BOC 1: Alaina Reaves

Alaina Reaves is a member of the Democratic National Committee representing Georgia.

If you have NOT held elected office, please list relevant volunteer, appointed, or work positions.

Member, Urban Redevelopment Agency (appointed) Member, Clayton County MARTA Advisory Board (appointed) Board Member, Protect the Vote GA Democratic National Committee Member (elected) Political Director, Clayton County Democratic Party President, Clayton County Young Democrats Chair, Black Caucus Young Democrats of Georgia Member, PROOF (Planning Resources Opportunities for Organized Freedom)

What makes you the best candidate for this particular district?

I am the best candidate for this job, because Clayton County is on the verge of expansion. We have the most affordable housing options in Metropolitan Atlanta, and renters/buyers are moving to the county as housing costs rise elsewhere. Clayton County is a burgeoning logistics hub with hundreds of acres of undeveloped and under-developed land ready for use and the voices of the residents should dictate future development. We are one of the youngest counties in the Metro area, but lack cultural venues and recreational activities for all ages. These young residents are the future economic base and current workforce in the county. I plan to make infrastructure a priority in the budget. This is not limited to road repairs, but also improvements such as increasing sidewalks, adding traffic calming measures and making intersections safer for pedestrians. Additionally, Clayton County needs to strengthen the partnership with MARTA and regional train connectivity. The County Commission will decide and shape Clayton County through planning and zoning, economic development, and setting the priorities that will shape the next 10 years.

What do you see as the strengths of your district?

Clayton County’s strength lies in the pride of the residents who call Clayton County home. In District 1 have a growing logistics corridor in Ft. Gillem and the Ellenwood area. We are home to Clayton State University with over 7,000 students who live on or commute to the 200 acre campus. District 1 has tons of untapped opportunity and it is the current residents who will create the future of District 1.

How do you handle conflict/people who disagree with you?

Throughout my life, I have been a diplomatic voice of reason during contentious conversations. I firmly believe that anyone who represents Clayton County has the best interests of the County at heart, it’s that passion mixed with different ideas on how to move the county forward that disagreements occur. I will use my years of diplomatic skills in political arguments to provide points of consensus so Clayton County citizens are prioritized in the voting outcomes that set the priorities for the County at-large.

What one project would you like to accomplish in the next 4 years if elected?

The first one of many projects I want to accomplish is a comprehensive review of the Clayton County maps. This review will be in partnership with the Clayton Departments of Community Affairs and Economic Development, the Planning and Zoning Boards with input from Invest Clayton. This review will require input from the community in the format of town hall, community survey and innovate outreach to gain insight from Clayton County residents. Reviewing the zoning maps with direct input from the community will allow the Board of Commissions to better represent the changing needs of the districts.

Anything else people should know about you?

I am avid cyclist and advocate for bike lanes and safe biking/pedestrian routes throughout Clayton County. I am a lifelong resident of Clayton County and product of the Clayton County Public Education Schools starting in first grade at Lee Street Elementary. In December 2020, I served as an alternative delegate and sat in the Georgia Chamber during the electoral college certification for the historic victory of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. I represent the state of Georgia as the youngest and only Clayton County Democrat to serve nationally with the Democratic National Committee; through this position the voters of Clayton has access to the National Democratic Party Platform.