Welcome

Summer is here. School is out, festivals are every weekend, and the Public Service Commissioner election is heating up. (See what I did there?) Advance Voting is happening now, and both districts on the ballot are voted for statewide. That means if you are a registered voter in the state of Georgia, you have a voice in choosing the representatives for both Districts 2 and 3. For more information about the race and the election schedule, see the last Future of Cobb newsletter.

Thank you for all of the feedback about this newsletter. The intent is to inform, and we appreciate your ideas about coverage of important stories and organizations in Cobb. If you have suggestions or questions for me, please reach out to me here: Kevinforcobb.com/contact

What’s Happening in the District 

Juneteenth!

The Cobb County Branch of the NAACP is once again turning Marietta’s historic Glover Park into a living classroom. Juneteenth observes the day in 1865 when news of emancipation reached the last enslaved people in Texas. The Cobb NAACP uses the holiday to honor African American Freedom, encourage self-development, and foster respect for all cultures. This year’s three-day event, now in its 21st year, promises to be the largest yet.

It kicks off Friday, June 13, with the signature “Evening Under the Stars” All-White Block Party from 6pm - 11pm. Saturday’s Cultural Festival (10am - 7pm) explodes with live bands, spoken-word artists, praise dancers, drumlines, and more than 150 local vendors offering food, artisan crafts, voter-registration drives, health screenings, and raffles. The celebration closes Sunday, June 15 (2pm – 6pm) with “Salute to Our Heroes,” a Father’s Day tribute that honors military veterans, first responders, and community champions.

All events are free and open to the public at Glover Park on Marietta Square (50 N. Park Square, Marietta). For schedules, vendor inquiries, or volunteer opportunities, visit CobbNAACP.org or call 770-425-5757.

Community Spotlight 

So, what does the Cobb NAACP do? The Cobb County Branch of the NAACP, headquartered at Old Historic Turner Chapel AME in Marietta, serves as the local voice of the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Guided by the NAACP's mission "to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights and eliminate discrimination," the branch mobilizes neighbors of every background to protect and expand opportunity across Cobb County.

Throughout the year, the Cobb NAACP translates its mission into action through hands-on initiatives. Its signature projects include the Deane Thompson Bonner Empowerment Scholarship, which awards ten local high school seniors $1,000 each to continue their education and public service journey, as well as ongoing voter registration pop-ups, such as last fall's Block Party, which paired food, fellowship, and civic engagement on the Marietta Square. The branch also co-hosts beloved countywide traditions such as the Juneteenth Cultural Festival and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance, events that incorporate history, culture, and service into the community.

Becoming part of the movement is simple and affordable: annual memberships start at $30 for adults and $10 for youth. They can be found online by selecting the Cobb County branch at cobbnaacp.org/membership or through the national NAACP "Become a Member" portal. Once you've joined, get engaged by attending the branch's monthly General Membership Meeting, signing up for one of its standing committees (such as Education, Political Action, Health, Economic Development, and more), or volunteering at upcoming events. The office always welcomes extra hands. Please email [email protected] or call 770-425-5757 to share your interests. Your time, talent, and voice will help strengthen the pursuit of equality right here in Cobb.

The Big Story 

New Chief of Police in the City of Austell Sworn In - Making History in Cobb County

On June 3rd, Shameta Jones-Harrell's swearing-in marked a historic moment as she became the first woman ever to lead a police department in Cobb County's 191-year history. She is also one of only a handful of Black female chiefs in the state. A unanimous council vote, a standing-room-only ceremony, and praise from regional law enforcement leaders underscored the significance of her appointment. Her leadership is not only important for the 7,700 residents of Austell but also serves as inspiration for young girls who may now see a potential path to the highest ranks in policing. After taking the oath, she stated, "Austell feels like family...it's my second home."

Chief Jones-Harrell joins the City of Austell Police Department after a distinguished career that began in 2001 with the College Park Police Department. She quickly earned promotions and broke barriers as the only woman on the agency's SWAT team. Later, she helped launch the Brookhaven Police Department, advancing from sergeant to major in just a few years before becoming Austell's deputy chief in August 2022. Since March, she has served as interim chief, overseeing daily operations and more than 60 community outreach initiatives while crime rates continued to trend downward. After a unanimous 6-0 council vote, she has now been officially confirmed as chief, bringing with her a strong background in street-level policing, investigative expertise, and a reputation for mentoring the next generation of officers.

Chief Jones-Harrell has set an immediate goal of earning accreditation from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. This achievement will formalize best-practice policies, expand training, and enhance accountability within the department. She is also committed to continuing the daily "action plan" patrol model that contributed to a reduction in violent crime this spring. Additionally, she has pledged to recruit and develop more women in law enforcement through a new mentoring program for girls. "There's no hidden agenda," she said in an interview. "What you see is what you get...genuine, open, and committed to stepping outside the box." Her plan emphasizes community-first policing, data-driven deployment, and partnerships with schools, faith leaders, and neighboring agencies to keep Austell safe and united.

BOC Meeting Recap 

The Board of Commissioners met on May 27th and opened the evening by celebrating local service and achievement. Donors from the third annual Battle of the Paddles tournament presented a contribution to Meals on Wheels, while proclamations honored Eagle Scouts Blake Hodges and Jace Montgomery, recognized Charlie Duncan’s 106th birthday, and celebrated four Lee sisters who graduated simultaneously from Georgia State University. The Board further saluted the latest class of Cobb Youth Commission graduates, underscoring its commitment to civic engagement and leadership development.

A full consent agenda followed, channeling resources into courts, utilities, transportation, and public safety. Juvenile and State Courts accepted accountability-court grants, and the Water System advanced nearly a dozen projects, from Belshire Court sewer repairs to final change orders on major water main replacements, while expanding its pool of pre-qualified stormwater and valve adjustment contractors. Transportation items launched a new street-light district, established no-parking zones on Miller Drive, and executed 2025 master task-order contracts with 16 engineering firms. Parks slated turf upgrades at Rhyne Park, Senior Services secured $2.9 million in ARC funding, and police received 17 more long-range license-plate readers. Finance approved a new Bank of America master depository agreement, and Risk & Safety cleared inter-fund transfers to bolster safety equipment.

The regular agenda centered on mobility and long-range planning. Commissioners endorsed a Safe Streets and Roads for All grant application to fund multi-corridor safety improvements, partnered with Paulding County on upgrades to GA 92, and awarded contracts for the Little Willeo/Johnson Ferry intersection, Trickum Road design work, and Riverside Parkway drainage. They also revised the 2016 SPLOST transportation budget and timetable. In closing business, the Board filled eight volunteer posts, including seats on the Planning Commission, Development Authority, and SPLOST Oversight Committee. It approved a county–city Service Delivery Strategy, effective June 1. That package of agreements dissolved the legacy Six Flags Special Services District, marking a new era of collaboration with the City of Mableton.

Important Dates

June 10th: Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

June 17th: Board of Commissioners Zoning Hearing