Cobb County Board of Commissioners met on Nov. 10, 2026; the board issued proclamations, heard a pension report, approved several transportation and IT contracts and unanimously upheld a License Review Board denial of an alcohol server permit after a contested appeal hearing.

Discussion Points

•Applicant's statement that he did not know the felony remained on his record
•Asset allocation targets and peer performance
•Business License Division testimony on conviction and five‑year disqualifier
•Change in actuarial assumed rate to 7.20%
•County donation amount to Make‑A‑Wish and local program needs
•Detective Hughes background check showing April 25, 2024 felony
•Funding ratio at 62.4%
•Multiple contract awards for drainage and bridge projects
•Operation Green Light proclamation and county participation
•Public concerns about veterans memorial MOU and timeline
•Recognition of local arts organization and charitable volunteers
•SPLOST change orders reporting net savings and aggregate savings

Decisions

•Board approved all items unanimously
•Board motion to uphold License Review Board denial (5‑0)
•Ceremonial proclamations and donation accepted

Nov

Veterans Day Message from Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa N. Cupid

Chairwoman Lisa Cubitt opened the meeting with remarks honoring military service members and their families, thanking veterans who serve within Cobb County government and asking attendees to acknowledge their service.

Discussion Points

•Chairwoman Lisa Cubitt thanked service members and asked attendees to acknowledge them.

Nov

Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration Meeting - 11/06/26

The Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration held a pre-certification meeting to reconcile precinct-level paper counts with Jarvis electronic credits from the Nov. 3, 2026 general election, flagging multiple one- to two-vote discrepancies and several larger mismatches requiring further research.

Discussion Points

•A member cited statute 21-2-72 arguing records must be open; Chair maintained data should not leave the office until certification.
•Board asked for precinct-level lists for review; Director said those lists were separated for ballot secrecy and could be provided.
•Board members asked staff to total abandoned ballots by precinct and deliver data before certification.
•Board members debated whether precinct files could or should be made available electronically during the review.
•Director defined 'abandoned ballot' and identified multiple instances recorded by poll managers.
•Director presented counts for provisional ballots and explained why many were out-of-precinct.
•Director reported precinct-by-precinct differences between Jarvis credits and paper ballots, including abandoned ballots and miscredits.
•Scheduling follow-up to review staff findings; no executive session requested.
•Staff identified two larger discrepancies in Marietta precincts to be researched further.

Decisions

•Motion to approve the meeting agenda passed earlier in the session.

Directions

•Follow-up meeting set for Nov. 9 at 3:00 PM; staff to provide data to board before reconvening.
•Staff to continue comparing precinct files (Marietta 5B and 6B) and report findings before the next meeting.
•Staff to continue reconciling and provide requested files/information in accordance with office policy and board direction.
•Staff to produce a precinct-level total of abandoned ballots and provide it to the board before the next meeting.
•Staff to provide precinct-level lists and continue processing outstanding ballots before the 5:00 PM deadline.

Oct

Cobb Chairwoman Lisa Cupid outlines final voting options before election day

A Cobb County elections briefing informed voters that Oct. 30 is the last day of early voting, reviewed absentee-ballot replacement options and deadlines, and reported strong early turnout and other voting statistics.

Discussion Points

•Counsel reported accepted absentee ballots as 7,876 of 14,626 issued (54%) and overall turnout at 40.3%.
•Deadlines: replacement/mailed ballots must be received by elections office no later than 7 p.m. on election day.
•Election Day (Nov. 3) polls open 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; voters must use assigned polling place.
•Officials reported more than 200,000 early votes and a 35% increase versus prior baselines.
•Process to cancel an absentee ballot and receive a replacement by priority express mail.
•Reminder that Oct. 30 is last day of early voting; advanced voting locations close at 7 p.m.

Oct

Cobb County opens CobbLinc Go ride service in North cobb

Cobb County officials and transit partners launched a new microtransit zone serving North Cobb, describing a curb-to-curb service linking Downtown Acworth, Downtown Kennesaw and KSU, with officials saying it will improve first/last-mile access for students, seniors and workers.

