Michael L. Thurmond, Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County, recently delivered his eighth and final State of the County address during the Council for Quality Growth annual luncheon.
In front of a crowd of over 700 attendees — which included elected officials, businesses, residents, county staff and more — Thurmond highlighted the county’s evolution over the years in an address called “Assembling Success in DeKalb.”
The title was fitting, given that the address took place at the new Assembly Studios, a media studio complex that was transformed from what was once the site of the General Motors Assembly Plant.
During his address, Thurmond reflected on his leadership journey and the lessons he learned throughout the years since being elected DeKalb CEO in 2017.
Among the past highlights Thurmond shined a spotlight on included his efforts in “restoring trust in local government,” improvements made to the school system, enhancements to the county’s water and sewer infrastructure, along with initiatives centered around food insecurity, crime prevention, rental assistance and job creation.
Amidst past successes, Thurmond noted present issues that are still prevalent in the county, which he hopes his next successor can turn their attention toward solving.
“We’ve come far, but the journey is not over,” said Thurmond. “There are neighborhoods in DeKalb where poverty still stalks the homes of decent men and women. There are neighborhoods where gunfire is all too common. There are neighborhoods where hope, unborn, has died.”
With Thurmond’s tenure coming to an end due to term limits, attention now turns to the future leadership of DeKalb County.
While Thurmond hinted at future endeavors — saying “I may need your vote” during his address — the focus remains on the upcoming elections, with three former DeKalb Commissioners vying for the CEO seat.
