On Wednesday morning, April 23rd, the Council for Quality Growth hosted the 2025 State of Rockdale County Address in Conyers. The annual address and breakfast, presented by Atlas and Volkert, featured the new Chair & CEO JaNice Van Ness’ inaugural address. Over 200 members of the Council, elected officials, businesses, residents, county staff, and partners of Rockdale County were in attendance Wednesday.

Van Ness was sworn in as Commission Chair and County CEO last December after serving Rockdale in the Georgia State Senate and 2 earlier terms as County Commissioner. She is the first woman to hold the position and is leading the first all-female Board of Commissioners in the county’s history. Van Ness began her address with the theme, which was also lettered across her stage: S.E.T. “Rockdale County is SET,” she said, “for Sustainability, Economic Development, and Transparency.”

On the topic of sustainability, the new Rockdale Chair talked about infrastructure, calling it the “backbone of this growing community.” She reported the county has replaced over 2 miles of sewer to protect public health and increase capacity. Additionally, the current water treatment system only sees demand at about 54% of its total capacity on average. “We are proud to have water and sewer that supports growth in our community,” Van Ness said. Rockdale County is also utilizing SPLOST funds to make significant improvements to roads and parks with the Chair reporting several resurfacing projects underway and new community amenities coming to local parks. “Sustainability means making decisions that support long-term success for our environment, our infrastructure, and our people,” said Van Ness. “We’re taking intentional steps to ensure Rockdale remains a thriving, healthy, and green community for generations to come.”

Chair Van Ness discussed her vision for economic growth, stating she’s working to attract “smart growth that creates job, respects our environment, and honors the character of our county.” She’s working to establish new industries in Rockdale, including a new 1-million-square-foot data center campus currently under construction, and forge stronger partnerships with local businesses. In addition, Van Ness is prioritizing streamlined operating expenses and grant opportunities for Rockdale County. Her administration is working to rewrite the unified development ordinance, the roadmap by which Rockdale will grow and develop. She’s focused on “creating a well-designed community that strikes the right balance between development, conservation of natural resources, and the quality of life for our residents.” 

The new Rockdale County Judicial and Administrative Complex is also under construction and on target for completion in late 2026 with a parking deck to follow in early 2027. Chair Van Ness is “optimistic that the complex will boost economic development, attract businesses and jobs, and increase foot traffic to the shops and restaurants in Olde Town,” the city center of Conyers. This major development broke ground in April of 2024 and features pedestrian-friendly design and greenspace to further boost economic investment in the heart of Rockdale County.

Van Ness says the county is working to “modernize roadways” through major partnerships with the Georgia Department of Transportation, including the Courtesy Parkway extension, Sigman Road expansion, and the interchange of I-20 and SR183, all of which are crucial steps for Rockdale’s connectivity to surrounding communities. “This work is essential for the future of our economic development,” said Van Ness.

In her first few months serving in this office, Chair Van Ness has prioritized transparency with Rockdale citizens. She’s launched digital tools for increased civic engagement, added town hall meetings into the Board of Commissioner’s schedule, and activated several citizen-led committees, including a Business Innovation Team for retail recruitment, a Planning and Zoning Team for land use planning, and a Financial Oversight Team to hold county spending accountable. These efforts and others have resulted in a reduction of county costs by $1.8 million in her first 90 days, according to Chair Van Ness. “Transparency isn’t a buzzword,” she concluded. “It’s a commitment to showing up, being honest, and inviting our community into the process.” 

The Council for Quality Growth works with Rockdale County and its local municipalities year-round to advocate for our members doing business in those areas. “We value the opportunity to bring the public sector and the business community in Rockdale together for this event,” said Michael E. Paris, President & CEO of the Council. “Our ability to collaborate with the leadership here in Rockdale County ensures we all have a voice in the way this region grows and develops.”