South Fulton, Georgia

Last updated

City of South Fulton, Georgia
Renaissance, Georgia
City
Flag of South Fulton, Georgia.png
Flag
South Fulton, Georgia Logo.png
Seal
Logo of South Fulton, Georgia.png
Logo
Fulton County Georgia Municipalities Map South Fulton Highlighted.svg
Location in Fulton County and the state of Georgia
Metro atlanta.jpg
Red pog.svg
South Fulton
Location of South Fulton in Metro Atlanta
Coordinates: 33°35′33″N84°40′23″W / 33.5925899°N 84.6729381°W / 33.5925899; -84.6729381
CountryUnited States
State Georgia
County Fulton
Government
 • MayorKhalid Kamau (D) [1]
Area
[2]
 • Total86.25 sq mi (223.40 km2)
 • Land85.22 sq mi (220.71 km2)
 • Water1.04 sq mi (2.69 km2)
Elevation
[3]
797 ft (243 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total107,436
 • Rank 293rd in the United States
8th in Georgia
 • Density1,260.75/sq mi (486.78/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (EDT)
FIPS code 13-72122
GNIS feature ID2786574 [3]
Website www.cityofsouthfultonga.gov

The City of South Fulton is in Fulton County, Georgia, United States, in the Atlanta metropolitan area. It was incorporated in 2017 from parts of southwest Fulton County and includes the communities of Red Oak, Cooks Crossing, Stonewall, Fife, Ben Hill, Sandtown, Cliftondale, Ono, Cedar Grove, Boat Rock/Dry Pond, Maude, Lester, Enon, Welcome All, Peters Woods, and part of Campbellton. [4] As of 2020, it had a population of 107,436, making it the state's eighth-largest city in population. [5] Also as of 2020, South Fulton has the highest African-American percentage of any U.S. city over 100,000, surpassing highly African-American cities such as Detroit and Jackson. [6]

Contents

History

The 2016 Georgia General Assembly passed bill HB514 to incorporate South Fulton. Governor Nathan Deal signed the bill into law on April 29, 2016. On November 8, 59% of the citizens of what would become South Fulton voted to charter the city. This referendum was part of a “cityhood movement” in the Atlanta metropolitan area that began in 2005 with the incorporation of Sandy Springs on the north side of Atlanta. Several other communities in Fulton voted to incorporate in 2007. [7]

With the passage of the South Fulton referendum in 2016, Fulton County became the first county in Georgia with no unincorporated residential areas. [8] As a result, in 2017 Fulton County also became the first county in Georgia to cease providing municipal services such as fire, police, zoning, and code enforcement. [9] Many former Fulton County personnel and facilities were transferred to the City of South Fulton. [10]

On March 21, 2017, South Fulton held elections for mayor and city council, followed by runoff elections before incorporation took effect on May 1. [11]

The first mayor of South Fulton was Bill Edwards, who previously served on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners from 2000 to 2014. [12] His term expired on December 31, 2021. [13]

In November 2017, after a one-year waiting period mandated by state law, the city council selected Renaissance as the new name for the city after allowing residents to suggest names. More than 200 names were submitted, and the list was pared to 20, including Campbellton (a historical town now partly within the city), Atlanta Heights, Wolf Creek and retaining South Fulton. [14] Following a three-week public notice period and two regular public meetings, which are required to amend the city charter, [15] the city council approved the name change in December 2017. However, Mayor Edwards vetoed the name change on December 18, citing several reasons, including contracts and some public opposition. [16]

In its first eight months, South Fulton created its infrastructure, navigated financial challenges and began a transition from Fulton County services.[ citation needed ]

Government

The City of South Fulton operates as a weak mayor form of government. According to the National League of Cities, a weak mayor government includes a powerful council with both legislative and executive authority. The mayor is not truly the chief executive, with limited power. The council can prevent the mayor from effectively supervising city administration. [17] South Fulton's mayor votes only in case of a tied council vote. Khalid Kamau was elected Mayor of South Fulton in 2021. [18]

The council is primarily responsible for creating and adopting policy via ordinances, resolutions, and amendments. Council members also approve proposed projects, services, events, and purchases above a certain dollar amount. South Fulton's city manager, who reports to the council, manages the city's day-to-day operations and supervises department heads.

Today the city operates with the following departments: City Clerk; City Manager; Public Affairs; Code Enforcement; Community Development; Economic Development (Destination South Fulton); Finance; Fire; Human Resources; Information Technology; Legal; Municipal Court; Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs; Police and Public Works. All other services – including utilities, sanitation, elections, public health and others – are managed by Fulton County, or private providers. All public schools within the city are managed by Fulton County Schools.

