Initiatives
Key Initiatives & Strategic Priorities
HIGH-CAPACITY TRANSIT (HCT)
The Metro Atlanta region is expected to increase by 1.8 million by 2050. With increased residents and cars, mass transit is critical to the future of DeKalb. Mass transit is an important factor in economic development and transit-oriented development. In 2026 with funding from regional partners, $1.6 million was invested to update the DeKalb Master Transit Plan (MTP). After completion, the MTP will be used to take decisive action on moving forward the modes of traffic necessary to connect DeKalb and develop a funding source and comprehensive transit solution.
DEKALB LAND BANK
In 2019 I provided the funding necessary to revive the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority. The Land Bank is a valuable tool to fight blight and get abandoned properties revitalized and into productive use. The Land Bank became functional in 2022 after a board was appointed and an administrator was chosen to oversee the daily operations, property acquisition, sales, and legal transactions on behalf of DeKalb County. The Land Bank is a valuable tool in creating affordable housing. In January 2026, CEO Cochran-Johnson signed documents for the transfer of over a dozen properties into the Land Bank to be sold as affordable housing.
EMBARC YOUTH FARM
The E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm is a 58-acre urban gardening and nature oasis that provides urban agricultural experiences for youth and adults that include activities and classes centered around farming, gardening, and health. E.M.B.A.R.C. is an interconnected campus of buildings, pavilions and outdoor space that focuses on organic and natural food raised from the ground, nature, and wellness with the goal of eliminating food deserts in DeKalb County. E.M.B.A.R.C. features edible environments, a state-of-the-art green house, raised garden beds, a pool, pickle ball, tennis courts, and bee farming. Phase II development includes a state-of-the-art greenhouse devoted to hydroponic growing to scale current operations to better meet the need for access to healthy food options to combat food insecurities.
TRAIL & PATH EXPANSION
In 2022, Cochran-Johnson authored the Trail Resolution that led to the establishment of a dedicated funding source for trails and paths to expand transportation options and economic development - while enhancing quality of life. The Trail Resolution led to the funding of the DeKalb Trail Master Plan that serves as a blueprint for the long-rang trail and path development priority. CEO Cochran-Johnson has a goal to connect DeKalb’s major trail network to the Atlanta Beltline by 2029 to form a 22-mile continuous loop of trails that unite metro counties and communities.
SCHOOL NON-VIOLENCE INITIATIVE
The No Child Left Behind and Non-Violence Initiative kicks off in 2026 to increase student success and retention while decreasing incidents of school violence. Led by expert educators, the program utilizes a conglomerate approach that enlists a diverse group of community partners, parents, educators, service providers, and trained professionals to ensure positive change. Students and parents are engaged through a series of in-school assemblies and community meetings. With education as the core factor in decreasing violence, each student must sign a Declaration of Career Intent during their junior year with emphasis on post-secondary college or trade education.
DEKALB CONVENTION CENTER
In June 2021, I engaged Discover DeKalb to retain a world-class destination specialist to conduct a comprehensive market analysis to determine the feasibility of an event epicenter. The study included design, facility amenities, and included a comprehensive review of locations across DeKalb County, with special consideration given to hotel, restaurants, and transit accessibility. The study points to The Assembly and PDK Airport as the ideal locations - ongoing discussions continue.
SOUTH DEKALB MALL REVITALIZATION
South DeKalb Mall was once the economic anchor of a thriving corridor and is important to the revitalization of South DeKalb. In 2022 formal conversations on revitalization began, when Ryan Gravel was retained to create an aspirational mixed-use development plan that included retail, green space, entertainment, and housing. In 2023, I provided the funding to Decide DeKalb Development Authority to conduct the study necessary to form a Tax Allocation District to provide the incentives necessary to facilitate future growth. Current efforts continue to revitalize the mall and remains a central focus of the administration.
