Regional and Local Plans

A supervisor in a factory guides three employees, pointing at a large industrial screen. All wear blue uniforms, conveying teamwork and focus.

The First Source Ordinance is a public regulation that encourages contractors and beneficiaries to hire DeKalb County residents for at least 50% of jobs funded by county resources.

WorkSource DeKalb (WSD) manages the First Source Registry, a database of qualified and trained local candidates, and helps employers find the right talent to meet their workforce needs.

How WorkSource DeKalb Supports Employers

Pre-screening: Ensure only the most qualified candidates are recommended for interviews.
Job fairs: Advertise and host on-site or at WSD offices.
Position marketing: Serve as the first point of contact between employers and prospective employees.
Computer Access: Provide technology resources for current and future employees.
Supportive Services: Assist new hires with onboarding and other needs

Who Qualifies?

To receive recruitment support, hiring contractors or beneficiaries must:

Be recipients of county revitalization grants or contracts of $50,000 or more.
Include purchase orders, construction projects, professional, or consulting services funded by DeKalb County.

Key Terms

First Source 
A public regulation requiring qualified contractors and beneficiaries to hire at least 50% DeKalb County residents through the First Source Registry.
Contractor 
Any individual or entity entering into a county agreement – purchase order, construction, professional, or consulting services – funded wholly or partly by County funds, with $50,000 or more in committed expenditures.
Beneficiary 
An immediate recipient of urban redevelopment or community development block funds administered by the County, with $50,000 or more in funding.
First Source Registry: 
A candidate database of employable DeKalb County residents used to fill jobs created or maintained by public funding.

Benefits of the First Source Ordinance

Pre-screened, qualified candidates for interviews
Space for orientations, job fairs, and interviews
Advertising and administration of job fairs
Computer access for employees
Access to trained and local candidates

For More Information

Contact the Business Solutions Team:

Email: WSDbusiness@dekalbcountyga.gov

Phone: 404-687-3400

DeKalb County Local Workforce Plan

Metro Atlanta Regional Workforce Development Plan

Image of WorkSource Georgia text with a grey and orange design

Cover of the DeKalb County Workforce Plan 2024–2027 featuring diverse professionals, including healthcare workers, engineers, and technicians, alongside industrial equipment.

Public Review and Comment – Revised Draft DeKalb Local Plan

WorkSource DeKalb invites the public to review and provide comments on the revised draft of the DeKalb Local Workforce Development Plan. In accordance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the draft plan is available for public review and comment for a 30-day period beginning July 6, 2026, and ending August 5, 2026.

Community members, employers, workforce partners, educational institutions, labor organizations, and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft plan and share their feedback.

Review the Revised Draft Local Plan: Draft Local Plan Link

Submit Public Comments: Public Comment Form Link

All comments received during the public review period will be reviewed and considered before the revised Local Plan is finalized and submitted to the State of Georgia.