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
2020 107,436—
2021 (est.)108,5751.1%
U.S. Decennial Census [19]
2020 [20]
Map of racial distribution in South Fulton, 2020 U.S. census. Each dot is one person: .mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{} White Black Asian Hispanic Multiracial Native American/Other Race and ethnicity 2020 South Fulton, GA.png
Map of racial distribution in South Fulton, 2020 U.S. census. Each dot is one person: ⬤ White⬤ Black⬤ Asian⬤ Hispanic⬤ Multiracial⬤ Native American/Other

South Fulton was first listed in the 2020 U.S. Census.

South Fulton city, Georgia – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)Pop 2020 [20] % 2020
White alone (NH)3,4023.17%
Black or African American alone (NH)96,46389.79%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)1480.14%
Asian alone (NH)4590.43%
Pacific Islander alone (NH)330.03%
Other race alone (NH)7290.68%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH)2,6742.49%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)3,5283.28%
Total107,436100.00%

Education

Primary and secondary schools

Fulton County Public Schools serve the city. The majority of students in the city are under the Westlake Cluster. [21] [22]

Westlake Cluster

Parks and recreation

South Fulton has 15 parks. The city also offers recreation centers, tennis courts, aquatic centers, hiking trails, biking trails, and various fitness programs. [23] [24]

Public libraries

Atlanta–Fulton Public Library System operates in South Fulton. [25]

Map

Controversies

In 2022, the City Council voted no confidence against Mayor Khalid Kamau after he called the city's police chief corrupt. [26] The police chief was accused of retaliating against officers and other city officials for reporting wrongdoings of a female officer whom he had a long work history with. The female officer in question resigned due to the amount of serious complaints and allegations made against her. [27]

In 2023, Mayor Khalid Kamau was arrested for trespassing and burglary. He was released on a $11,000 bond. [28] [29]

Also in 2023, 1,600 City of South Fulton residents signed a petition to de-annex from the city and return to Unincorporated Fulton County primarily due to feeling the city is highly unorganized and dysfunctional. [30] The city has made local and national news for challenges surrounding trash collection services, the arrest of Mayor Khalid Kamau after he was accused of trespassing, and the city improperly issuing business licenses. City officials can choose to deny or approve the de-annexing request but the city would not have veto powers, unless it can show how de-annexing is detrimental to residents. [31] [27]

And also in 2023, several City of South Fulton residents filed a federal lawsuit against city officials for mismanagement of public funds, abuse of power, and irregular hiring practices. The plaintiffs want better visibility and accountability from city leaders. [32]

In February 2024, South Fulton City Hall was temporarily closed due to harmful mold found in the facility. [33] Also in February 2024, South Fulton limited permits for barber shops, beauty salons, and chicken shacks to attract and make space for more diversity in businesses. [34]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fulton County, Georgia</span> County in Georgia, United States

Fulton County is a county in the north-central portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 1,066,710, making it the state's most populous county and its only one with over one million inhabitants. Its county seat and largest city is Atlanta, the state capital. About 90% of the City of Atlanta is within Fulton County; the remaining portion is in DeKalb County. Fulton County is part of the Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Roswell, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DeKalb County, Georgia</span> County in Georgia, United states

DeKalb County is located in the north central portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 764,382, making it Georgia's fourth-most populous county. Its county seat is Decatur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">College Park, Georgia</span> City in Georgia, United States

College Park is a city in Fulton and Clayton counties, Georgia, United States, adjacent to the southern boundary of the city of Atlanta. As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,930. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is partially located in the city's boundaries, and the Georgia International Convention Center, owned and operated by the City of College Park, is within the city limits. The city is home to the fourth-largest urban historical district registered with the National Register of Historic Places in the state of Georgia. The city is also home to the Gateway Center Arena, home of the College Park Skyhawks and Atlanta Dream.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mableton, Georgia</span> City in Georgia

Mableton is a city in Cobb County, Georgia, United States. Voters of the unincorporated area of Mableton approved a referendum to incorporate on November 8, 2022, and six council members were elected on March 21, 2023, with Michael Owens elected as mayor of Mableton in the 2023 Mableton mayoral election. According to the 2020 census, the census-designated area Mableton had a population of 37,115; the city has more. Upon Brookhaven's cityhood in December 2012, Mableton was previously the largest unincorporated CDP in Metro Atlanta. With boundaries described in Appendix A of House Bill 839, Mableton is the largest city in Cobb County in terms of population and includes historical Mableton, along with the Six Flags area, areas of unincorporated Smyrna, and parts of unincorporated South Cobb.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Druid Hills, Georgia</span> Place in Georgia, United States

