**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

City of Mableton Marks Historic Inaugural State of the City Address

Mayor Michael Owens declares Mableton a “City of Champions” and outlines bold vision for growth, housing, and community well-being.

MABLETON, GA (Sept. 10, 2025) – The City of Mableton made history Tuesday night as

hundreds gathered for its inaugural State of the City Address—a defining moment for Georgia’s

newest and largest city in Cobb County.

“Tuesday night represents the culmination of years of grit, perseverance, sacrifices, and

unwavering faith in what Mableton could become.” Said Mayor Michael Owens. “Together, we

transformed an idea into a thriving city that residents can be proud to call their own.”

The event, held at the Riverside Epicenter, celebrated the community's journey from a Census-

designated place to a thriving municipality. The evening highlighted the city’s rapid progress,

strong fiscal standing, and commitment to strategic growth and community well-being in its first

two years.

“The story of Mableton’s cityhood is not one of ease, it is one of courage, perseverance, and

collective strength,” said City Manager Bill Tanks. “We weathered challenges from every front…

yet, despite it all, we emerged not just standing but soaring.”

Addressing a crowd of residents and local leaders, Mayor Michael Owens began by

acknowledging the city's founding, which began with a vote on Nov. 8, 2022, and its official

incorporation in May 2023, making it the largest city in Cobb County.

"Just three short years ago, 'Mableton' was not a city on the map," Owens said. "But with the

power of a vote, you, the people, said: We will be heard. We will chart our own future."

Owens said the city had overcome significant challenges, starting with "no money, no staff, no

playbook, and no roadmap." He praised the dedication of the City Council — Ron Davis, Dami

Oladapo, Keisha Jeffcoat, Patricia Auch, T.J. Ferguson and Debora Herndon — as well as city

staff and early partners. He gave special thanks to the Georgia Municipal Association for

providing guidance on the foundational building blocks of governance.

Since its incorporation, Mableton has laid the groundwork for a full-fledged government,

launching key services including business licensing, planning and zoning, code enforcement,

and sanitation. The city now employs 60 public servants.

A central theme of the address was the city’s proactive approach to development and

community revitalization. The mayor noted the Mableton Development Authority and its mission

to drive economic growth. The city has also created its Urban Redevelopment Agency, which

has already placed 12 acres of neglected property under contract for redevelopment.

Looking to the future, Owens outlined several key initiatives based on the Mableton 2045

Comprehensive Plan. He announced the city has funded its first Affordable Housing Trust Fund

and passed an ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units to support flexible, modern housing

options. Owens also shared plans for a Commission on Aging, a Housing Commission, a

Downtown Development Authority and a Historic Preservation Commission, all aimed at

fostering community engagement and targeted growth.

"We are building with intention. We are governing with equity. And we are dreaming with

courage," Owens said. "The state of our city is strong. The spirit of Mableton is unshakable. And

the best days for this city — our city — are still ahead."

A rebroadcast of the State of the City Address is available

at http://youtube.com/@CityofMableton.