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Cobb County chairwoman urges support for 1¢ SPLOST, outlines priorities on housing, safety and transit
Summary
Chairwoman Lisa Cupid used the 2026 State of the County to spotlight reductions in crime, infrastructure projects and a proposed 1¢ SPLOST to fund roads, public safety, stormwater and facilities; she also prioritized affordable housing, mental-health response and expanded transit.
Chairwoman Lisa Cupid delivered the 2026 State of the County address, listing public-safety gains, infrastructure investments and a call for public support of a proposed 1¢ SPLOST to fund roads, facilities, stormwater and public safety.
"We are also resourced," Cupid said, pointing to the county's GDP and a longstanding triple-A bond rating. She highlighted a 23% year-over-year reduction in crime and new investments including a $22.5 million indoor firing range, new police precincts and several fire-station openings. "We opened Police Precinct 6...to provide greater accessibility for residents in Northeast Cobb," she said.
Cupid framed the SPLOST proposal as part of a package to maintain services and pay county employees. She said she will move a budget that includes merit increases and cost-of-living adjustments, adding that higher pay is needed to retain staff and avoid future large millage increases. "You can't have people delivering all the wonderful services we're applauding for and not pay them for the advancement of this county," she said.
On affordable housing, Cupid said the county must act: "We have to. We have to." She noted work already funded with $90,000,000 in American Rescue Plan Act money to support nonprofits and stressed forthcoming code amendments aimed at addressing concentrations of alcohol establishments and other neighborhood impacts.
Cupid also outlined transit and pedestrian-safety priorities: CobbLinc introduced free transit for some Kennesaw State University students and on-demand microtransit showed early use; the county secured $8.5 million in a federal Safe Streets for All grant for pedestrian improvements. She said the county aims to expand on-demand zones but that funding and public support are required.
The chair closed with a repeated call for public engagement and participation in the comprehensive-plan survey and local meetings: "Show up...Complete that comprehensive plan survey," she said, urging residents to take part in shaping the county's next 30 years.
The event continued with award recognitions following Cupid's remarks.
