Welcome

The year 2024 will be unforgettable. Amid a flood of political news at local, national, and global levels, what struck me most was the surge in community involvement. From seasoned leaders to newly engaged residents who courageously chose to participate, many in Cobb County took action to make our community a better place to live.

A highlight for me this year was accepting the gracious invitation to once again host Cobb County’s IT Services Cybersecurity Day in October. The event attracted a full house of Cobb employees and residents eager to learn methods for safeguarding their information and steps to take if they fall victim to fraud. Speakers from Cobb County Police, the Sheriff’s Office, the DA’s Office, and KSU contributed this year. You can watch the entire event here: Cobb County’s YouTube Channel.

As always, thank you for continuing to follow this newsletter and for all the feedback. My family and I wish you a happy and safe holiday. See you in the New Year!

What’s Happening in the District 

Santa’s Post Office at The Battery!

From The Battery’s website: “Santa Claus is once again setting up shop at his Post Office in The Battery Atlanta!  From Friday, November 22 to Saturday, December 24, Santa will continue the time-honored tradition of greeting local children in the Community Corner presented by Truist, located at the corner of Power Alley and Battery Avenue.

Families are invited to bring their handwritten letters to Santa – postage not required – at his official Atlanta outpost. Santa’s helpers will take care of the rest! This free opportunity allows parents and guardians to take their own photos of their children interacting with Santa as he listens to their wish lists. As needed, Santa’s Post Office can be a contactless experience.

The Community Corner presented by Truist will also house the Holiday Market, featuring a shoppable collection of Atlanta-area diverse-owned small businesses. Additional activities include photo ops, giveaways, a gift wrap station, and other family-friendly activities.”

Upcoming Dates/Times: December 20-24 from 12pm – 6pm

Community Spotlight 

I recently spoke with a friend who volunteers for St. Vincent de Paul in Marietta. It may surprise you that the organization offers a wide range of services to assist individuals and families in need within the local community.

They provide essential resources such as food, clothing, and financial assistance to those experiencing hardship. Individuals can access fresh and non-perishable groceries through their food pantry, ensuring families have nutritious meals on their tables. Additionally, the organization operates a thrift store, offering affordable clothing, furniture, and household goods while funding its outreach programs through purchases and donations.

One key service provided by St. Vincent de Paul is financial assistance for rent, utilities, and other critical expenses to prevent eviction or the disconnection of essential services. By partnering with community donors and organizations, the organization helps families stay in their homes and maintain stability during challenging times. The organization also offers counseling and guidance to help individuals navigate financial hardships, connect with local resources, and work toward self-sufficiency.

In addition to material and financial support, St. Vincent de Paul fosters a sense of community through outreach programs that emphasize dignity and hope. Volunteers and staff work tirelessly to provide a welcoming and respectful environment where those in need feel supported and empowered. Whether through emergency assistance, resource referrals, or compassionate listening, St. Vincent de Paul in Marietta continues to make a meaningful impact, embodying the values of service and solidarity for those facing difficult circumstances.

The Big Story 

We’ve talked about it ad nauseam here, but the new Special Election for Cobb County Commissioner in Districts 2 and 4 is finally here! Cobb County voters living in the newly defined district lines will have the opportunity to vote for their next representative. As Commissioner, this person will represent nearly 200,000 people, so it is critical for everyone who can vote to get out and vote. No election will make a larger impact on your daily lives here in Cobb.

Candidate qualifying begins today, December 18th through Friday, December 20th. Primary Elections begin with Advance Voting on February 1st, with Election Day on February 11th (details below). The Primary Runoff, if necessary, will be on March 3rd - 11th, and the General Election will be on April 7th - 29th. I’ll share those details as we get closer to those events.

In the meantime:

• Check your Cobb County District here

• Do your research on the candidates as they announce this week

• And if you haven’t, please register to vote here

BOC Meeting Recap 

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners convened on December 10th at 9:00 AM for their regular meeting. The session began with presentations, including recognizing A Better Today Books & Boutique as an Entrepreneurship and Innovation Grant recipient. The Board also honored Life University's 50-year commitment to education, health, and wellness, showcasing the county's support for local businesses and institutions.

The consent agenda featured several significant approvals and initiatives. Highlights included accepting grants for the Family Advocacy Center and DUI Court Program, water reclamation and sewer services contracts, and an agreement to enhance senior hunger initiatives. Transportation improvements were advanced, with contracts for street lighting, sidewalk upgrades, and key engineering designs. The Board also allocated funds for park projects, including synthetic turf conversions and fitness equipment installations, under the 2022 and 2016 SPLOST programs.

During the regular agenda, the Board addressed strategic priorities such as adopting the Cobb County Water System's "Schedule of Rates, Charges, and Fees" effective April 2025. Major transportation projects included ADA improvements for transit areas and traffic signal installations. The Parks Department received approvals for historic restorations and gym floor replacements, while broadband enhancements in key recreational parks were authorized under ARPA funding. The meeting concluded with reappointments to advisory boards and recognition of community contributors, solidifying the county's dedication to growth and collaboration.