North Druid Hills, also known as Briarcliff or Toco Hills, is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. The population was 18,947 at the 2010 census. The commercial center of the area is the Toco Hill Shopping Center, located near the intersection of North Druid Hills Road and LaVista Road.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alpharetta, Georgia</span> City in Georgia, United States

Alpharetta is a city in northern Fulton County, Georgia, United States, and part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. As of the 2020 US Census, Alpharetta's population was 65,818; in 2010, the population was 57,551.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">East Point, Georgia</span> City in Georgia, United States

East Point is a suburban city located southwest of Atlanta in Fulton County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 38,358. The city name is derived from being at the opposite end of the former Atlanta & West Point Railroad from West Point.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sandy Springs, Georgia</span> City in Georgia, United States

Sandy Springs is a city in northern Fulton County, Georgia, United States, and a suburb of Atlanta. The city's population was 108,080 at the 2020 census, making it Georgia's 7th most populous city. It is the site of several corporate headquarters, including UPS, Newell Brands, Inspire Brands, Focus Brands, Cox Enterprises, and Mercedes-Benz USA's corporate offices.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sugar Hill, Georgia</span> City in Georgia, United States

Sugar Hill is a city in northern Gwinnett County in the U.S. state of Georgia, included within the Metro Atlanta area. The population was 25,076 as of the 2020 census, making it the fourth-largest city in Gwinnett County. It is in close proximity to Lake Lanier and the foothills of the North Georgia mountains.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brookhaven, Georgia</span> City in Georgia, United States

Brookhaven is a city in the northeastern suburbs of Atlanta that is located in western DeKalb County, Georgia, United States, directly northeast of Atlanta. On July 31, 2012, Brookhaven was approved in a referendum to become DeKalb County's 11th city. Incorporation officially took place on December 17, 2012, on which date municipal operations commenced. With a population of around 55,366 as of 2021, it is the largest city in DeKalb County. The new city stretches over 12 square miles (31 km2).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Westlake High School (Georgia)</span> Public high school in Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Westlake High School is a comprehensive public high school located in unincorporated Fulton County, Georgia and is accredited by the Georgia Department of Education and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The academic growth rate for Westlake students was higher than 95% of schools in the state and was above the state average in college readiness in 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peachtree Corners, Georgia</span> City in Georgia, United States

Peachtree Corners is a city in Gwinnett County, Georgia, United States. It is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area, and is the largest city in Gwinnett County with a population of 42,243 as of the 2020 US Census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 Atlanta elections</span>

A municipal election in the City of Atlanta was held on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. Atlanta is the capital of the state of Georgia and is the largest city in Georgia and is the center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, the largest metropolitan area in the South.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">East Cobb, Georgia</span> Unincorporated community in Georgia, United States

East Cobb is an unincorporated community in Cobb County, Georgia, United States, with a population of 164,055 people. It is an affluent northern suburb of Atlanta.

Keisha Sean Waites is an American politician from the state of Georgia. A Democrat, she served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2012 to 2017, representing southeast Atlanta, College Park, East Point, Hapeville, Forest Park, Hartsfield Jackson Airport, Porsche Headquarters and parts of Clayton and DeKalb counties.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Atlanta mayoral election</span>

The 2017 Atlanta mayoral election occurred on November 7, 2017, with a runoff election held on December 5, 2017. Incumbent mayor Kasim Reed, a member of the Democratic Party who had been in office since 2010, was ineligible to run for reelection due to a personal crisis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stonecrest, Georgia</span> City in Georgia, United States

Stonecrest is a city in DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. The boundaries of the city generally lie in the far southeastern corner of the county, and a smaller portion just north of Interstate 20. The city borders the existing municipality of Lithonia, as well as Rockdale and Henry counties.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gabriel Sterling</span> American politician and elections official

Robert Gabriel Sterling is an American politician and elections official from the state of Georgia. He is the chief operating officer (COO) in the office of the Georgia Secretary of State. He previously served on the city council for Sandy Springs, Georgia. Sterling received widespread attention for his speech denouncing false claims of election fraud in the 2020 election, stating "someone is going to get shot" if the claims and related harassment continue; weeks later, Ashli Babbitt, a pro-Trump rioter, was shot by police during the January 6 attack.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andre Dickens</span> Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Andre DeShawn Dickens is an American politician and nonprofit executive who is the 61st and current mayor of Atlanta, Georgia. He was a member of the Atlanta City Council and defeated council president Felicia Moore in the second round of Atlanta's 2021 mayoral election. He is the chief development officer at TechBridge, a nonprofit technology organization. He served as the chairperson of the transportation committee and chaired on the Public Safety and Legal Administration Committee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Mableton mayoral election</span> Election in Georgia, United States