Discussion Points

•Description of new North Cobb microtransit zone and its intended destinations
•Fare announced as $2.50 per trip
•Framing of transit as economic mobility and access
•Mention of existing fixed routes to be connected
•Named funders: Federal Transit Administration and 'Georgia Transportation Efficiency Authority' as recorded in transcript
•Past ridership growth in South Cobb cited (approx. 800 to 3,000 trips)
•Repeated appeals to students, seniors and workers to use the service
•Transcript reports operating hours as '7 to 7, Monday through Bridal' (ambiguous)
•Via's role as operator and expansion of South Cobb zone to Mableton

Oct

Cobb County Procurement Services Bid Opening - 10/22/26

Cobb County Procurement opened seven solicitations on Oct. 22, announcing bidders and prices for road resurfacing, ADA transit upgrades, easement maintenance, water/wastewater services, health services, manhole cleaning, and chemical supplies. Procurement staff also confirmed bid-bond compliance and reminded the public about posting and the next scheduled bid opening.

Discussion Points

•Bids read publicly with totals and bidder names; bid bond verified.
•Multiple engineering/consulting firms listed as respondents; pricing and scope to be posted later.
•Two bids read; bid bond verified.
•Two vendors listed; pricing and scope not read.
•Vendor names read; pricing not read during opening.
•Vendors listed by name only; speaker corrected SiteMed company designation.
•Vendors read by name only due to multiple pricing factors.

Oct

Inside the District - S2/E11 - Commissioner Allen talks about the MHS Collège and Career Academy

Commissioner Eric Allen interviews Rob Garcia III, CEO of the Marietta College and Career Academy, about the academy’s wall-to-wall career-pathway model, industry partnerships and funding that support hands-on credentialing for Marietta High School students; the episode closes with an early-voting reminder for Cobb County residents.

Discussion Points

•Announcement of early voting window (through Oct. 30).
•Definition and mission of the College and Career Academy (employed/enrolled/enlisted).
•Direction to use Secretary of State My Voter Page for registration and polling locations.
•Industry-aligned pathways and credential programs (NCCER, CNA).
•Origins of the academy in employer-led workforce planning (2015).
•Structure as a wall-to-wall academy serving all Marietta High School students.
•Use of a Technical College System of Georgia grant paired with SPLOST funds to build the academy.

Oct

Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid Addresses Six Flags Over Georgia Tragedy

Press conference in Cobb County where Chairwoman Cupid and county police briefed reporters after a fatal incident on a ride at Six Flags Over Georgia; officials said investigations are ongoing and the state is leading the equipment inspection.

Discussion Points

•Ballard said the ride is closed for investigation and that the state's role includes decisions about equipment and park checks
•Chairwoman Cupid said she had not spoken with the victim's family and referenced statements from Commissioner King's office
•Chairwoman distinguished county police role from state regulatory review of equipment
•Chairwoman expressed condolences and emphasized need for verified information
•Chairwoman urged residents to follow state and park guidance when deciding whether to visit the park
•County investigates deaths in unincorporated areas but is assisting the state on this case
•County lacks authority to inspect theme-park equipment; state regulator leads equipment review
•County will close its case if no criminal charges result
•Officials declined to give operational details while the state's investigation is ongoing

Oct

Cobb County Veterans Memorial Open House

Cobb County commissioners hosted a public presentation and comment session on the Cobb County Veterans Memorial, announcing the project is now publicly funded and opening a public survey through Nov. 1 to gather community input on design and use.

Discussion Points

•Foundation described its mission and history, design selection process and philanthropic support from the State of Georgia.
•Project shifted to public funding via SPLOST per Commissioner Allen; county must gather public input before finalizing design.
•Survey open until Nov. 1; anonymous by default; unanswered questions compiled into FAQ.

Decisions

•Treat Foundation design as one baseline option; proceed with public engagement.

Directions

•Open survey through Nov. 1; compile unanswered questions into an FAQ; continue collaboration between commission and Foundation.
•Participants encouraged to use QR code or chat; staff will publish FAQ and recording.

Oct

Cobb County Veterans Memorial update - October 2026

A public presentation by the Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation outlining the approved Croft Associates design for the Cobb Veterans Memorial, the foundation's veteran-assistance work and plans for an interactive "virtual living" component.

