Residents and officials of the City of South Fulton recently gathered at the Southwest Arts Center for a powerful and celebratory evening marking the City’s 2026 State of the City Address and the City’s 9th anniversary of incorporation. Branded under the theme, “The Rise Continues,” the evening was more than a speech — it was a declaration of momentum, transformation, and confidence in the future of one of Georgia’s fastest-growing cities.
The evening opened with a showcase of South Fulton’s talent, culture, and youth leadership. Guests were welcomed by the nationally recognized Mighty Marching Lions of Westlake High School, followed by performances and presentations from students and organizations representing the spirit of the city’s future. Emmy-nominated WSB-TV investigative reporter Ashli Lincoln served as Mistress of Ceremonies, guiding attendees through a program filled with reflection, celebration, and vision.
Throughout the night, the City highlighted the importance of collaboration between residents, City Council, staff, and administration. Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs delivered a dynamic and deeply personal address centered on the progress the city has made in only nine years and the aggressive vision ahead for South Fulton’s next chapter. Mayor Gumbs repeatedly emphasized one message that echoed throughout the theater:
“The City of South Fulton continues to rise.”
The address outlined major accomplishments across nearly every area of city government, beginning with the city’s financial strength. Mayor Gumbs announced that South Fulton is operating with a budget surplus and now oversees a budget exceeding $400 million. The city also recently closed on a $96 million bond to fund new Police and Fire headquarters facilities while pursuing national recognition for excellence in public finance through the GFOA budget submission process.
Economic development emerged as one of the evening’s strongest themes. Mayor Gumbs revealed that South Fulton has over $700 million in active business investment projects representing nearly 3,000 jobs citywide. Major investments include Amazon’s expansion and large-scale projects across multiple council districts. She also highlighted the city’s updated Comprehensive Plan, designed to guide the next 20 years of smart, intentional growth focused on quality of life, preservation, infrastructure, and economic opportunity.
She also celebrated local entrepreneurship and small businesses, spotlighting restaurants, legacy businesses, and new commercial activity throughout the City of South Fulton. The newly launched “Choose South Fulton” initiative was presented as a renewed push to position the city as open and ready for investment, development, and innovation.
Public safety accomplishments were another major focus of the evening. Mayor Gumbs announced that crime had fallen more than 28 percent during the first quarter of 2026, while the Police Department achieved a 90 percent homicide clearance rate. The nationally recognized “Say Twin” campaign was highlighted as an award-winning public engagement initiative that has generated more than 2 million impressions and transformed how residents interact with public safety.
Attendees also heard updates regarding major public safety investments, including the funding and advancement of the city’s new Police Headquarters, Fire Headquarters and Training Facility, and the design progress for Fire Station 7. These projects were framed as long-term investments into safety, emergency preparedness, and community trust.
The State of the City also showcased the administration’s focus on seniors, youth, health, arts, and workforce development. Mayor Gumbs celebrated expanding senior fitness programs, the upcoming Senior Homeowner Rehabilitation Program, and the success of the city’s “Thunder Cats” senior women’s basketball team. Investments in youth workforce programs, internships, 3D construction printing initiatives, and partnerships with organizations like the Atlanta Hawks were also recognized.
Arts and culture were prominently featured as part of South Fulton’s identity. Mayor Gumbs noted record participation in Cultural Affairs programming and highlighted the growth of the city’s public art collection and programming at the Southwest Arts Center. The evening itself reflected that commitment through performances from local artists, musicians, and performers.
Infrastructure and redevelopment initiatives also took center stage, highlighting roadway improvements, traffic calming measures, sidewalk projects, stormwater upgrades, bridge reopenings, and over $90 million in identified capital improvement projects for the coming decade. The demolition of blighted structures, including portions of the Camelot Condominiums, was positioned as a visible sign of the city’s commitment to revitalization and neighborhood stabilization.
The administration also unveiled several new transparency and engagement initiatives, including the launch of the SoFu App and “Open South Fulton,” a transparency platform allowing residents to track government spending and projects in real time. Mayor Gumbs announced upcoming “Talk Around Town” community forums aimed at bringing government directly into neighborhoods for honest conversation and engagement.
The evening carried an emotional and celebratory tone from beginning to end. Mayor Gumbs acknowledged the city’s founders, previous mayors, elected officials, city staff, and residents while repeatedly reinforcing the message that South Fulton’s success belongs to the people who built it. Her speech emphasized that the city’s progress is not simply measured in buildings or budgets, but in the resilience, pride, and unity of the community itself.
As the evening concluded, the Mayor challenged residents to continue believing in the city’s future and reminded attendees that South Fulton’s story is still being written.
“We will rise higher. We will rise stronger. We will rise — as one city, with one heartbeat.”
The 2026 State of the City stood as both a celebration of accomplishment and a bold statement about the future of South Fulton — a city continuing to define itself through growth, culture, investment, and community-driven leadershi