HOME OWNERSHIP
In 2019 to increase financial literacy and home ownership, I entered a partnership with Operation Hope and RBC Bank to open Operation HOPE DeKalb. To date, the partnership has created over 125 new homeowners and issued more than $22 million in first-time home loan funding and down-payment assistance. Ongoing housing efforts include expanding housing inventory, creating pathways to home ownership through partnerships with Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America and Operation HOPE, while working with developers to expand housing inventory through Public Private Partnerships and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.
REAL TIME CRIME CENTER
In a forward-looking move, I funded DeKalb’s first-ever Real-Time Crime Technology Center, a state-of-the-art facility that centralize surveillance, data analysis, drone technology, and emergency response coordination. Opened in December 2026, the RTCC is supported by an $18.9 million investment in camera and drone technology. This milestone follows a historic $10 million investment in officer pay and benefits aimed at increasing recruitment, retention, and morale within the department. These efforts have resulted in a 300% increase in officer enrollment and 91% retention rate, along with a reduction in crime in 2025.
OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT
In 2025, DeKalb County underwent a major operational and performance assessment conducted by Mauldin & Jenkins. The study was at the request of CEO Cochran-Johnson and aimed at improving efficiency. The study resulted in a 407 page document that highlighted 267 findings regarding outdated systems and departmental struggles, leading to the hiring of a change manager, The Momentum Firm, to implement improvements and a countywide transformation strategy.
THE WEEKLY CHAT
The Weekly Chat is an engaging podcast created with community in mind. Moderated by Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, each episode features informative conversation on issues relevant to DeKalb. Podcast listeners explore local, national, and global issues through the lens of content experts, community leaders, citizens, and individuals on the front-line.
LOCK-IN FOR LIFE
THE DEKALB ORB PROJECT
The DeKalb Orb Project was a celebration to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of DeKalb County. Participants found hand-blown glass treasures created by Decatur Glass Glassblowing at various parks throughout DeKalb. Each limited-edition glass orb carries a special 200th Anniversary seal designed by Lorraine Cochran-Johnson in 2022 and is marked with a unique number for tracking - making each orb a limited edition and collectable piece or art.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Small business development is an essential to thriving communities. To support small businesses, in 2020 I founded the DeKalb County Small Business Summit to provide ongoing business education and resources. This annual event features business experts in a variety of areas including funding, marketing, digital technology, franchising, procurement opportunities, and incentives. Additional efforts include upgrades to technology and restructuring of the Planning and Sustainability Department to make DeKalb more business friendly.
PARK 500
In 2025 with the support of the Board of Commissioners, I put forth a plan for an $8 million investment to secure 60 rapid housing units within Park 500 —to serve unhoused and housing insecure families, many of which are currently living in extended stay motels throughout the County. The project marked a historic moment in DeKalb’s approach to housing and social support, representing the County’s first direct investment and ownership interest in a transitional housing development. In addition to permanent housing, residents at Park 500 receive onsite wraparound services including case management, job support, healthcare access, and childcare coordination.
DEKALB COVID INFO
DeKalb COVID Info was created to disseminate critical information to the community in response to the global pandemic. The website proved invaluable at the height of the pandemic and was widely recognized for its comprehensive approach to public health information dissemination. Designed by Lorraine Cochran-Johnson the website featured global data on known Covid cases, death rates, and the latest information on vaccination locations, research, and safety standards. The comprehensive campaign included billboards, digital marketing and print advertising.
LET’S VOTE DEKALB
Let's Vote DeKalb is a grass roots, community driven effort in association with the Indivisible Georgia Coalition, DeKalb Democrats, and the NAACP. It is a non-partisan organization created to encourage greater voter participation through active community engagement and strategic voter initiatives geared towards schools, places of worship, community centers, and community mobilization. As a body the organization seeks to ensure 100% voter participation among DeKalb residents.
THE DEKALB ORB PROJECT
The DeKalb County District 7 Glass Orb Projectwas a celebration to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of DeKalb County. Participants found hand-blown glass treasures created by Decatur Glass Glassblowing at various parks throughout DeKalb. Each limited-edition glass orb carries a special 200th Anniversary seal designed by Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and is marked with a unique number for tracking - making each orb a limited edition and collectable piece or art.
