What is your name?

Demetrius McCoy

What office are you running for?

DeKalb County Commissioner, Super District 7

Are you the incumbent?

No

Upload a headshot/photo of yourself.

Attach your resume or CV.

Tell us more about yourself.

My name is Demetrius “The Real McCoy,” and I have a deep-rooted connection to DeKalb County, having been born and raised here. Over the years, I have worked across various sectors to serve our community, from my role as a pastor to my time as a policy analyst and chief of staff. I’ve had the privilege of working directly with citizens, advocating for better services, safer communities, and smarter investments in our infrastructure. My experience includes managing a $1.4 million aggregate budget, overseeing board appointments, and implementing policies that improve service delivery for residents. Transparency and accountability are essential to me, and I’ve consistently supported efforts to ensure that the people of DeKalb know where their tax dollars are being spent. As a small business owner, I understand the challenges our entrepreneurs face and believe in creating a local economy that supports growth and opportunity for all. I’m running for office because I’m committed to bringing positive, lasting change to DeKalb County. Together, we can continue to make our community stronger, safer, and more prosperous.

Where did you go to school?

I am a proud DeKalb County School Graduate: Miller Grove High School B.A., Paine College (English) M.S., Brenau University (Organizational Leadership) Ph.D., Liberty University (Public Policy) - In Progress

Campaign Website

DemetriusMcCoy.Vote

Social Media Links

Instagram: @therealmccoydekalb TikTok: @therealmccoydekalb Facebook: @therealmccoydekalb

Email

[email protected]

What is your job/occupation?

I have served as the Chief of Staff for District 5, where I managed an aggregate budget of $1.4 million and focused on critical issues like infrastructure improvements, public safety, and enhanced service delivery. In this role, I gained firsthand experience working on complex problems facing our community, from repairing roads and ensuring safer neighborhoods to advocating for transparent government processes. One of my priorities has always been improving service delivery in DeKalb County, ensuring that citizens receive efficient services, and that resources are being allocated where they are needed most. I also spearheaded efforts to modernize our systems, supporting platforms like OpenGov to help residents clearly understand how their tax dollars are spent. My role equipped me with a deep understanding of the county’s inner workings, allowing me to see the challenges and opportunities firsthand. This experience has prepared me to continue pushing for policies that create safer communities, improve our infrastructure, and promote transparency and accountability in government. I know how to navigate these issues and have a track record of getting things done for DeKalb County.

What city/neighborhood do you live in?

Stoncrest, Georgia

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 if elected is to enhance public safety by addressing both law enforcement support and preventative community measures. Specifically, I plan to: 1. Increase funding for law enforcement: Ensure our police departments have the resources they need, including advanced training, updated equipment, and sufficient staffing to respond quickly to emergencies and deter crime. 2. Expand community policing initiatives: Foster stronger relationships between law enforcement and local communities through increased community policing efforts, which can reduce crime and build trust between residents and officers. 3. Investing In technology to improve public safety: Using innovative technology such as Flock Cameras, ShotSpotter, Real Time Crime mapping and Connect DeKalb to have stronger metrics on crime happening in real time to assist our officers with solving crime. 4. Develop youth and mental health programs: Invest in community-based programs that provide constructive outlets for youth and expand mental health services. By addressing the root causes of crime and instability, we can reduce the need for reactive measures. 5. Legislation that will support our E-911 operation and ensure that we can support the call volume coming in from citizens during emergencies/non-emergencies. These targeted policy efforts will create safer communities by addressing the full spectrum of safety concerns — preventing crime before it happens while also ensuring quick, effective responses when needed. My current role as a chief of staff has equipped me with the knowledge and the necessary skills to hit the ground running and governing and day one.

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?

1. Leverage DEMA and Code Red: Partner with DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) to enhance preparedness for extreme weather events, using the Code Red alert system to quickly inform residents of emergencies and safety measures. 2. Infrastructure and energy efficiency: Invest in resilient infrastructure and promote energy efficiency programs, offering incentives for weatherproofing homes and adopting renewable energy to reduce rising energy costs and protect against climate impacts. 3. Targeted community support: Ensure vulnerable populations receive assistance during emergencies, using DEMA and Code Red for timely outreach, while educating residents on climate preparedness and energy-saving practices.

