Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County, has signed Executive Order No. 2025-8, formally ending the county’s COVID-19 state of emergency and setting a new post-emergency work plan for county offices and employees.
The executive order brings DeKalb County in line with the State of Georgia’s decision to end its pandemic-related public health emergency. It incorporates lessons learned during the COVID-19 response about flexibility, productivity, and service delivery.
“This executive order marks an important step forward for DeKalb County,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “It confirms the end of the emergency period while putting in place a work plan that balances flexibility with responsibility and ensures we continue to deliver reliable, high-quality services to our residents.”
Starting January 5, 2026, all DeKalb County offices under the CEO’s supervision will be staffed in person during regular business hours. This measure is intended to ensure residents have consistent access to services at county facilities.
“In-person service matters,” Cochran-Johnson said. “Having staff present in our offices strengthens accountability, collaboration, and efficiency across County government and improves the experience for the people we serve.”
The executive order does not authorize any reduction in staffing levels or business hours but aims to increase in-person staffing.
A structured hybrid work option will remain available for eligible employees whose job duties can be performed remotely. Under departmental plans approved by supervisors, these employees may follow a hybrid schedule that generally includes three days working in-office and two days remotely. Eligibility for remote work will depend on operational needs and employee performance.
“This approach recognizes what we learned during the pandemic,” Cochran-Johnson added. “Flexibility can benefit employees and the organization, but it must be balanced with our responsibility to be present, responsive, and effective.”
Other provisions include allowing but not requiring face masks unless there is a new public health emergency; establishing clear expectations for authorized remote work; requiring signed hybrid work agreements; prohibiting discrimination or retaliation regarding remote work decisions; and allowing future adjustments as county needs change.
“Our goal is simple,” Cochran-Johnson said. “To ensure DeKalb County government shows up, delivers, and continues to serve our community with excellence.”
Enrollment at DeKalb County schools dropped by 2.2% in the 2022-23 school year compared to the previous year (https://www.gadoe.org/). The total number of students enrolled was 98,287 during that period (https://www.gadoe.org/). White students represented 14% of the student body that year (https://www.gadoe.org/).
The executive order takes effect immediately. More information is available at https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/chief-executive-officer/E02025-8.
