Rockdale Chair Van Ness unveils guiding theme—“SET”—at her first State of the County Address

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA –Newly elected Board of Commissioners Chair JaNice Van Ness delivered her inaugural State of the County Address on Wednesday(April 23), marking the first time a woman has held the county’s top leadership role. 

The address and breakfast, hosted by the Council for Quality Growth and presented by Atlas and Volkert, was held at 9 a.m. at the Rockdale County Auditorium. 

Speaking to an audience of more than 200 business leaders, officials and residents, Van Ness introduced her administration’s guiding theme: SET—Sustainability, Economic Development, and Transparency.

“Rockdale County is SET—for Sustainability, Economic Development, and Transparency,” Van Ness said. 

On sustainability, Van Ness highlighted Rockdale’s key infrastructure upgrades, including the replacement of over two miles of sewer lines and the fact that the county’s water treatment system is operating well below capacity—seeing demand at only 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. 

She also discussed ongoing investments through SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) funds in road resurfacing and park enhancements, underscoring her administration’s long-term vision for a “thriving, healthy, and green community.”   

Turning to economic development, Van Ness announced progress on a 1-million-square-foot data center campus and efforts to attract industry while preserving Rockdale’s character. 

She also reported that the county is updating its unified development ordinance, its roadmap to promote smart growth and high-quality design. 

Major infrastructure projects, she said, are underway including the new Rockdale County Judicial and Administrative Complex, slated for completion in 2026 with a parking deck to follow in early 2027. Van News said the project, which includes green space and a pedestrian-friendly design, will spur economic growth in Old Town that “respects our environment, and honors the character of our county.” She said she is “optimistic that the complex will increase foot traffic to the shops and restaurants in Olde Town.”

To improve connectivity, Van Ness highlighted Rockdale’s transportation projects in partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation including the expansions to Courtesy Parkway Way, Sigman Road, and the I-20/SR183 interchange.

“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.”

Van Ness said that she is 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. 

She said that 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.”

Photos via Rockdale County Government FB page.