City politics, SPLOST, Mableton SDS, property tax law, runoff election, and business license revocation
Key Questions
What topics will the Acworth and Kennesaw mayors discuss at the upcoming event?
The Northwest Cobb Area Council will host its annual mayoral discussion featuring Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood and Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling. Moderated by Jim Croft, the event covers downtown redevelopment, infrastructure, and quality-of-life projects. It is scheduled for July 2026.
When and where is the Kennesaw Connected Public Engagement Session?
The session is set for July 18 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Smith-Gilbert Gardens. It focuses on the Comprehensive Plan including land use, transportation, and housing. Public input is encouraged on these key city planning areas.
What are the requirements for Cobb County homestead exemptions?
Property owners must notify the Cobb County Tax Commissioner’s Office by law if they become ineligible for homestead exemptions. SB 566 also introduces changes to property tax assessments. Accurate reporting helps maintain proper tax records.
What is the city planning for its SPLOST referendum?
Council has approved a $46.7M city SPLOST for November 2026. Work sessions continue on the FY26-27 budget deficit, Comp Plan, and SPLOST projects. The measure aims to fund infrastructure and community improvements.
What election-related updates are included in this highlight?
Kemp signed HB369 for nonpartisan elections starting in 2028, though DeKalb DA has sued to block it. Early voting turnout is low for the GOP gubernatorial runoff in Kennesaw. A new candidate, Anthony Gutierrez, has also entered the race.
Kemp signs HB369 nonpartisan elections 2028; DeKalb DA sues to block. 2026 Primary tech glitches. Council approves $1.6M East Park playground; FY26-27 deficit/Comp Plan/SPLOST work sessions; $46.7M city SPLOST Nov '26. New candidate Anthony Gutierrez. LCI Study for Cobb Parkway. Town Center CID board appointments. Cobb commissioners debate economic development strategy. GOP gubernatorial runoff event in Kennesaw (Rick Jackson rally); early voting low. Cobb planning commission recommends denial of Bells Ferry townhome development. Cobb-Mableton mediation deal $13M for police services. Mableton town hall June 15 still scheduled. Cobb State Court judge to resign. SB 566 changes property tax assessments. City council revokes business license for grocery store after drug arrests. Georgia lawmakers plan to redraw district lines; Supreme Court ruling could affect minority voting power. June 15-16 City Council meeting agendas available. Cobb County approves economic incentives for Authority Brands headquarters. City announces Kennesaw 101: Citizens’ Leadership Academy – free program, limited to 15 spots, application deadline July 17. Cobb OKs 19 townhomes on Greers Chapel Road – unanimous consent. Cobb County Commission pulls proposed $40k raises for top sheriff's office officials; sheriff intends to resubmit request after pausing for commissioner questions. Road rage suspect identified as DA's office employee; DA statement raises trust questions. New student housing breaks ground near KSU. Ongoing debate over future of Woodland Park – city council discussion scheduled for November. Kennesaw Civil War history preservation: $1M acquisition and planned demolition of modern structures to restore 1864 battlefield landscape. New: Kennesaw Connected Public Engagement Session on Comprehensive Plan – July 18 at Smith-Gilbert Gardens, covering land use, transportation, housing, etc. New: Acworth and Kennesaw mayors to discuss city projects – moderated by Jim Croft, covering downtown redevelopment, infrastructure, quality-of-life projects. (July 2026)