For years, Georgia saw a robust cityhood movement: between 2000 and 2022, ten new cities were incorporated across metro Atlanta. Cobb County most recently added the City of Mableton, its first new municipality in a century, after voters approved a referendum in November 2022.
Overnight, Mableton became the county’s largest city, with a population nearing 80,000 and ranking 12th statewide.
“Mableton is, in many ways, just like any other city. We’re still growing. We’re new. And the ideas, wishes, wants, challenges, and fears you see across a city’s spectrum are no different here,” said Michael Owens, Mableton’s first elected mayor.
Owens said the city is working to “meet people where they are,” while recognizing the wide range of wants and needs among residents.
In a conversation with “Closer Look” host Rose Scott, Owens outlined several initiatives the city is implementing or preparing to launch. At the top of the list is developing Mableton’s own police department, as the city currently relies on an intergovernmental agreement with Cobb County for policing. Owens said it would be more cost‑effective for Mableton to provide its own law enforcement rather than continue under the county arrangement.
