Mableton authorizes retail‑market study, asks state lawmakers to enable redevelopment powers

At its Nov. 12 meeting the Mableton City Council moved forward on two related economic development items: a council resolution requesting that the local legislative delegation introduce state legislation to authorize redevelopment powers and the authorization for the mayor to negotiate and execute a retail/market strategy contract in substantial form.

Redevelopment powers and TADs

Director Arlene Jones summarized redevelopment powers law and tax allocation districts (TADs), explaining that the mechanism allows a local government to use incremental future tax revenue generated by new development within a designated area to fund infrastructure improvements for that area rather than drawing from the general fund. Jones said the council previously received an initial presentation and that the resolution before the council asks local legislators to introduce enabling legislation in the 2026 session. If the General Assembly and governor approve enabling legislation, the proposal would proceed to a local referendum for voters to authorize the city’s ability to exercise redevelopment powers.

Retail strategy RFP and leakage study

Jones also recommended contracting with Retail Strategies (staff received two bids and ran a 45‑day solicitation) to perform a leakage study, corridor activation and broker outreach intended to identify what consumer spending currently leaves the community and which retail categories the city could attract. She explained leakage studies use anonymized transaction and location data to quantify dollars leaving a local economy and to prioritize target retailers. The proposed contract is one year with the option to extend for two additional years, and Jones said having Retail Strategies’ broker relationships is an added value in pursuing tenants.

Council discussion and next steps

Council members asked whether developer fees typically pay infrastructure costs in TAD projects and whether one year of work will be sufficient for results; Director Jones replied developers often assume some infrastructure costs and that a multi‑year engagement (all three years) is frequently needed to execute recruitment and development outcomes, especially for anchors such as grocery stores that can take 12–18 months of site work after a retailer’s decision.

The council authorized the mayor to negotiate and execute the retail strategy addendum in substantial form and approved the resolution to pursue state enabling legislation for redevelopment powers. Staff will return with negotiated contract terms and will coordinate with the legislative delegation on bill language and timing.

Source: Presentation by Director Arlene Jones, Nov. 12, 2025 Mableton City Council meeting.