Discussion Points

•Emphasis that assistance did not cost Cobb County funds.
•Foundation mission description and assistance numbers.
•History of county approval and RFP process recounted by Donna Rowe.
•Presentation emphasized interactive technology to preserve and present veterans' stories.

Oct

Cobb County Board of Zoning Appeals - 10/14/26

The Cobb County Board of Zoning Appeals held its October 14, 2026 meeting, approving a revised consent agenda and deciding several variance requests. The board approved contested variance V-67 with multiple conditions to address stormwater concerns, approved two other variances subject to stormwater review, continued one case, and denied one variance where no principal residence existed.

Discussion Points

•Applicant cited floodplain and septic constraints and produced neighbor waivers.
•Applicant presented engineered footing and erosion-control documentation; neighbor claimed lack of perimeter footings and ongoing erosion.
•Applicant sought garage on lot without a primary residence; neighbor cited proximity to bedroom and septic concerns.
•Applicant sought variance due to changed setback rules and site floodplain issues.
•Board discussion clarified consent process and added V-133 to consent agenda.
•Board noted accessory relief should not impose hardship on adjacent owners absent primary residence.
•Board required permitting and enhanced stormwater mitigation during construction.
•Staff confirmed the shed is not within a drainage easement and had no stormwater objections requiring denial.
•Stormwater staff recommended conditional approval pending plan review.
•Stormwater staff recommended redirecting runoff and grading modifications; board proposed saw-cut/repour solution and buffer.

Decisions

•Consent agenda amended and approved 5-0.
•V-115 approved 5-0.
•V-127 approved 5-0 subject to stormwater conditions.
•V-129 denied 5-0.
•Variance V-67 approved 5-0 with listed conditions.

Directions

•Applicant encouraged to pursue primary residence permitting first.
•Applicant must obtain Cobb County Stormwater approval for final grading/landscaping and follow enhanced mitigation measures during saw-cut and repour.
•Applicants on consent to follow up with staff for permitting and conditions.
•Applicant to obtain permits and follow staff notes.
•Applicant to work with Cobb County Stormwater to meet staff comments prior to permit issuance.
•Zoning to require permitting and inspections.

Oct

Cobb County Board of Commissioners Meeting - 10/13/26

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners held its Oct. 13, 2026 meeting, opening with recognitions and proclamations before conducting the first public hearing on a large package of 2026 code amendments covering housing (ADUs, purpose-built student housing), economic development incentives, alcohol and vape rules, public-safety enforcement changes, and new rules to treat data centers as a special land use. Public comment was extensive and split, especially on ADUs and anti-homeless provisions; utilities and regional agencies briefed commissioners on data-center impacts.

Discussion Points

•ADU size, parking, owner‑occupancy and homestead exemption implications were discussed; planning commission recommended approval with additional affidavit language.
•Advocates said criminalization and court referrals cause harm and recommended Housing First investments and services instead.
•Consolidation of multiple incentive programs into a single tiered program with objective thresholds for jobs and investment.
•Housing incentive thresholds defined: $10M investment, 50 units, 20% at ≤80% AMI; compliance checks and incentive mechanics to be defined in agreements.
•Neighborhood concerns focused on enforcement capacity, parking/impervious surface impacts, and investor conversions.
•Police argued written consent language and clearer trespass authority help address quality‑of‑life complaints, particularly on private property where owners can authorize removal.
•Public comment focused heavily on ADUs, family definition, homelessness enforcement language, and data‑center standards.
•Staff presented a multi-chapter code amendment package and walked through specific changes by department.
•Transmission and generation planning must precede energizing data‑center loads.
•Utilities briefed the board on grid, water and infrastructure considerations for data centers.
•Utilities require long‑term contracts, minimum bills, and financial assurances to avoid cost shifting to existing customers.
•Water authorities noted technology change has reduced water demand estimates; pretreatment and closed‑loop (or equivalent) approaches recommended.

Decisions

•Article on 'unlawful discrimination' was pulled; Chapter 86 enforcement provisions remained in the draft but will be reworked prior to the Oct. 27 hearing.
•Board closed the first public hearing and set a second public hearing for Oct. 27 at 7:00 p.m.
•Certain sections were pulled for further internal discussion (see timeline entry for pulled items).
•No adoption at first hearing; staff to refine language and report back at second hearing.
•No adoption; issue remains in draft pending changes documented for Oct. 27 hearing.
•No county approvals granted at this hearing; utilities reiterated that transmission studies and queue positions determine whether power can be served.

