DeKalb County on Tuesday moved forward with municipal and business outreach for a new DeKalb United Sports Commission aimed at coordinating countywide activities tied to the upcoming FIFA World Cup and other major sporting events. County CEO Cochran Johnson told the Planning, Economic Development and Community Services (PECS) committee that the commission will centralize planning and communication between government agencies, local businesses, colleges and community organizations so DeKalb can "maximize the opportunity" presented by large regional events.

The commission’s stated purpose is to provide a strategic framework for stakeholder coordination, increase DeKalb’s visibility and readiness for large events, and create economic opportunities for residents and local businesses. "This gives us the framework that we need to bring together stakeholders that will be important in ensuring that we maximize opportunities," CEO Cochran Johnson said. She noted the World Cup is far larger than a Super Bowl and said ongoing activations could extend through other major events in the region.

Discover DeKalb representative James Sismanakis described a public website and the county’s initial list of watch‑party locations, including the Assembly, Decatur’s downtown square, Chamblee City Hall and Tucker Brewing Company. The website, he said, links to hotels, restaurants, attractions and transit information and will be updated as new host sites are confirmed. He also said the county plans promotional work including a documentary tied to Buford Highway dining and international culture and several international film and club activations planned in Montreal, DeKalb and Mexico City.

Commissioners raised logistics and safety questions. Commissioner Robert Patrick asked about adding local parks as host sites; CEO Cochran Johnson said parks can be considered but must identify a responsible sponsor and coordinate public safety with county police or the host municipality. Commissioner Ted Terry discussed using MARTA‑adjacent sites such as the Kensington station for activations; staff said metro transit partners have expressed safety concerns earlier but that organizers and community partners (including Soccer in the Streets) have been pursuing approvals and that federal public safety funding may help cover needed security resources.

Officials said an initial launch event is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Chamblee City Center, with membership invitations and nominations solicited in November and a strategic planning framework expected to be finalized in December. The speakers said they plan a first activity report in January 2026 and urged commissioners to nominate district stakeholders and to use a planned newsletter to inform local businesses. CEO Cochran Johnson said the commission was constituted by executive order 2025‑7 and that the panel includes provisions for dissolution when it is no longer needed.

Staff described technology and public‑safety preparations tied to activations. The county intends to work with MARTA and provide QR‑code link sheets in transit stations to highlight watch sites, and to use portable cameras and automated license‑plate readers to help secure event sites. The CEO also confirmed the county expects its Real‑Time Crime Center — supported by an $18.9 million, multi‑year investment — to be fully functional for event planning and operations by year‑end, subject to testing. Officials said they will continue coordinating regionally with the City of Atlanta, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau and other partners, and that FIFA’s official rules will limit the county’s ability to use certain FIFA branding or to be listed as a tournament site without separate licensing and investment.

The committee did not take a formal vote on the commission itself in this session; staff asked commissioners to review the website and return nominations and feedback to the county team. The presenters said they will deliver a written packet at the launch and follow up with the committee on public‑safety tabletops and partner briefings planned for early 2026.

For local businesses and prospective hosts, staff emphasized that certain host sites must meet FIFA or broadcast partner requirements and that fees or approvals may be required; the county will provide resource packets and official logos for approved host locations.

The DeKalb United site and launch materials were presented as a county marketing and stakeholder coordination tool rather than a legally binding agreement with FIFA or other rights holders. CEO Cochran Johnson said the goal is to ensure visitors to Metro Atlanta can identify that they are in DeKalb and to capture economic benefit for DeKalb businesses. The county is also considering marketing merchandise and programmatic ideas such as a branded travel pass or branded water bottles as local merchandise but said any use of FIFA branding would require separate licensing.