Romona Jackson Jones, Chairwoman, Douglas County

Romona Jackson Jones, chairwoman of Douglas County, spoke with Focus: about striving to lead the metro Atlanta counties in growth. “We are one of the smaller metro Atlanta counties; however, we are doing big things to remain competitive. With that being stated, we have proven, on more than one occasion, that there is no room for second place,” she said.

What recent changes or developments have most impacted Douglas County, and how have they shaped your leadership priorities?

Certainly, the shift at the federal level has propelled unanticipated circumstances for county governments across the nation; however, Douglas County is known for our resilience. We pace ourselves under pressure and overcome unprecedented impediments that are placed in our way such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent changes related to tariffs, federal cuts and economic volatility have shaped my leadership priorities by ensuring my administration pivots to make necessary adjustments to do more with less, while doubling down on expenses and finding ways to shore up our revenue to continue providing quality services to our citizens without interruption.

What factors are driving business interest in Douglas County?

Douglas County is ideally located, future focused, and financially sound. We have superior service, flourishing infrastructure, and are economically thriving while being good stewards of the environment. Our rich history and “superior service” profile lay out the reasons why Douglas County should be the choice for business.

How is the county balancing rapid economic development with infrastructure capacity, environmental stewardship, and the livability and quality of life for residents?

Previous administrations were forward thinking and invested in sewer and fiber infrastructure in key areas of the county, which has been a significant contributing factor to my administration being shovel-ready to balance rapid economic development with infrastructure capacity and environmental stewardship. Largely, the county is growing at a very fast pace. As a result, my administration is making a huge effort to address infrastructure deficiencies, expand water reservoir capacity, build additional facilities and much more to ensure our residents have exceptional livability and quality of life.

How do both the national and regional economy impact Douglas County, and how has recent economic uncertainty influenced the county’s strategies for driving growth and opportunity?

The county’s five-year strategic plan is our playbook for driving growth and opportunity. Our strategic planning process consistently allows room for managing the unexpected. Douglas County is not exempt from the impact of the national and regional economy but nonetheless we will continue to press forward with prudent decision making with an emphasis on our priorities.

What competitive advantages set Douglas County apart from other metro Atlanta counties?

In my opinion, Douglas County’s competitive advantages are apparent by the robust growth in our economic development pipeline during the last eight years. Certainly, our economic development, Workforce Development, Elevate Douglas and Douglas County Chamber are second to none. Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies receive the second highest pay in Metro Atlanta. We thrive on beautification as the I-20 gateways into the county are intentional. Our school system is ranked among the best in the nation. When people ask, ‘Why Douglas?’ we point to several distinguishing pillars: ideally located, future focused, financially sound superior service, flourishing infrastructure, economically thriving, community-driven, and zero debt.

What role do public-private partnerships (PPPs) play in your strategic plan?

The role of public -private partnerships in the county’s strategic plan focuses primarily on cultivating and building a robust and sustainable business environment.

How does your administration address affordability and housing access, particularly for vulnerable populations like seniors and veterans, as demand and property values rise?

Senior housing affordability is a priority of my administration because a vast majority of our seniors live on fixed incomes. Within the last several years, numerous affordable single homes, apartment units and townhouse units have been built throughout the county to accommodate our seniors and those efforts are ongoing. Additionally, our veterans are vitally important and within the last few years my administration renovated an apartment complex specifically for veteran tenants, naming the complex Veterans Village. Furthermore, my administration welcomed the support of Habitat for Humanity with building homes in a designated location in Douglas County exclusive for veterans. The affordable housing crisis is a macro issue upon which my administration is laser focused. We are actively exploring adaptive reuse of old hotels, nd the repurposing of vacant buildings to support vulnerable populations in an effort to create more affordable living options.

Looking ahead, what are your top priorities?

My top priorities align with our five-year strategic plan. Public safety is the priority of my residents, and my administration is delivering upon the resources and equipment to meet the demands. Transportation infrastructure challenges and traffic congestion are priorities as we continue to remain competitive in this ever-changing complex environment. Economic development remains a priority, with a focus on small businesses that are the lifeblood of our community. Public health and mental health are critical issues that keep me up at night, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. More importantly, looking ahead, my top priorities include managing the big shift in federal cuts, tariffs, and economic volatility as my administration pivots by making necessary adjustments to do more with less, while doubling down on expenses and finding ways to shore up our revenue to continue providing quality services to our citizens without interruption.

What else is the county doing to ensure Douglas County remains competitive?

Douglas County is known for its rich history, and we consistently set the standard of excellence for county governments. Douglas County has withstood 155 years of the test of time, weathered storms, beat the odds and championed extraordinary growth and development like no other. To ensure we remain competitive, my administration will continue to strategically invest in infrastructure, elevate public safety, leverage technology for efficient modernized services, embrace transportation and mobility needs promote mental health and public access, align with housing affordability, champion beautification, while focusing on superb quality of life in order to attract businesses and residents to the ideal place to live, work and play and to call Douglas County home.