Directions

•Staff and police to revise enforcement language to address concerns about burdening vulnerable people, court impacts and verification of property‑owner consent.
•Staff to allow cooling‑technology neutral language (closed‑loop or equivalent) to accommodate innovation.
•Staff to consider requiring documentation from applicants and utilities (capacity, milestones and financial assurances) as part of SLUP/rezoning packets.
•Staff to include precise compliance and reporting requirements in the draft and provide clarifications in the cover sheet prior to Oct. 27.
•Staff to prepare an updated packet and a cover sheet outlining all changes since the Sept. 5 publication and post it ahead of the Oct. 27 second hearing.
•Staff to present options and clarifications regarding impervious surface calculations, special‑land‑use permit vetting and affidavit language for the second hearing.
•Staff to work with utilities and departments to identify required documentation (capacity, financial assurances) for large‑load applicants.

Oct

Inside the District - S2/E10 - Commissioner Allen talks about the Cobb D.A.'s Victim Witness unit

Commissioner Eric Allen’s podcast episode highlights the Red Bud Blossom Family Justice Center in Marietta, where the Cobb County District Attorney’s office and partners provide co-located, trauma-informed services for survivors of domestic violence; the program also promoted a Purple Thursday awareness event on Oct. 15 and announced a virtual community meeting and survey on the Veterans Memorial SPLOST-funded project.

Discussion Points

•Center rebranded as a justice center to emphasize prosecution and survivor support
•Co‑located services reduce need for multiple interviews
•Event details: Oct. 15 Purple Thursday on Marietta Square; organizers encourage purple lights and attendance
•Graduates can volunteer at the center and in outreach
•Organizers aim to increase buy‑in next year
•Speakers cited national fatality figures but did not provide a source
•Trauma‑informed intake and safety planning described in detail
•Veterans Memorial now funded as a SPLOST project
•Victim Witness Academy trains advocates and community volunteers
•Victim Witness Academy trains staff and volunteers
•Virtual meeting Oct. 15 and public survey Oct. 15–Nov. 1 announced

Directions

•Host community input session and collect survey responses

Oct

Cobb County Planning Commission Zoning Hearing - 10/06/26

Cobb County Planning Commission zoning hearing on Oct. 6, 2026 covered rezoning and land‑use cases, a large package of zoning code amendments (including accessory dwelling units and data‑center rules), several contested rezones and multiple temporary land‑use permit requests for extra residents/vehicles.

Discussion Points

•ADU design, owner‑occupancy affidavit, HOA conflict handling, fire/emergency access, parking surfaces and limits.
•Alcohol service is a separate business‑license issue; commissioners asked for coordination with center owner and DOT.
•Data center buffers, closed‑loop cooling and decommissioning bond.
•DOT review found crashes were within expected range; staff asked for applicant outreach and additional traffic/trip info.
•Neighbors cited intersection crash history and school proximity as safety concerns.
•Neighbors presented photos of recurrent runoff and erosion; applicant agreed to heightened erosion controls and fencing; Stormwater Management recommended temporary erosion control during construction and permanent detention ponds to meet post‑development standards.
•Purpose‑built student housing parking reduction near transit and CPTED/security review requirements.
•Traffic impacts and circulation at shopping center entrances.

Decisions

•Case held for 30 days pending neighbor‑applicant discussions.
•Recommend code amendments to BOC with edits and an ADU delayed effective date.
•Recommend NRC with special exception for commercial indoor recreation to BOC.
•Rezoning Z28 recommended for approval to R‑20 with stipulations; forwarded to Board of Commissioners.

Directions

•Add affidavit language to require property owner to certify compliance with covenants and require staff to refine language on owner incapacity exceptions.
•Applicant and DOT to meet neighbors and review circulation and queuing.
•Applicant to coordinate with stormwater and planning for an enhanced erosion‑control plan during construction and post‑construction.
•Applicant to meet with neighbors and provide trip‑generation comparisons; DOT to review sightdistance and queuing as requested.
•District commissioner to set final vegetative buffer width during final site‑plan review.
•Refer modified draft to County Attorney and Board of Commissioners; require ADU changes to take effect 12 months after BOC approval to allow HOAs to act.
•Require DOT, fire, stormwater and water/sewer reviews; include stipulations and site‑plan review prior to issuance.

