In a significant step towards collaborative governance, the DeKalb County Operations Committee convened on September 8, 2025, to discuss the county's legislative agenda for 2026. Chaired by Marita Davis Johnson, the meeting marked the first joint legislative work session between the county's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Board of Commissioners, highlighting a commitment to unified decision-making.

During the session, Martha, representing the CEO, expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership with the Board of Commissioners. She emphasized the importance of this joint effort, which began shortly after the governor signed new bills in May. The meeting aimed to identify the county's legislative needs and priorities, with all seven commissioners presenting their top legislative concerns.

The committee's discussions led to the identification of three key categories for legislative items: those that can be addressed locally without state intervention, issues that fall under federal jurisdiction, and items that did not meet the necessary voting thresholds for further consideration. This structured approach is intended to streamline the legislative process and ensure that the county's most pressing needs are effectively communicated to state lawmakers.

The committee successfully narrowed down a list of 16 legislative priorities to a top ten, which will guide the county's actions in the upcoming legislative session. This framework aligns with the Association County Commissioners of Georgia's (ACCG) statewide legislative process, which has proven effective in advocating for local government interests.

As the meeting concluded, the commitment to a clear action plan was reinforced, with plans for a legislative packet to be presented to both the state Senate and House. The collaborative spirit demonstrated in this meeting is expected to enhance DeKalb County's legislative influence and responsiveness to community needs in the coming year.