The DeKalb County Committee of the Whole convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss significant internal operational initiatives aimed at enhancing equity within the county's workforce and services. The meeting focused on the findings and recommendations from an extensive equity study conducted over the past two years, which involved input from various stakeholders, including department directors and employees.

The session began with a presentation outlining the project's timeline and the importance of stakeholder engagement. The committee emphasized the need for a diverse representation of county employees to ensure comprehensive feedback. Key lessons learned from the project included the necessity of appointing an executive-level project champion, which was fulfilled by Director Larry Jacobs, and the importance of multi-channel communication to reach all employees effectively, especially those not regularly at a computer.

The equity study delivered several critical findings, including a comparative analysis of four counties and a feasibility study for establishing an Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. The study highlighted employees' dedication to equity but also revealed dissatisfaction with hiring practices, transparency, and professional growth opportunities. Notably, disparities in resource allocation between North and South DeKalb County were frequently mentioned, indicating a need for further examination of external equity issues.

The committee proposed six key recommendations to address these findings:

1. **Conduct an Internal Communications Audit**: Assess how information is disseminated to ensure all employees have equitable access to updates and opportunities.

2. **Adopt a Policy Evaluation Framework**: Implement a structured process to evaluate internal policies through an equity lens, ensuring fairness and preventing harm to vulnerable groups.

3. **Develop Countywide Training Expectations**: Establish clear accountability for employee participation in training programs, integrating these expectations into performance evaluations.

4. **Appoint an Equity Officer**: Designate a dedicated equity officer within the CEO's office to oversee and coordinate equity initiatives across departments.

5. **Establish a Welcoming DeKalb Team**: Form an advisory council with representatives from key departments to ensure services are accessible to diverse communities, including recent immigrants.

6. **Create a Structure for Ongoing Collaboration**: Ensure that the equity officer collaborates consistently with departmental liaisons to maintain a cohesive approach to equity initiatives.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to implement these recommendations, aiming to foster a more equitable environment for both employees and residents of DeKalb County. The next steps will involve further discussions on how to operationalize these recommendations effectively.