A Q&A with Mableton Mayor Michael Owens
Edited by Cory Sekine-Pettite
Editor’s note: This article was edited slightly for length and clarity.
Originally, the City of Mableton, Georgia was incorporated as a town on Aug. 19, 1912, before being disincorporated just four years later as a result of a flood overwhelming the city’s sewer system. But in November of last year, Mableton was incorporated for the first time as a city following a voter referendum and approval from state legislators and Gov. Brian Kemp. Cobb In Focus sat down recently with Mableton Mayor Michael Owens to talk about the “new” city and his administration’s plans for the next several years.
What was the original impetus (and timetable) for Mableton incorporating as a new city?
The first challenge was educating residents on the fact that Mableton wasn’t a city and the things that they wanted for the area largely were not possible because we didn’t have a local city government. The journey to incorporate Mableton began with a vision to empower our community with more localized governance. Residents sought greater control over zoning, planning, and community development, enabling us to address our unique needs and opportunities more effectively. The movement gained momentum over several years through community engagement and advocacy, culminating in Gov. Brian Kemp signing the bill to create the new City of Mableton in May 2022. The bill passed overwhelmingly, with a 134-2 vote in the House and a 55-0 vote in the Senate. This set the stage for a November referendum on whether to incorporate the South Cobb city.
How long did that process take from initial plans to voter approval?
The process from initial planning to voter approval took approximately six years. It involved extensive feasibility studies, community meetings, and collaboration with state legislators to ensure that incorporation was in the best interest of our residents.
A few other areas have incorporated recently as cities in metro Atlanta. Did these cities provide a roadmap or assist in your incorporation?
Yes, we closely studied the incorporation processes of nearby cities such as Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, and Peachtree Corners. Their experiences provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of cityhood, helping us to tailor our approach to fit Mableton’s specific needs. However, the push for every city’s incorporation is unique with different drivers, composition, and scenarios.
How many people now live in the City of Mableton?
Mableton now has a population of approximately 80,000 residents, making it the largest city in Cobb County.
What should Cobb County residents understand about “the New Mableton”?
The New Mableton is not the old Mableton. For more than 100 years, Mableton was defined as a Census Designated Place. After incorporation, the area is now a city. A city represents a vibrant and growing community with new leadership and expanded boundaries. We are committed to fostering economic development, enhancing public amenities, and maintaining a high quality of life for our residents. While we are still part of the Cobb public school district and rely on Cobb County for certain services, we are building our own departments for planning, zoning, code enforcement, parks, and sanitation.
New Mableton is defined by several key things:
- New Leadership: The city now has a Mayor and Council, and leadership staff, including a City Manager and City Clerk.
- New Boundaries: According to the 2020 census, the census-designated area of Mableton had a population of 37,115; now the population is almost 80,000, covering almost 36 square miles.
- New Attractions: The city now includes Six Flags, Dogwood Golf Course, along with existing attractions like the Silver Comet Trail, the Historic Mableton House, and the Mable House Amphitheater.
- New Opportunities: Mayor Owens is leading a new vision of revitalization of major corridors, including Veterans Memorial Highway, Mableton Parkway, and Riverside Drive, attracting new businesses and bolstering existing businesses and entrepreneurs.
What services does the city provide to residents now and what services are shared with another city or the County?
Currently, Mableton is working to provide zoning, code enforcement, economic and community development, and waste management services to the people. The city charter provided two years to complete this (June 1, 2025). However, public safety services, including police and fire, remain under the jurisdiction of Cobb County. We continue to collaborate with the county to ensure a seamless transition and continued provision of essential services. Statements about the City of Mableton is “breaking off” from Cobb county are misleading. Mableton is still very much part of the county.
Along those lines, are there services the city will soon be managing itself?
Yes, as we continue to grow and develop, Mableton will take over additional services as outlined in our Feasibility Study. These include expanded community development initiatives, more localized waste management solutions, and enhanced park services. By June 1, 2025, we aim to have at least three to four key services fully transitioned to city management.
What is the current state of cityhood plans, infrastructure, etc., that are already in place? And what are the city’s immediate plans for continued/new development needs?
We have made significant progress in establishing our city’s core administrative capabilities, including establishing initial working space at the Riverside Epicenter, appointing key leadership staff, and launching our initial website and online services. Our immediate plans focus on creating intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) with Cobb County and fostering economic growth through strategic zoning and planning initiatives.
What are the city’s plans for future development and expansion? 5 years out? 10 years out?
In the next five years, we plan to further develop our commercial districts, enhance public transportation options, and invest in sustainable development projects. Looking ahead to 10 years, our vision includes becoming a regional hub for innovation and culture, with thriving business sectors, green spaces, and robust community engagement.
The Mableton 2045 Comprehensive Plan is a critical blueprint for our city’s future, aiming to foster sustainable growth and enhance the quality of life for all residents. This comprehensive plan encompasses several key elements:
1. Land Use Planning: Strategies for zoning, development, and the efficient use of land resources.
2. Transportation: Plans for improving public transit, road infrastructure, and connectivity within the city.
3. Housing: Policies to ensure affordable, high-quality housing options for all residents.
4. Economic Development: Initiatives to attract and retain businesses, creating a vibrant local economy.
5. Parks and Recreation: Enhancements to public spaces, parks, and recreational facilities to promote community well-being.
6. Environmental Sustainability: Measures to protect natural resources and promote sustainable practices.
7. Community Facilities and Services: Improvements and expansions of essential services such as schools, libraries, and emergency services.
The Mableton 2045 Comprehensive Plan will serve as a guiding document to navigate the city’s growth and development over the next two decades.
Discuss the Tunnels to Towers development. Is this the city’s first major development since incorporation?
The Tunnels to Towers project is a significant development for Mableton and marks one of the first major outside investments since incorporation. Tunnel to Towers is partnering with elected officials and Home Depot to develop a new facility in Mableton that will offer safe and secure housing to more than 90 Atlanta veterans from across metro Atlanta.
The future Veterans Village, located on what once was the Wingate Hotel, will feature livable apartments equipped with a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Veterans will also have access to a community gym, business center, cafeteria, commercial kitchen space, and 24/7 support services.
The redevelopment of the hotel was much needed, and it’s our hope that this area, adjacent to Six Flags and down the street from the $33-million Riverside Epicenter, will be a catalyst for a second wave of redevelopment in the area.
Anything else you would like readers to know about Mableton and/or its government?
Mableton is a city on the rise, defined by its strong community spirit and forward-looking leadership. We are dedicated to transparent governance, active citizen involvement, and sustainable development. Our goal is to create a city that not only meets the needs of today’s residents but also provides a thriving environment for future generations. Mableton is home to a diverse and dynamic population that contributes to the richness of our community. We are committed to ensuring that every resident feels heard and valued, and we actively encourage participation in our planning and decision-making processes.
Our city is investing in infrastructure, education, and green spaces to enhance the quality of life for all. We prioritize sustainability, aiming to balance growth with environmental stewardship. Mableton is not just a place to live, but a community to belong to, with numerous opportunities for engagement, whether through volunteering, attending community events, or participating in local government.
We invite everyone to be part of Mableton’s exciting journey. Together, we can build a bright and prosperous future and a place for everyone to work, live, worship and play.
