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Board of Commissioners

A Large brown sign with an orange stripe in front of a red brick building and green, red, and pink shrubbery that reads "DeKalb County Government Manuel J. Maloof Center Administrative Building & Auditorium". It lists the name of the CEO and its board commissioners.

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners (BOC) serves as the legislative branch of county government.

Comprised of seven commissioners, the Board represents residents across five districts and two super districts. Every citizen in DeKalb County is represented by two commissioners, one district commissioner and one super district commissioner.

Current Commissioners
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District 1
Robert Patrick

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Tara Smith

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District 2
Michelle Long Spears

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Joy Osei

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District 3
Nicole Massiah

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LaShun Atwaters

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District 4
Chakira Johnson

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Alesia Brooks 

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District 5
Mereda Davis Johnson

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Demetrius Pinkett

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District 6
Edward Terry

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Kelly Cato

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District 7
LaDena Bolton

Staff Contact
Lavezza Zanders-Johnson

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Mission & Vision

To improve the quality of life for all stakeholders in DeKalb County through governance, representation, and accountability.

The Board of Commissioners is committed to excellence in public service, ensuring a responsive, transparent, 
and effective government.


One DeKalb. One Mission. One Future. 

Commitments & Values

Our Commitments Include:

  • Embracing diversity within the community
  • Creating sound public policy
  • Providing independent oversight
  • Allocating resources responsibly
  • Engaging in collaborative problem-solving

Core Values:

  • Commitment: Striving for excellence in service
  • Honesty: Open, professional communication
  • Fairness: Equal consideration for all voices
  • Integrity: Ethical, respectful, and transparent governance
  • Stewardship: Fiscal responsibility and accountability
Responsibilities of the Board of Commissioners

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners sets policies, rules, and regulations under the DeKalb County Organizational Act. Through these powers, the Commission ensures responsible governance, fiscal accountability, and the protection of DeKalb County residents and communities. Its core responsibilities include:

Financial Authority

  • Levying taxes and business license fees
  • Approving budgets and appropriations
  • Setting rates and charges
  • Authorizing debt and bond elections

Government & Community Oversight

  • Setting election precincts and militia districts
  • Approving county officer bonds
  • Adopting ordinances and regulations for public health, safety, and welfare
  • Preparing agendas and governing commission operations

Land Use & Infrastructure

  • Regulating planning, zoning, and land use
  • Establishing or changing public roads, bridges, and ferries
  • Creating and adjusting special taxing districts
  • Prioritizing capital improvements

Enforcement

  • Enacting ordinances with penalties up to $1,000 fine, 30 days in jail, or community labor
  • Enforcing federal Clean Water Act standards (up to $1,000 per day per violation)
Public Participation

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners encourages community involvement. Residents may attend regular meetings, public hearings, and committee meetings to share input and stay informed.

Meeting Details:Location: 178 Sams Street, Decatur, GA 30030
Schedule: 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Watch Live: Channel 23 or DCTV
Meetings rebroadcasted: Channel 23 or DCTV (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM)

View Meeting Calendar & Agendas

Public Comment Guidelines
  • Public comment allows residents to share county-related requests, concerns, or opinions directly with the Commission.
  • Each speaker may address the Board once per meeting.
  • Speaker cards must be submitted to the Clerk before the public comment period begins (cards are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis).
  • DeKalb County residents are given priority to speak.
  • Comments are limited to 3 minutes per speaker and a maximum of 30 minutes total.
  • Speakers must state their name, address, and any organization represented.
  • Respectful conduct is required, disruptions such as shouting, clapping, or signs are not permitted.
If time runs out, those who submitted a card but did not speak will be given priority at the next regular meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

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