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

The long-term changes and reforms I hope to achieve during my time in office focus on creating a safer, more sustainable, and prosperous DeKalb County. My key goals include: 1. Safe communities: I aim to strengthen public safety by reducing crime rates, increasing community policing, and improving emergency response systems. Success will be measured by lower crime statistics, higher resident satisfaction with safety, and stronger community-police relationships. 2. Investing in infrastructure: I will prioritize upgrading roads, bridges, and public facilities to handle future growth and climate challenges. 3. Improving service delivery: I want to enhance government efficiency and transparency by adopting platforms like OpenGov, ensuring residents have access to clear information on how their tax dollars are spent. We can track the success of such policy implementation by : 1. Community feedback: When constituents express satisfaction with safer neighborhoods, improved services, and more responsive governance, that’s a clear sign of success. You’ll notice higher community trust, engagement, and support for your leadership. 2. Measurable outcomes: Success will be reflected in measurable improvements — lower crime rates, better infrastructure conditions, quicker government response times, and increased transparency in budgeting. Regularly track key performance indicators and share those results with the community. 3. Sustained impact: Long-term, you’ll see that the reforms and policies you implemented continue to benefit the community, even beyond your time in office. A legacy of more efficient service delivery, stronger infrastructure, and a well-informed, engaged citizenry will be a testament to your success.

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 for constituents, I would take the following steps: 1. Expand Public Transit: Advocate for the expansion of MARTA services, including new bus routes, extended rail lines, and more frequent service to underserved areas. This would improve accessibility and reduce traffic congestion while encouraging public transportation use. 2. Promote alternative transportation: Invest in bike lanes, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and micro-mobility options like electric scooters or bike-sharing programs. These alternative options would provide more transportation choices and reduce the environmental impact of cars. 3. Infrastructure upgrades: Improve road infrastructure to support multimodal transportation, including designated lanes for public transit, carpooling, and electric vehicle charging stations. To fund these projects, I would: 1. Seek federal and state grants: Apply for transportation-specific grants, such as those provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation or Georgia’s Department of Transportation, Atlanta Regional Commission, etc. aimed at improving transit infrastructure and promoting green transportation solutions. 2. Public-private partnerships: Collaborate with private companies to fund transportation projects, particularly in areas like micro-mobility, electric vehicle infrastructure, and transit-oriented development. 3. Allocate local budget resources: Work to prioritize transportation in the county’s budget. For example, the County can prioritize investing in our trail system throughout the county by adding annual funding to the development and maintenance of the existing and future trails.

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 and address rising costs in DeKalb County specifically, I would focus on the following steps: 1. Increase affordable housing supply: Partner with the Decide DeKalb Development Authority and the DeKalb Housing Authority to promote the construction of affordable and mixed-income housing throughout the county. This could involve offering local tax incentives, fee reductions, and other financial tools to encourage developers to build more affordable units, particularly in high-demand areas like South and Central DeKalb. 2. Support mixed-use developments: Advocate for mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. By allowing for the integration of affordable housing within these developments, we can create vibrant communities where residents have easy access to jobs, services, and amenities, ultimately reducing transportation costs and enhancing quality of life. 3. Inclusionary zoning policies: Work with the DeKalb Housing Authority to implement inclusionary zoning policies that require developers to include a percentage of affordable units in new residential projects, including mixed-use developments. This would ensure that new projects in growing areas like Brookhaven, Decatur, and Stonecrest provide affordable housing options for residents at various income levels. 4. Streamline permitting processes in DeKalb: Collaborate with the Decide DeKalb Development Authority to streamline the county’s permitting and zoning approval process for housing developments, particularly mixed-use projects. By reducing bureaucratic delays and cutting red tape, we can encourage more housing projects to break ground quickly, which would help stabilize costs and increase supply. 5. Public-private partnerships: Facilitate partnerships between the DeKalb Housing Authority, private developers, and non-profits to create affordable housing solutions, particularly in historically underserved areas like Lithonia and Clarkston. By leveraging resources from the private sector and government, we can fund and develop housing projects that meet the needs of low- and moderate-income families.

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?

To ensure that public funds allocated to my office are used efficiently and effectively, I would implement the following practices: 1. Establish a clear budgeting process: Create a transparent budgeting process that involves input from constituents and stakeholders. By prioritizing community needs and aligning budget allocations with strategic goals, we can ensure that funds are directed toward projects and services that have the greatest impact. 2. Regular financial audits: Conduct regular financial audits of expenditures and contracts to ensure accountability. By partnering with independent auditors, we can identify areas for improvement, reduce waste, and ensure that funds are being used as intended. 3. Transparent government: Utilize platforms like OpenGov to provide real-time access to financial data, including budgets, expenditures, and project outcomes. By making this information readily available online, constituents can easily track how public funds are spent and hold their government accountable. 4. Performance metrics and evaluations: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of funded programs and initiatives. Regularly assess outcomes and report findings to the public, ensuring that funds are allocated to programs that demonstrate measurable success and community benefit. 5. Community engagement and feedback: Create avenues for community engagement, such as public forums or surveys, to gather feedback on spending priorities and program effectiveness. By involving constituents in the decision-making process, we can ensure that public funds reflect the needs and priorities of the community.