Oct

Cobb County’s Peer Court Builds the Next Generation of Leaders

Cobb County's Peer Court is a teen-run diversion program in which student volunteers serve as prosecutor, defense and jury for first-time juvenile misdemeanor cases, offering sentences like counseling or restitution and sealing records when completed. The program, overseen by Judge Kareem West and active since 2017, reports more than 500 student participants and is recruiting students in 8th grade and above.

Discussion Points

•Benefit: community service hours and civic experience
•Claim that alumni pursue legal careers was stated without source
•Completed sentences result in sealed records
•Eligibility: 8th grade and above
•Named students and alumni described as benefiting from training and experience
•Peer Court places teens in prosecutorial and juror roles for first-time misdemeanor cases
•Sentencing options include counseling, restitution, supervision, or letter of apology
•Training: roughly two months including mock trials

Oct

Cobb County Board of Ethics Meeting - 10/21/26

At its Oct. 21 meeting the Cobb County Board of Ethics re-elected Ron Yonker as chair, appointed Adam Rosen as recording secretary and Wynter Wheeler as vice chair, and unanimously dismissed two late-August complaints against Chair Lisa Cupid as technically deficient for failure to meet filing requirements.

Discussion Points

•Short candidate remarks and qualifications from nominees including prosecutorial and mediation experience.
•Whether missing attachments (video) or ambiguous code language ('should' vs 'shall') render a filing defective; whether the board can consider evidence not attached until investigatory review/hearing.

Decisions

•Elections held by voice/hands; Yonker re-elected chair; Wheeler elected vice chair; Rosen appointed recording secretary.
•The board found the filings technically deficient and voted to dismiss the two complaints for those deficiencies.

Directions

•Complainants may refile within 15 days and must cure defects at least seven days before a hearing.

Oct

Cobb County Board of Commissioners Zoning Hearing - 10/20/26

Cobb County Board of Commissioners zoning hearing on 2026-10-20: the board approved a revised consent agenda of rezoning and temporary land‑use items, held several contested rezoning and land‑use cases for additional review (including stormwater and design stipulations), and granted short-term temporary parking/occupancy permits with conditions for several residences.

Discussion Points

•Applicant agreed to condition to avoid removal of the existing use.
•Applicant explained citation and intent to create space (shed or garage reorganization) to park vehicles.
•Commissioners requested coordination with DOT and zoning staff for any accessory structure permits.
•Concerns included potential negative impact on property values, safety at bus stops and repeated code violations dating back to 2024 in some accounts.
•County stormwater staff recommended heightened detention to reduce downstream rates; developer cautioned that holding more water could change timing and worsen downstream peaks.
•Developer agreed to many stipulations carried from adjacent Sagebrook project but disputed some new stipulations around ranch homes and extra detention.
•Existing drive‑through operation noted (Ryze Coffee) and would be grandfathered; condition would prevent any new drive‑through on redevelopment.
•Neighbors insisted stipulations be written and enforceable.
•Neighbors presented petition (63 homeowners) and photos alleging multiple noncompliant vehicles delivered by tow trucks and poor signage placement.
•Staff read multiple cases and conditions for approval on consent; several cases were continued by staff to Nov. 3 or Nov. 17.
•Z35 initially removed from consent due to applicant absence; applicant later agreed to a no‑drive‑through condition and case was returned to consent.

Decisions

•Case held to Nov. 17, 2026 for further staff investigation.
•Case held to Nov. 17, 2026 for further technical work and written stipulations.
•Consent agenda approved 4‑0; multiple continued cases rescheduled per staff recommendations.
•Permit approved 4‑0 per conditions described.
•Z35 returned to consent and approved with a condition barring new drive‑throughs.