Initiative Cards
Public Safety Enhancements
Initiatives focused on prevention, accountability, and modern safety tools.
Affordable Housing & Stability
Economic Growth & Workforce
Supporting local businesses and job creation.
Infrastructure Investment
Youth & Community Development
Initiative Cards
Public Safety Enhancements
Initiatives focused on prevention, accountability, and modern safety tools.
Affordable Housing & Stability
Economic Growth & Workforce
Supporting local businesses and job creation.
Infrastructure Investment
Youth & Community Development
DeKalb Regional Land Bank
In 2019 I provided the funding necessary to revive the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority. The Land Bank is a valuable tool to fight blight and get abandoned properties revitalized and into productive use. The Land Bank became functional in 2022 after a board was appointed and an administrator was chosen to oversee the daily operations, property acquisition, sales, and legal transactions on behalf of DeKalb County. The Land Bank is a valuable tool in creating affordable housing.
Read MoreOperation HOPE DeKalb
In 2019 to increase financial literacy and home ownership, I entered a partnership with Operation Hope and RBC Bank to open Operation HOPE DeKalb. To date, the partnership has created 89 new homeowners and issued more than $22 million in home loan funding and down-payment assistance to first-time home buyers. Financial dignity training, small business education and wealth building balance the program offerings.
Read MoreDeKalb Small Business Summit
Founded in 2020, the DeKalb County Small Business Summit is designed to support small business development, while providing ongoing business education and resources to ensure the success of local small businesses. This annual event features business experts in a variety of areas including funding, marketing, digital technology, franchising, and incentives. How to get start a business, pitfalls to avoid, and tips for sustaining and boosting a small business are covered.
Read MoreThe School Non-Violence Initiative
The Non-Violence Initiative aims to decrease incidents of violence and increase student retention rates through violence prevention and mental health-based education. The initiative utilizes a conglomerate approach that enlists diverse professionals, community partners, parents, educators, service providers, and trained professionals to assist in implementing positive change.
Read MoreEMBARC Youth Farm
The E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm is a 58-acre farm featuring South DeKalb’s first Park Naturalist, edible environments, a state-of-the-art green house, raised garden beds, a pool, pickle ball, tennis courts, bee farming and local growers. Phase II development includes a state-of-the-art country store with an Food Drug Administration (FDA) approved kitchen for the development of jellies, jams, and preserves to be sold as a part of the entrepreneurship training program.
Read MoreOperation Safe Streets Public Safety Plan
The E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm is a 58-acre farm featuring South DeKalb’s first Park Naturalist, edible environments, a state-of-the-art green house, raised garden beds, a pool, pickle ball, tennis courts, bee farming and local growers. Phase II development includes a state-of-the-art country store with an Food Drug Administration (FDA) approved kitchen for the development of jellies, jams, and preserves to be sold as a part of the entrepreneurship training program.
Read MoreHigh-capacity Transit (Hct)
The Metro Atlanta region is expected to increase by 1.8 million by 2050. With increased residents and cars, mass transit is critical to the future of DeKalb. Mass transit facilitates economic development and transit-oriented development. In 2022 I brought all municipalities and regional partners together to discuss a course of action, but due to a vote by the BOC discussions were halted. I look forward to working with regional partners and municipalities to adopt a comprehensive solution and course of action to meet the needs of all DeKalb residents.
Read MoreDekalb County Convention Center
In June 2021, I engaged Discover DeKalb to retain a world-class destination specialist to conduct a comprehensive market analysis to determine the feasibility of an event epicenter. The study points to The Assembly and PDK Airport as the ideal locations - ongoing discussions continue.
Read MoreSouth Dekalb Mall Revitalization
South DeKalb Mall is the gateway to South DeKalb. Its revitalization is critical to the transformation of South DeKalb as an economic anchor. In 2022 formal conversations began when Ryan Gravel was retained to create an aspirational mixed-use development plan that includes green space, entertainment, and housing. In 2023 a Tax Allocation District and Opportunity Zone was created to provide the framework needed to facilitate future growth.
Read More