Welcome

We’ve reached a new milestone! Over 10,000 subscribers. Welcome to all of you who are new here! For nearly two years, this newsletter has served as a neutral platform for notable events and issues in Cobb. If there are any topics or local organizations you’d like to see covered, please reach out here.

My favorite part about campaigning is having conversations with people from the community. I’ve listened to hundreds of residents and business owners talk about their concerns about the future and their love for their community. As Cobb County just wrapped up its ninth election yesterday, it should remain clear that an informed electorate is a powerful one. You all have the power to create the change you want to see in your community.

This will be the last newsletter of 2025, so my family and I wish you a happy and safe holiday season and a happy new year! I’m looking forward to continuing to engage with you all in 2026.

What’s Happening in the District 

Holiday Movie Night!

Cobb County Parks and Recreation is hosting a Holiday Movie Night featuring the classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas on Monday, December 22nd, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. The event will take place at The Art Place at Mountain View, located at 3330 Sandy Plains Road. This family-friendly evening is open to the community and designed as a relaxed, festive outing for all ages.

Guests can enjoy the movie on the big screen in an indoor setting. Admission is $3 per person, making this an affordable holiday activity. Concessions will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the Mountain View Arts Alliance. Arrive early to grab a good seat!

Event Details:

• What: Holiday Movie Night featuring How the Grinch Stole Christmas

• When: Monday, December 22nd, 7:00–9:00 PM

• Where: The Art Place at Mountain View, 3330 Sandy Plains Rd, Marietta

• Cost: $3 per person

• Hosted by: Cobb County Parks and Recreation

Community Spotlight 

With Our Neighbors is a community-based nonprofit organization in Cobb County focused on building meaningful relationships and addressing local needs through collaborative service initiatives. Originating from Cumberland Community Church’s commitment to living out its mission in the heart of the community, the organization expanded during the pandemic to provide broader support to neighbors facing challenges. With Our Neighbors seeks to work alongside residents, local businesses, and partner organizations to understand community needs and amplify existing strengths rather than simply offering temporary fixes.

The organization’s work centers on fostering lasting community transformation by addressing both immediate needs and underlying factors that affect wellness and resilience. Through volunteer-led outreach, relationship-building efforts, and collaborative events, With Our Neighbors creates opportunities for neighbors to connect, share resources, and support one another. This approach emphasizes mutual respect and empowerment, recognizing that sustainable change often comes through sustained engagement and partnerships.

Residents looking to contribute to local community support efforts can learn more about volunteer opportunities and ongoing programs through their website or by attending community events hosted in partnership with other nonprofit and civic groups in Cobb County. With Our Neighbors continues to grow its reach by inviting residents of all backgrounds to participate in services and connections that strengthen the community's social fabric.

The Big Story 

The Unified Development Code, or  UDC, is a comprehensive update to how Cobb County organizes and applies zoning and development regulations in unincorporated areas. Rather than changing land uses or rezoning properties, the UDC consolidates existing rules into a single, modern framework. This makes the regulation more transparent, more consistent, and easier for residents, businesses, and developers to understand. The goal is to improve transparency, align regulations with, and ensure future development follows standards that reflect Cobb County communities’ character and needs.

Over the past several weeks, Cobb County has held public meetings to share details on the proposed UDC and invite resident feedback. The most recent sessions took place from November 12 through November 18, 2025. Locations included community centers and the Board of Commissioners meeting room. These meetings provided residents with the opportunity to engage directly with planning staff, learn about the proposed changes, and ask questions about how the UDC may affect future development in unincorporated Cobb County.

The UDC project is structured in three phases. In Phase One, the focus was on administrative procedures and review processes. This included clarifying how development applications are submitted and evaluated. Review procedures were organized, so applicants and county staff have a shared understanding of timelines and requirements. In Phase Two, the work centered on zoning districts and use regulations. This phase reorganizes existing districts and refines use categories. It also introduces new district types, such as mixed-use and Planned Development districts, for appropriate locations. Installment Two, the main result of this phase, has been released for public review and comment.

The project will move into Phase Three in early 2026. This final phase will address development standards, including new parking, landscaping, lighting, signage, and other site design requirements. These standards shape the look and function of new development and redevelopment across the county. The third installment will let residents and stakeholders review how these standards connect with the framework and zoning from earlier phases.

It’s important to understand the broader purpose of the UDC. Cobb County’s current zoning and development regulations are spread across multiple chapters and documents, making them hard to navigate and apply consistently. The UDC aims to consolidate these rules into a single, easy-to-use document that adheres to modern practices, reduces duplication, and supports the County’s vision for growth. It does not automatically change zoning on any property. Instead, it sets a new framework to guide future decisions in line with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

Public participation remains a key part of this process. Cobb County has released an Installment Two survey to gather input on the current UDC draft. Residents are encouraged to review materials and give feedback through the official questionnaire on the County’s UDC website at https://www.cobbcountyudc.com. This survey and the comments received will help refine the project before the final phase.

BOC Meeting Recap 

At the December 9th regular meeting of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, the session began with a check presentation to Make-A-Wish Georgia, funded by the county’s annual 5K. The Board also recognized the Cobb County Emergency Communications team for achieving Triple Accredited Center of Excellence status from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. These presentations were followed by public comment and then the adoption of several operational items through the consent agenda.

The Board approved a broad range of contracts, grants, and agreements across departments. Notable items included construction contracts for sewer replacements and upgrades at the Proctor Creek Lift Station, land acquisitions for future park use, and public health partnerships to support seniors. The Transportation Department authorized new parking restrictions and a three-year lease at the Marietta Transfer Center. In public safety, the Police Department accepted a grant for DUI enforcement, and the Fire Department renewed its medical director contract and joined a statewide mutual aid pact. Human Resources brought forward multiple healthcare, pension, and wellness clinic items, while Finance approved budget amendments and meeting schedules for 2026.

Under the regular agenda, the Board approved multiple infrastructure improvements, including safety and drainage upgrades at intersections and parks. Contracts were awarded for design and construction work at Mableton Town Square Park, Wallace Park, and the Heritage Park boardwalk. Facility upgrades were also authorized for the Adult Detention Center, Powder Springs Station, and a new Fire Station emergency radio system. The meeting closed with an appointment to the Cemetery Preservation Commission and the approval of a workers’ compensation settlement.