Our City, Our Future: Highlights from the 2025 State of the City Address
- Matthew Stover
- Sep 10
- 4 min read
Mayor Owens shares progress on housing, growth, and the vision for a stronger, more connected Mableton.
On Tuesday, September 9, Mayor Michael Owens took the stage at the Riverside EpiCenter to deliver Mableton’s first-ever State of the City Address. He looked back on how far we’ve come “from a name without a government” to Georgia’s newest city, declaring that “The state of our city is strong. The spirit of Mableton is even stronger.”
Owens said Mableton’s story is about grit, generosity, and a community that believed in itself enough to lead its own future.
He also reminded us that the early days were anything but easy.
He recalled the early hustle when a small crew huddled around a café table, filling out forms and setting up the city's first bank account, all while trying to tune out the Zumba class next door!
That “small but mighty” crew, along with the City Council, city staff, and early partners, laid the foundation that made Mableton a functioning city.
With that, he shifted from story to substance, highlighting a few numbers that show where Mableton stands today.
The Stats That Matter
In just over a year, Mableton has become the largest city in Cobb County, with nearly 80,000 residents across 36 square miles.
State and national rankings have taken notice:
To show what that diversity looks like in real life, Owens shared how he recently welcomed the Sri Lankan community at their first-ever cricket festival in Georgia, held right here in Mableton. “It was culture, food, sport, and proof that the world is finding a home in Mableton,” he said.
Housing & Community Development
Owens highlighted several big steps already taken in housing:
Creation of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the first in Cobb County, to support workforce housing and protect long-time residents.
Purchase of 12 acres on Mableton Parkway for $2.1 million to turn blighted properties into green space and civic facilities.
Transformation of Old Fire Station #1 into the Coworks Workforce Center, a 10,000 sq. ft. hub serving 10,000+ job seekers with career coaching, job placement, and entrepreneurship support.
Budget & Finances
This year, Mableton passed its first $13 million budget with a $3 million fund balance. And for the third year in a row, the city has no property tax (millage rate: 0.0).
The budget includes:
$1.4 million for capital projects, including property purchases for revitalization
$500,000 to launch Meet Mableton, a new tourism and visitor authority
He noted that funding comes mainly from motor vehicle sales taxes, franchise fees, business taxes, and insurance premium taxes.
Environment & Quality of Life
Owens also celebrated steps toward a greener, healthier city:
Mableton now operates one of the only 100% electric vehicle city fleets in the country.
New electronics recycling and composting programs are underway, alongside neighborhood beautification projects.
Plans are in motion for more sidewalks, roads, trails, and civic spaces to connect residents and make the city more walkable.
Community Engagement
More ways to get involved are on the horizon.
New commissions are being created, including a Commission on Aging, a Housing Commission, a Historic Preservation Commission, and a Downtown Development Authority.
Planning for the Future
Looking ahead, the Mayor pointed to the Mableton 2045 Comprehensive Plan, a roadmap for smart and sustainable growth. The plan focuses on:
Expanding housing options
Making the city more walkable and connected
Preserving Mableton’s unique character
Looking Ahead
Mayor Owens closed on an optimistic note. “We are building with intention, governing with equity, and dreaming with courage,” he said.
His vision: a city where people can be born, educated, employed, and retire without ever having to leave unless they choose to.
“Let us move forward with confidence. Let us dream bigger. Let us build smarter. Let us rise higher. The spirit of Mableton is resilient, and the best days are still ahead.”
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Scenes from the State of the City
Beyond the Mayor’s address,our community came together at the Riverside EpiCenter to enjoy performances and reflect on how far Mableton has come.
Here’s what took place:
The evening opened with a reception where leaders and neighbors mixed and mingled, followed by joyful music and dance performances from our local youth.
Dr. Christopher Boyd, Executive Director of the Riverside EpiCenter, offered the invocation, and City Clerk Susan Hiott and Administrative Supervisor Lily Smith shared reflections from Mableton’s first days and recognized the city's leaders.
A recap video traced the city’s establishment and early momentum, and City Manager William “Bill” Tanks introduced Mayor Owens and the address to come.
Shoutout to Atlanta photographer Stephanie Hanlon for gathering great images of the evening. We picked a handful to share. Click here for the full gallery.
