My friends in DeKalb,

As I prepare to close this meaningful chapter of my service to DeKalb County, I am filled with immense pride, gratitude, and hope for our shared future. Over the past two terms, we have worked to restore trust in government, invest in our communities, and build a stronger, more resilient DeKalb County.

When I took office in 2017, DeKalb County faced significant challenges. Today, I am proud to say, DeKalb has risen. Together, we have turned opportunities into realities—enhancing critical infrastructure, supporting economic development, and creating programs to meet the needs of our residents during unprecedented times. Over the past eight years, we built trust through accountability, worked to bridge divides, and revitalized our economy. From investing in critical infrastructure and addressing food insecurity during the pandemic to supporting crime prevention and job creation, we have embraced both urgency and opportunity.

One of my great honors has been seeing DeKalb come together—north and south, businesses and families, leaders and community members—as we navigated growth, change, and progress. Assembly Studios at the former General Motors site now symbolizes our ability to transform challenges into opportunity, honoring both our history and our bright economic future.

I am equally proud of the ongoing work to ensure inclusion and equity across our county. DeKalb remains a place where diversity is a strength, innovation thrives, and collaboration leads us forward. While we have come far, I charge all future leaders—across DeKalb and beyond—to keep building bridges, creating opportunities, and fostering communities where hope endures.

We have laid a strong foundation for DeKalb’s future, but the work is far from finished. There are still communities that need our collective support, where families face hardship and opportunity is limited. The charge for future leaders is clear: to build bridges, embrace collaboration, and ensure every neighborhood thrives.

Our efforts in economic development over the past 8 years have been a particular source of pride and I know our county is in good hands as we continue this work in the coming years.

I want to thank all who have supported this vision—our residents, businesses, community partners, and local leaders. Your unwavering commitment has fueled DeKalb’s success and set the stage for even greater progress.

It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve you and the residents of DeKalb County. Thank you for your trust, support, and belief in what we can accomplish together. Let us keep rising, for the journey is not over.

Sincerely,

Michael L. Thurmond