What is your name?

Kenneth Chung Royal

What office are you running for?

Dekalb County Commission, Super District 7

Are you the incumbent?

No

Upload a headshot/photo of yourself.

Attach your resume or CV.

Tell us more about yourself.

I was born and raised in Miami, Florida, but I spent my high school years in a small town, attending Mettre High School. My parents, who immigrated from Jamaica, always instilled in me the importance of hard work and staying committed to your goals. Now, I’m living in DeKalb County, proudly married to a dedicated school teacher. I have three amazing kids: Kenneth, Anthony, and Riley. Over the years, I’ve built a career that spans corporate leadership and public service, and my passion for this community drives my decision to run for County Commissioner in District 7.

Where did you go to school?

I earned my Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) in public administration from Georgia Southern University and my Associate of Arts in business management from the University of Phoenix.

Campaign Website

www.vote4kenneth.com

Social Media Links

https://www.facebook.com/Royal4DekalbCommissioner

Email

[email protected]

What is your job/occupation?

Currently, I work as a senior talent acquisitions partner at CBRE, where I oversee recruitment strategies, enhance diversity initiatives and work to improve hiring efficiency. I’m also deeply involved in community organizing, helping to drive change through grassroots political efforts.

What city/neighborhood do you live in?

I live in DeKalb County and am proud to call this community home.

What is your top policy priority if elected? How would addressing this issue make a difference for the people you are seeking to represent and what skills or qualities do you possess that will make you an effective elected official?

My top policy priority is public safety. Ensuring our communities are safe will have a lasting impact on quality of life, economic growth, and overall well-being. With my background in law enforcement and corporate leadership, I understand the importance of community-based policing, data-driven decision-making, and transparency in government. I will work to implement safety measures that are fair, effective, and tailored to the specific needs of DeKalb County, all while fostering trust between our law enforcement and our residents.

What steps would you take to ensure that your constituents are protected from the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and rising energy costs?

Protecting our community from the impacts of climate change starts with investing in sustainable infrastructure and promoting green building standards. I will advocate for energy-efficient building codes, the expansion of renewable energy resources, and better disaster preparedness programs. Additionally, I will work to ensure that federal and state climate resilience funds are allocated to improve infrastructure, especially in vulnerable areas, to mitigate the effects of extreme weather.

What long-term changes or reforms do you hope to achieve during your time in office? How will we know you’re successful?

I aim to implement lasting changes in public safety, affordable housing and economic development. We will know these reforms are successful when DeKalb County becomes a safer, more affordable and economically vibrant place to live. I will focus on reducing crime rates, building more affordable housing, and ensuring that local businesses have the resources they need to thrive. Key performance indicators (KPIs) and regular reporting will help ensure accountability and transparency in these areas.

What steps would you take to increase transportation options for your constituents and how would you fund proposed projects or plans?

To increase transportation options, I will work to improve public transit infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas, and support bike lanes and walkability initiatives. I will advocate for expanding MARTA services and integrating more electric vehicle charging stations throughout the county. To fund these initiatives, I will work to leverage both local funding sources and federal infrastructure grants, ensuring we are tapping into every available resource to make transportation more accessible and sustainable.

Housing costs in many parts of Georgia continue to rise. What should be done to keep housing affordable? What zoning restrictions, if any, would you reform or eliminate to fuel more housing construction?

To keep housing affordable, we need to build more homes and diversify housing options. I support reforming zoning restrictions to allow for higher-density developments and relaxing parking requirements, particularly near transit corridors. Additionally, I would push for incentives for developers to build affordable housing and for the county to preserve existing affordable units. Ensuring that housing is accessible for families of all income levels will be key to maintaining the character of our community while accommodating growth.

How do you plan to ensure that public funds allocated to your office are used efficiently and effectively, and what specific measures would you implement to provide transparency in spending?

I will implement regular financial audits and make the results publicly accessible, ensuring that every dollar is accounted for. I also plan to publish quarterly spending reports and hold public town halls to keep constituents informed about where their money is going. By setting clear goals and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), we will ensure that funds are spent efficiently and in line with community needs. My background in monitoring KPIs and streamlining operations will guide my approach to fiscal responsibility.