Charter Review
The DeKalb County Charter Review was a comprehensive, citizen-driven process to examine and recommend updates to the County’s governing document (the Organizational Act), the legal framework that defines how DeKalb County government is structured and operates.
The Charter Review Commission was established by executive order from the Chief Executive Officer in March 2021 to ensure the charter reflects current state law, community priorities, and best practices in county governance.
Over 18 months, the Commission held 22 meetings and 6 public hearings with extensive opportunities for public comment. Commissioners reviewed every section of the Organizational Act, solicited community input, and developed a final report with recommendations for modernizing DeKalb’s governance structure.
Why This Matters
The charter shapes how DeKalb County:
- Organizes its legislative and executive branches
- Defines roles, responsibilities, and powers
- Ensures transparent and accountable local government
By engaging residents, stakeholders, and elected officials, the Charter Review process strengthens local democracy and aligns county government with community expectations.
Key Documents & Resources
Charter Review Commission Manual
CRC By-Laws
Final Report
- DeKalb Charter Review Commission Final Report
Comprehensive report detailing findings and recommended changes:
Final Charter Review Commission Report (Dec 2023)
Supporting Materials
- Appendices for Final Report: Charter Review Report Appendix Documents
- Compilation of recommended edits for individual charter sections: Accumulated Suggested Changes
- County Organizational Chart
- County Organizational Act
DeKalb County Charter Review Commission
(Updated August 2023)
Steve Henson Representing: DeKalb County CEO
Karen Bennett Representing: DeKalb County House Delegation
Mary Hinkel Representing: DeKalb County House Delegation
Lance Hammonds Representing: DeKalb County Senate Delegation
Robert Wittenstein Representing: DeKalb District 1 - Robert Patrick
Bobbie Sanford Representing: DeKalb District 3 - Larry Johnson
Clara DeLay Representing: DeKalb District 5 - Mereda D Johnson
Dwight Thomas Representing: DeKalb District 7 - Lorraine C Johnson
Virginia Harris Representing: DeKalb County CEO
Claudette Leak Representing: DeKalb County House Delegation
Senator Sally Harrell Representing: DeKalb County Senate Delegation
Vacant Representing: DeKalb County Senate Delegation
Susan Neugent Representing: DeKalb District 2 - Jeff Rader
Dr. Gerald Austin, Sr. Representing: DeKalb District 4 - Steve Bradshaw
Jim Grubiak Representing: DeKalb District 6 - Ted Terry
Vickie Turner Representing: Vickie Turner
Ex Officio Members
Senator Kim Jackson Representing: DeKalb Senate Delegation
John Turner Representing: Alternates - House
Rep. Karla Drenner Representing: DeKalb House Delegation
Public Involvement & Meeting Records
History of Meetings
The Charter Review included public hearings and meetings across DeKalb County in 2022–2023, allowing residents to share input and learn about proposed changes. Meeting agendas, minutes, and video links are maintained for public access.
Next Steps & Legislative Process
Following delivery of the final report in January 2024, the Board of Commissioners reviewed the recommendations and has advanced discussions about which changes can be adopted locally and which require state legislative approval or a voter referendum. A resolution in late 2025 outlined support for specific recommendations and plans to submit them to the Georgia House and Senate Delegations for the 2026 legislative session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the Charter / Organizational Act?
A. The Organizational Act functions as DeKalb County’s charter, defining the structure, powers, and processes of county government.
Q. How were residents involved?
A. The Charter Review Commission held public hearings and welcomed written and verbal comments throughout the process.
Q. What happens now?
A. Recommendations that require changes to state law will be advanced with the county’s legislative delegation; others may be enacted through local action or presented to voters in a referendum.