South Fulton Ascendant
Exploring the history, demographics, governance, and vibrant community of Georgia's newest major city.
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City Overview
Foundation and Identity
South Fulton is a city situated in Fulton County, Georgia, within the expansive Atlanta metropolitan area. Officially incorporated in 2017, it was formed from unincorporated areas of southwest Fulton County, encompassing communities like Red Oak, Stonewall, Ben Hill, and Sandtown, among others.
Population and Significance
As of the 2020 census, South Fulton recorded a population of 107,436, making it the eighth-largest city in Georgia. Notably, it stands out for having the highest percentage of African American residents among U.S. cities with over 100,000 inhabitants.
Geographic Context
The city spans approximately 86.25 square miles, with 85.22 square miles of land and 1.04 square miles of water. It is located at an elevation of 797 feet (243 meters) above sea level and observes the Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT).
A City's Genesis
Indigenous Roots
The land that now constitutes South Fulton was historically the territory of the indigenous Creek and Cherokee peoples.
The Path to Incorporation
The city's formation was the result of a significant cityhood movement in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Following the passage of House Bill 514 by the 2016 Georgia General Assembly and its signing into law by Governor Nathan Deal, citizens voted to charter the city. This initiative mirrored earlier incorporations in the region, such as Sandy Springs.
Transition and Governance
The incorporation of South Fulton in 2017 led to Fulton County becoming the first in Georgia with no unincorporated residential areas. Consequently, Fulton County ceased providing municipal services like fire, police, and zoning, with many personnel and facilities transitioning to the new City of South Fulton.
Early Administration and Naming
Bill Edwards served as the first mayor, with his term concluding at the end of 2021. A notable event in the city's early history was the debate over renaming the city, with "Renaissance" being a proposed alternative to "South Fulton," though the name change was ultimately vetoed.
Modern Development
Recent initiatives, such as the planned revitalization of approximately 700 acres along Old National Highway, aim to enhance the city's commercial corridors, with completion anticipated by 2028.
Community Composition
Population Trends
South Fulton's population was recorded at 107,436 in the 2020 U.S. Census, with an estimated increase to 112,003 by 2024. The city boasts a population density of approximately 1,260.75 people per square mile.
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The city's demographic profile is predominantly African American, constituting about 89.79% of the population according to the 2020 census. Other significant demographic groups include Hispanic or Latino (3.28%), Multiracial (2.49%), Non-Hispanic White (3.17%), and smaller percentages of Asian, Native American, and other races.
Detailed Census Data
The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the racial and ethnic composition of South Fulton, Georgia, based on the 2020 U.S. Census.
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2020 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 3,402 | 3.17% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 96,463 | 89.79% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 148 | 0.14% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 459 | 0.43% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 33 | 0.03% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 729 | 0.68% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 2,674 | 2.49% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3,528 | 3.28% |
| Total | 107,436 | 100.00% |
Civic Structure
Governance Model
South Fulton operates under a weak mayor system. In this structure, the city council holds significant legislative and executive authority, with the mayor's role being primarily ceremonial and voting only to break ties. The city manager oversees daily operations and reports to the council.
City Departments
The city manages various departments including City Clerk, Public Affairs, Code Enforcement, Community Development, Economic Development, Finance, Fire, Human Resources, IT, Legal, Municipal Court, Parks and Recreation, Cultural Affairs, Police, and Public Works. Essential services like utilities and sanitation are managed by Fulton County or private providers.
Educational Oversight
Public education within South Fulton is administered by Fulton County Public Schools. The Westlake Cluster is a primary educational focus for many students in the city.
Mayoral Election
Upcoming Contest
The next mayoral election is scheduled for November 4, 2025. Several candidates have declared their intention to run, signaling a competitive race for the city's leadership.
Declared Candidates
As of recent filings, potential candidates include William "Bill" Edwards (former mayor), Carmalitha L. Gumbs (city council member), Kelvin Javaris Davis (Navy veteran), Dr. Mark Baker, Ryan David Olson, Jewel Johnson, Joseph Adeyemi, and Quasar Alexander (entrepreneur).
Challenges and Scrutiny
Public Health Declaration
In 2021, South Fulton became the first city in Georgia to pass a resolution declaring racism a public health concern, reflecting a commitment to addressing systemic issues.
Leadership Disputes
The city has faced internal governance challenges, including a vote of no confidence against Mayor khalid kamau following accusations against the police chief. The mayor himself was arrested in 2023 on trespassing and burglary charges.
Resident Concerns
Significant resident dissatisfaction has surfaced, leading to petitions for de-annexation and a federal lawsuit alleging mismanagement of public funds, abuse of power, and irregular hiring practices. Issues like trash collection and business licensing have also drawn criticism.
Fiscal Accountability
Mayor kamau has been embroiled in controversy regarding questionable taxpayer-funded expenses, including unauthorized travel and purchases. These allegations have led to an ethics complaint, an audit, and the revocation of some of his privileges by the city council.
Infrastructure Issues
The city's infrastructure has also faced challenges, exemplified by the temporary closure of City Hall in early 2024 due to mold contamination, followed by renovations.
Learning Environments
School System
South Fulton is served by Fulton County Public Schools. The Westlake Cluster represents a significant educational hub within the city, encompassing several schools.
Key Educational Institutions
The Westlake Cluster includes Westlake High School, Camp Creek Middle School, Seaborn Lee Elementary School, Frank D. McClarin Success Academy, A. Philip Randolph Elementary School, Sandtown Middle School, and Stonewall Tell Elementary School. Other clusters like Banneker, Creekside, and Langston Hughes also serve parts of the city.
Recreation and Green Spaces
Parks and Recreation Department
The City of South Fulton Parks & Recreation Department manages a network of 17 parks, totaling approximately 692 acres. These facilities offer diverse recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.
Amenities and Programs
The parks feature athletic fields, gymnasiums, tennis centers, aquatic facilities, and walking trails. The department also coordinates various community programs, youth sports leagues, and senior activities designed to enhance community well-being.
Notable Parks
Key recreational areas within the city include Burdett Park, Sandtown Park, and Welcome All Park, providing essential spaces for community engagement and outdoor activities.
Cultural Landscape
Cultural Affairs
The Department of Cultural Affairs is responsible for the city's artistic programming, managing cultural venues and promoting public art initiatives to enrich the community's cultural fabric.
Southwest Arts Center
Established in 2001, the Southwest Arts Center serves as a central hub for arts education and performance. It features an exhibition gallery, classrooms, and a theater hosting a variety of community and professional productions.
Wolf Creek Amphitheater
The Wolf Creek Amphitheater is an outdoor venue set within a 435-acre site, offering a capacity of 5,420 seats. It hosts a range of performances, including reserved seating, general admission, and VIP experiences.
Community Resources
Library Services
The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System provides library services to the residents of South Fulton. The Gladys S. Dennard Library @ South Fulton is a key branch within the city.
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References
References
- kamau uses lowercase letters for his names.[1]
- Profile of South Fulton mayor Khalid Kamau, governing.com. Accessed June 30, 2023.
- U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: South Fulton, Georgia
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not official city information or advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official city resources, government documentation, or seeking advice from qualified professionals. Always refer to the official City of South Fulton website and relevant government sources for the most current and accurate information.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.