Fulton County Commission opposes creation of North Fulton joint development authority, citing representation gaps

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners on March 5 voted to oppose legislation that would create a joint development authority encompassing several North Fulton cities, saying the bill lacks county and school-system representation and could create competing authorities with fiscal consequences.

Vice Chair Bob Ellis moved for formal opposition to House Bill 151, described in staff materials as the Joint Development Authority of North Fulton Municipalities Act. Commissioners approved the motion by roll call; the final tally recorded six votes in favor of opposing the bill and one abstention.

Several commissioners said the measure had been introduced without adequate local briefing and that its governance structure, as drafted, does not include Fulton County or Fulton County Schools. Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. asked whether the bill, as written, would preclude the county development authority from operating in the affected area; staff said legislative counsel had advised in committee that the bill text did not currently remove the Fulton County Development Authority’s powers, though sponsors had discussed that intent. Commissioners said that uncertainty and the potential for competing authorities and overlapping tax abatements warranted sending an opposition message and requesting further study and stakeholder engagement.

Commissioner Bridget Thorne said some North Fulton cities already have development authorities while others do not; she said the question deserved more study and the board should try to secure county and school representation if the legislation proceeds. Other commissioners echoed the call for broader discussion and a collaborative process with municipal partners.

Vote: The motion to oppose the bill passed six to zero with one abstention. The board directed staff to communicate the commission’s position to the county’s legislative delegation.