Welcome

Are you pro or anti-snow? We’re a house divided when it comes to the cold weather. I was looking forward to another snow day where the kids in the neighborhood made make-shift sleds and barreled down the big hills that surround us. It wasn’t meant to be for Cobb, but Cobb’s Public Safety and DOT agencies were ready and worked around the clock to keep us all safe and online. There are so many things that happen behind the scenes that are designed to keep Cobb moving.

In the January 14th edition of The Cobb Connector, I detailed the importance of the upcoming SPLOST vote, which will allow Cobb to make the capital investments needed for these operations. There are still some upcoming meetings, so check out the dates in the last The Big Story for more details.

This week, I’ll cover changes in the Cobb Water System and why it’s important for the future of a critical part of our infrastructure. This, plus

What’s Happening in the District 

Opening Ceremony!

Schoolhouse Brewing in Marietta is holding a viewing party for the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies on Friday, February 6, from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The ceremony will be shown on big screens, so you can enjoy the event live with friends and neighbors in a fun environment. There’s no cover charge, and everyone is welcome. Families and dogs can join in, and you’re invited to wear your favorite country’s colors if you like.

Along with the viewing party, Schoolhouse Brewing will have its full lineup of craft beers available in their taproom at 840 Franklin Court in Marietta. It’s a great way to enjoy the Winter Olympics together and support a local spot known for community events. With free entry and a dog-friendly policy, it’s a great event for anyone wanting to celebrate the start of the winter games!

Community Spotlight 

Supporting Latino Families with Ser Familia

Ser Familia is a nonprofit in Cobb County that works to strengthen Latino families with counseling, education, and community workshops that respect their culture. Since starting in 2001 with couples workshops, Ser Familia has grown to offer youth leadership programs, parenting and communication skills classes, and support for those facing trauma or domestic violence. Their mission is to give families the tools and resources they need to create healthy, resilient homes where all can prosper.

Ser Familia offers programs such as the Strengthening Families Program, which brings parents and children together for skill-building sessions to improve communication, resilience, and problem resolution. They also run youth workshops on character, leadership, and peer support, as well as counseling services that meet language and cultural needs. Ser Familia now serves the wider metro area but still focuses on Cobb County, making it one of the largest Latino-serving nonprofits in the region.

Ser Familia depends on volunteers to help with outreach, workshops, events, mentoring, and office tasks. Volunteers can support parenting programs, youth leadership, event planning, marketing, interpretation, and more. If you’re interested, you can find volunteer opportunities or contact Ser Familia through their website.

Supporting organizations like Ser Familia helps ensure that local families have access to culturally relevant mental health resources, leadership programs, and community support that fit their culture, right here in Cobb County.

To find the latest event schedules or ways to join in, learn more, volunteer, or support Ser Familia’s work, visit serfamilia.org to explore their programs, get involved, or make a donation.

The Big Story 

Leadership Transition at Cobb Water System

Cobb County’s water utility has entered a new phase with the appointment of Alicia Giddens as Director of the Cobb Water System. The Board of Commissioners selected Giddens, and she began her duties earlier this month. Giddens brings over 30 years of experience, having joined the agency in 1995 as an environmental compliance technician and later serving as laboratory superintendent and environmental compliance division manager. Most recently, she served as Deputy Director, gaining extensive knowledge of the utility’s operations and community responsibilities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Kennesaw State University.

The Cobb Water System provides safe drinking water, wastewater collection and treatment, and stormwater management in unincorporated Cobb and partner cities such as Acworth, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, and Mableton. Giddens assumes leadership as the utility faces infrastructure challenges, changing regulations, and increasing expectations for service reliability. Her long tenure offers both historical perspective and practical insight to address these issues directly.

As Giddens begins her tenure, the department recognizes the service of Judy Jones, who retired in late 2025 after more than 30 years with the Cobb Water System. Jones led the utility for several years and was respected for her commitment to water quality, customer service, and infrastructure planning. Throughout her career, she played a key role in county discussions on stormwater funding, infrastructure maintenance, and long-term planning, demonstrating strong dedication to the community. Residents and local officials have publicly acknowledged her leadership and contributions over three decades.

This leadership transition occurs as water systems across Georgia address growth, aging infrastructure, and changing regulations. Under Giddens’ direction, the Water System will continue to maintain water reliability, improve wastewater and stormwater operations, and enhance customer service. Building on the foundation established by Jones and her predecessors, Giddens’ appointment represents both continuity and an innovative approach to utility management.

Cobb Water System customers can expect continued service and community engagement as the utility addresses infrastructure needs, customer expectations, and long-term viability. The department remains committed to providing safe, reliable water and wastewater services while supporting the county’s quality-of-life and economic goals.

BOC Meeting Recap 

At its January 27 evening meeting, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners began with two recognitions highlighting community health and achievement. Commissioners proclaimed February 6 as Go Red for Women Day in Cobb County to promote heart health awareness. The Board also presented a Certificate of Recognition to Legend Sterling for his accomplishments at district and state film festivals and his selection to the All-American High School Film Festival in New York.

Through the consent agenda, commissioners approved a range of operational and financial actions. The District Attorney’s Office received continued grant funding for victim and witness services. The Water System addressed emergency roadway repairs and resolved an abandoned sewer easement. Transportation adopted its annual CobbLinc safety plan update and approved a long-term ground lease for a wireless communications site. The Board accepted donations for library programs, authorized public safety training, and supported medical programs for Fire and Emergency Services. It also approved community development items, including historic preservation grant applications and annexation notices. Workforce development and housing initiatives advanced through the approval of grants, budget amendments, and the county’s submission of the Annual Action Plan to federal partners.

The regular agenda focused on infrastructure and long-term planning. Commissioners recommended appointing a new Water System Director and authorized a federal grant application for the Cobb Parkway realignment project. They approved multiple drainage repair contracts and resurfacing agreements for local roads and major thoroughfares. The meeting closed with the announcement of the 2026 Vice Chair, commissioner remarks, and authorization of a workers’ compensation settlement, highlighting the Board’s commitment to public safety, infrastructure investment, and community support.