Last Saturday, DeKalb County residents, homeowners association (HOA) board members, property managers, and community leaders came together for the DeKalb County HOA Bootcamp, an interactive educational program sponsored by CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson aimed at strengthening neighborhood leadership and supporting well-managed, thriving communities.
The three-hour workshop offered participants practical guidance on the legal, financial, and operational responsibilities of homeowners associations while also strengthening collaboration between community leaders and county government.
“Strong communities begin with informed leaders,” said CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “By giving HOA boards and community leaders the knowledge and tools they need to succeed, we’re empowering neighborhoods to solve challenges, strengthen partnerships, and build a stronger DeKalb together.”
Attendees heard from a panel of experienced professionals, including Attorney Marvin Arrington, Jr., co-founder of The HOA Alliance; Corro’ll Driskell, co-founder of The HOA Alliance; and Tonza Clark, Director of DeKalb County Code Compliance. The panel provided practical insights, responded to questions, and addressed common challenges HOA leaders encounter in managing their communities.
Throughout the session, participants explored key topics designed to help them lead effectively and remain compliant with state and local requirements. Training included Georgia HOA laws and state guidelines, establishing and organizing an HOA, financial management and fiduciary responsibilities, governance and open records requirements, DeKalb County zoning and code compliance, short-term rental regulations, and best practices for leadership, communication, and community engagement.
The bootcamp highlighted the essential role HOAs play in preserving neighborhood quality, encouraging civic engagement, and fostering communities where residents can thrive. Participants left with practical resources, actionable strategies, and a deeper understanding of how strong leadership contributes to safer, more connected neighborhoods.
The HOA Bootcamp is part of CEO Cochran-Johnson’s ongoing Education Series, which provides residents with opportunities to learn, engage, and become stronger partners in shaping the future of DeKalb County. Through initiatives like this, the county continues to invest in informed leadership, collaboration, and community empowerment.
As DeKalb County continues to grow, programs like the HOA Bootcamp ensure that neighborhood leaders are equipped with the knowledge, resources, and partnerships needed to address challenges, strengthen their communities, and enhance quality of life for residents across the county.
