Massiah focuses on District 3 as runoff nears

DeKalb County Commissioner Nicole Massiah says she is keeping her attention on constituent services, neighborhood protection and responsible growth as the District 3 runoff election approaches. Her campaign is pushing back on misinformation around data center development, while she continues to meet with residents and advocate for county issues. Why it matters: - The DeKalb County District 3 runoff could shape how the county handles growth, public safety, housing affordability and community input. - Massiah is the first Black woman elected to the District 3 seat, making the race a milestone for local representation. - The runoff is also a test of whether voters want continued emphasis on transparency and resident engagement in county decisions. What happened: - Commissioner Nicole Massiah said she is staying focused on district work as the runoff election approaches. - Massiah said her priorities include constituent services, community engagement, responsible growth, housing affordability, public safety, infrastructure improvements and resident voice in local government. - Massiah said, “Leadership is tested during difficult moments,” and said her responsibility is to the people of District 3. - Massiah said she continues attending community meetings and engaging residents across the district. The details: - Massiah said misinformation and political attacks have increased during the campaign. - Massiah said she remains focused on facts and transparency and on protecting neighborhoods. - Data center development has become a major public issue in the campaign. - Massiah voted for the county’s 100-day moratorium on data center development. - The moratorium pauses additional development activity and allows for further review and community input. - Massiah said, “The facts matter,” and said residents deserve a voice in decisions that affect their neighborhoods and quality of life. - Massiah is an attorney, entrepreneur, real estate professional and mother of three. - Massiah has served as Chair of the Planning, Economic Development and Community Services Committee and as Deputy Presiding Officer of the Board of Commissioners. - Her office says she has worked to balance economic development with quality-of-life concerns while promoting transparent government and responsible decision-making. - Supporters say Massiah has shown resilience, professionalism and service during a competitive election season. Between the lines: - The data center fight has become a stand-in for a bigger debate over how DeKalb County weighs economic development against neighborhood impacts. - Massiah is trying to frame the runoff as a choice about accountability and day-to-day governance, not campaign messaging. - Her emphasis on resident input suggests the campaign is leaning into local concerns rather than broad partisan themes. What’s next: - Massiah will keep meeting with residents and attending community events ahead of Election Day. - Her campaign says she will continue pushing for solutions that strengthen neighborhoods, support families and create opportunities for future generations. - The runoff will determine whether District 3 keeps the current leadership approach or turns in a different direction. The bottom line: - Massiah is betting that a record of visible constituent service and a focus on transparency will resonate more than campaign attacks as voters head to the polls. - For more information, visit the commissioner’s website .