalize comprehensive zoning regulations that will establish clear standards for the location, design, operation, and review of future data center proposals. The moratorium will remain in effect through March 30, 2027, unless further extended.
Importantly, the approved resolution also directs the Administration to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for evaluating data center applications. This is a process I also proposed during the Board of Commissioners meeting on June 23. I wholeheartedly support this direction because it will help ensure consistency, transparency, interdepartmental coordination, and accountability as future applications are reviewed.
You can read the resolution here. I want to clear up some misinformation regarding the July 7 Board meeting. The item in question was included on the publicly posted agenda. It was not a walk-on item, despite what has been stated by others.
One of my priorities as Presiding Officer has been to reduce the use of walk-on agenda items and reserve them only for matters that are truly time-sensitive. In fact, there were no walk-on items added to the July 7 meeting.
Also, when a Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting is not held, it is the Presiding Officer's responsibility to set the Board agenda. This is not a new practice- it is a longstanding procedural responsibility that has been exercised by Presiding Officers for many years.
I believe in transparency and making sure the public has access to Board business in advance. That's exactly why this item was placed on the publicly posted agenda, where everyone had the opportunity to review it before the meeting.
From the beginning, I have maintained that DeKalb County must take a thoughtful and deliberate approach to regulating this rapidly evolving industry. While data centers may play an important role in our economic future, their development must be balanced with protecting our neighborhoods, natural resources, infrastructure, and the quality of life of the residents who call DeKalb County home.
Extending the moratorium allows us to continue this important work without approving new applications under regulations that do not adequately address the unique impacts these facilities may have on our communities.
I remain committed to advocating for policies that are informed by community input, guided by sound planning principles, and focused on the long-term interests of DeKalb County residents.
Thank you for your continued engagement, partnership, and commitment as we work together to develop policies that reflect our shared values and vision for DeKalb County.