Directions

•Applicant to provide clarification on ranch‑style home commitments and square footage concerns.
•Applicant to work with county staff; verification of garage space within 45 days.
•Permit approved for 24 months with standard staff conditions.
•Staff to compile inspection and enforcement history and assess whether the slab and vehicle counts comply with DOT and impervious‑surface rules; return on Nov. 17.
•Staff to ensure final site plans and department signoffs (DOT, stormwater, fire) are completed before permits issued.
•Staff to reflect restriction in final consent paperwork and site‑plan conditions.
•Staff to share stipulation letter and arrange meeting between applicant, neighbors and county stormwater engineers.

Sep

Cobb County Procurement Services Bid Opening - 09/24/26

Cobb County Procurement opened five solicitations on Sept. 24, reading bidders and preliminary totals for road and maintenance contracts and noting that bids $250,000+ will be posted on the county procurement site.

Discussion Points

•Bids read for B2932; no award announced.
•Read bidders and preliminary bid totals for B2456.
•Respondent names for the RFP were read; no dollar amounts provided.
•Respondent names listed; no dollar totals read in the ITB listing.
•Single respondent recorded for 267009; verification pending.

Sep

Cobb County Board of Commissioners Work Session - 09/22/26

Cobb County Board of Commissioners work session on Sept. 22, 2026, reviewing draft 2026 code amendments across multiple chapters including incentives, housing, alcohol, nuisance enforcement, ADUs, data-center standards and a proposed local discrimination-complaint process. Drafts remain subject to public hearings Oct. 6, 13 and Oct. 27.

Discussion Points

•Add outdoor storage, junk vehicles and invasive vines to Article 2 (weed control).
•Allow intra‑day price changes by removing fixed 24‑hour schedule language.
•Apply 20‑day cure period, county remediation and cost recovery via existing lien language (83‑13).
•Define data centers as facilities >30,000 sq ft or >3 MW and require SLUP review.
•Draft forbids awarding damages but allows fines up to $1,000 and potential imprisonment per magistrate court enforcement if unpaid, per state misdemeanor limits.
•Draft would allow county clerk intake, screening and voluntary mediation prior to magistrate court referral.
•Increase spacing between package stores from 1,500 ft (state law) toward 2,500 ft.
•Narrow license prohibition to police department employees; align county code with state sealed-container changes incurred during COVID.
•Potential permit‑fee waivers/reductions and expedited reviews in exchange for deed‑restricted affordability.
•Proposal to consolidate business retention, targeted industry, and special economic impact incentives into a single tiered Strategic Business Investment Incentive.
•Proposed $10M investment minimum and 50-unit minimum with 20% setaside at 80% AMI.
•Removed CDBG and WorkSource Cobb administration from economic development code language; façade grants remain but funding source may be reconsidered.
•Require setbacks, noise limits, closed‑loop cooling, and a decommissioning bond; require water/wastewater capacity verification and applicant‑funded infrastructure improvements.

Directions

•Board to consider public input during hearings.
•Consult Georgia Planning Association findings for best practices.
•County Attorney to refine funding and screening language, clarify who pays mediation and outside‑counsel costs, and meet individually with commissioners for revisions.
•Each incentive agreement will be negotiated and returned to the board for approval.
•Staff to clarify survey/measurement procedures for distance rules and reconcile conflicts between alcohol and vapor‑product licensing.
•Staff to determine internal caps for permit‑fee reductions and collaborate with business license and permitting departments.
•Staff to develop monitoring, duration, and scaling (percent AMI) options administratively and include them in agreements returned to the board.
•Staff to refine definitions for mobile/manufactured homes and consider differential treatment for commercial properties versus residential lots.
•Staff to refine setback/buffer inconsistencies noted by commissioners, research emissions controls and consider limiting the use to heavy‑industry zoning districts.

Sep

West Nile Virus - How to prevent it

Cobb and Douglas Public Health officials announced local West Nile virus activity, outlined expanded mosquito surveillance and control steps, and urged residents to eliminate standing water and use repellents. Free pet-friendly larvicide tablets will be available and the department will increase trapping and enforcement in areas of concern.

Discussion Points

•Distribution of free pet-friendly larvicide tablets.
•Enhanced trapping and surveillance in identified areas of concern.
•Officials signaled ongoing monitoring and community guidance.
•Resident actions emphasized: remove standing water and use repellents.

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