The 2023 Mableton mayoral election took place on March 21, 2023 in the Atlanta suburb of Mableton, Georgia, with a runoff held on April 18, 2023 as no candidate got 50% of the vote in the general election. Aaron Carman gained the most votes in the first round but lost the runoff to former Cobb County Democratic Committee chair Michael Owens who became the first mayor of Mableton, Georgia in over 100 years. Despite the runoff election being described as historic, only 6,113 votes were cast and voter turnout remained low at 12.9% of 47,200 registered voters.

References

  1. ↑ Profile of South Fulton mayor Khalid Kamau, governing.com. Accessed June 30, 2023.
  2. ↑ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  3. 1 2 U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: South Fulton, Georgia
  4. ↑ VICE News (September 7, 2018), Eight Black Women Run This City's Entire Justice System (HBO), archived from the original on December 21, 2021, retrieved September 7, 2018
  5. ↑ "QuickFacts: South Fulton city, Georgia". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  6. ↑ "What Will Become of 'America's Blackest City'?". POLITICO. September 16, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  7. ↑ Sam Rosen (April 2017). "Atlanta's Controversial 'Cityhood' Movement". The Atlantic. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  8. ↑ Dave Williams (October 7, 2016). "Fulton could be first fully incorporated county in Georgia". Atlanta Business Chronicle. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  9. ↑ Arielle Kass (July 3, 2017). "Fulton County first in Georgia to relinquish city services". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  10. ↑ Kass, Arielle. "Fulton County first in Georgia to relinquish city services". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ISSN   1539-7459 . Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  11. ↑ "South Fulton Cityhood Transition: Top 10 FAQs" (PDF). Fultoncountyga.gov. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  12. ↑ "Meet the Mayor". South Fulton, GA. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  13. ↑ Arielle Kass (December 17, 2019). "South Fulton Mayor Bill Edwards investigated in development deal". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved February 15, 2020. Edwards' term expired Dec. 31, 2021.
  14. ↑ Kahn, Michael (December 20, 2017). "The City of South Fulton/Renaissance is having an identity crisis". Curbed Atlanta. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  15. ↑ Cochran, Noreen (November 13, 2017). "South Fulton votes to become Renaissance, Georgia". Mdjonline.com. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  16. ↑ "South Fulton mayor vetos town changing name to 'Renaissance'". Fox5atlanta.com. December 19, 2017. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
  17. ↑ "Cities 101 — Mayoral Powers". National League of Cities. December 13, 2016. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  18. ↑ Correct spelling of name of South Fulton mayor, khalid kamau, governing.com. Accessed June 30, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decade". United States Census Bureau.
  20. 1 2 "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - South Fulton city, Georgia". United States Census Bureau.
  21. ↑ https://www.cityofsouthfultonga.gov/2976/School-System
  22. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xTUqd7NV_M
  23. ↑ "Parks | South Fulton, GA". www.cityofsouthfultonga.gov. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  24. ↑ "New park with miles of trails for hiking, biking opens in South Fulton". WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta. October 9, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  25. ↑ https://www.fulcolibrary.org/locations/so_ful/
  26. ↑ "Well-respected metro police chief said mayor's accusation of wrongdoing were 'deeply hurtful'". WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta. July 23, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  27. 1 2 'You're complicit' | Some South Fulton residents want their entire city staff fired , retrieved December 19, 2023
  28. ↑ DiRienzo, Rob (July 8, 2023). "South Fulton mayor released after arrest, report details incident that led to charges". FOX 5 Atlanta. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  29. ↑ "City of South Fulton mayor released on bond after arrest". WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta. July 16, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  30. ↑ Online petition to deannex the City of South Fulton has more than 700 signatures , retrieved December 19, 2023
  31. ↑ "'Let us go': South Fulton homeowners discuss efforts to de-annex from city". WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta. October 19, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  32. ↑ City of South Fulton served with federal lawsuit , retrieved December 19, 2023
  33. ↑ "South Fulton City Hall closing temporarily because of mold". FOX 5 Atlanta. February 19, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  34. ↑ "City of South Fulton limits number of salons, barber shop permits, costing business owner $20K". WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta. February 23, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.