County and city leaders have begun the process of renewing Cobb County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). This one-percent sales tax has been in place for decades, helping to fund major capital projects such as courthouses, community centers, parks, libraries, and large-scale transportation improvements.
As part of the process, officials will meet with residents to gather feedback on the proposed SPLOST program list. Community engagement meetings are scheduled 6 - 8 p.m. on the following dates:
Jan. 15 - Tim D. Lee Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta
Jan. 21 – Public Safety Training Center (Mableton, Austell, Powder Springs), 2435 East-West Connector, Austell
Jan. 22 – Public Safety Training Center (Mableton, Austell, Powder Springs), 2435 East-West Connector, Austell
Feb. 5 – West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs
Feb. 12 – Acworth Community Center, 4361 Cherokee Street, Acworth
Feb. 25 - Smyrna Community Center, 1250 Powder Springs Street, Smyrna
March 5 – Cobb Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta
March 10 – Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive, Kennesaw
Extra time to recycle your Christmas tree
Still have your Christmas tree? Keep Cobb Beautiful has extended its Bring One for the Chipper recycling event through Jan. 10 at various locations throughout Cobb County.
Before dropping off your tree, please remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, and bases. Wreaths, garlands, and other items will not be accepted.
You can also drop your tree off at Fullers Park through Jan. 10 at 3499 Robinson Road, Marietta (lot down the street).
Road closure at Kennesaw Mountain
Planning to hike Kennesaw Mountain in the new year? Mountain Road is closed to private vehicles as a safety improvement project begins. The changes are designed to improve visitor safety and protect the park's historic and natural resources, including road striping and enhancements at the summit and shuttle plaza.
The 1.5-mile road to the summit is still open for shuttles, bikes, or walking, with a new pedestrian lane for hikers. Cyclist access will be permitted daily from 7:30 - 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. (or 6:00 p.m. during winter hours) outside of shuttle operating times.
The 2026 proposed amendments to the Cobb County Comprehensive Plan are available for your review. The amendment package includes six zoning decisions and three commission proposals. Scheduled work session and public hearings:
Planning Commission Work Session, Jan. 6, 5:30 p.m.
Planning Commission Comp Plan Amendments Public Hearing: Jan. 6, 7 p.m.
Board of Commissioners Comp Plan Amendments Public Hearing, Jan. 20, 9 a.m.
There is an open call to all musicians, singers, dancers, rappers, spoken word performers, and more. Showcase your individual talents, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the annual tribute event in Marietta.
Live audition dates will be held at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre:
5 - 9 p.m., Jan. 8
9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Jan. 10
5 - 9 p.m., Jan. 12
Video auditions may also be emailed to cobbnaacp@gmail.com. Call 770-425-5757 for further information.
The 2026 celebration will take place 10 a.m. - noon Monday, Jan. 19, at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, 548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta. View the flyer here.
Cobb business license amnesty period ends Jan. 30
Cobb County is offering a limited-time amnesty period to help businesses operating in unincorporated Cobb come into compliance with county licensing requirements. Through Jan. 30, individuals and businesses engaged in commerce within unincorporated Cobb County can obtain a 2026 Occupation Tax Certificate — commonly known as a business license — without incurring back taxes, penalties, or interest.
The Board of Commissioners approved the amnesty period to support local businesses and ensure that all entities doing business in the county are properly registered. This applies to both independent businesses and county vendors providing goods or services under county contracts.
Learn to save a life by enrolling in a resuscitation class led by Cobb County firefighters. This low-cost course at the Cobb Safety Village will teach you CPR for adults, children, and babies and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator.
The classes will be held:
1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22
1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17
The course does not provide an American Heart Association completion card. Classes are open to adults and teens age 12 and older. Teens need to attend with a paying adult.
The Cobb Safety Village is located at 1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. A $10 non-refundable registration fee reserves your spot. Register here.
Make a furever friend
New Year. New best friend! Kick off 2026 with a furry companion from Cobb Animal Services for $25. The adoption fee will be waived with a donation of cat or dog food to the Cobb Animal Services pet food pantry.
The Art Place is looking for vendors and artists to participate in its Renaissance Faire on March 28. There are opportunities available in its artisan market, food court area and demonstration section. Applications are due by Sunday, Feb. 1.
Performers are also invited to audition in a parody of Robin Hood. Auditions will take place 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at The Art Place, 3330 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta.
The Cobb County Water System encourages you to add water-saving goals to your intentions for the year ahead.
Reduce your water waste. Installing a Flume Smart Home Water Monitor is a great way to track your home’s water usage, lower your consumption, identify leaks, and ultimately save money. Cobb Water customers receive a discounted purchase price and a $100 bill credit after the installation of a Flume. Purchase your monitor here.
Reuse, don’t toss. Make simple switches to reusable paper towels, water bottles and shopping bags. Single-use items require a lot of water to manufacture and can end up in our streams, polluting our water resources and harming wildlife.
Repeat. With repetition comes retention. Incorporate good habits into your daily life and they will become second nature in no time.
Did you know nearly 500 children in Cobb County are in foster care? You can make a difference in a child's life by becoming an advocate for the kids in the Cobb Juvenile Court's CASA program (Court Appointed Special Advocate).
CASA volunteers advocate for the children by meeting with their families, teachers, therapists, and doctors. The ultimate goal is to help reunite the children with their families when possible or place them in a permanent, loving home. The next training session begins on Feb. 17.
Kick off the new year with Cobb County Senior Services! Registration for winter classes opens 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12 and offers plenty of options for adults 55 and older to stay active, engaged, and connected this season.
The winter lineup includes fitness and wellness, arts, technology, and more. Whether you're looking to try something new or continue a favorite hobby, there's something for everyone.
Give your old prom dress or suit a second chance to shine at the Cobb Prom Swap. Please donate gently used dresses, suits, or accessories you no longer need. Cobb County Library locations are also accepting shoes, jewelry, accessories, and new, unused cosmetics.
Bring donations by Saturday, Feb. 7, to any of these locations:
Teen Prom Swap Events will be held 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on two Saturdays in February. Teens are invited to shop during the free Prom Swap and find the perfect outfit for prom night. Everything is first-come, first-served.
Saturday, Feb. 28 at Switzer Library, 266 Roswell Street, Marietta
Free computer classes offered at Switzer Library
Basic computer classes are available for free through CobbWorks/WorkSource Georgia in partnership with Switzer Library, giving residents a chance to build important digital skills. These workshops take place 1 - 2 p.m. at Switzer Library, 266 Roswell Street, Marietta, on the following dates.
In addition, a teen cybersecurity class will be offered at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Switzer Library. This session will teach young people how to spot online scams and phishing attempts, recognize suspicious links or messages, protect their passwords, and be smart on social media. Register here for the Teen Cybersecurity Class.
We are in the last few weeks of Cobb County's Business Amnesty period. Watch this message from Chairwoman Lisa Cupid to see if you should take advantage of this rare program and set up your business for success in the future!
PARKS Winter Activity Guide!
Winter blues? We’ve got the cure. Cobb PARKS is packed with winter fun for adults and kiddos, including holiday events, sports leagues, art classes, and more.
A lot happens around the county that just doesn't fit into one weekly newsletter. Get more news and information from the Cobb departments you want to hear from.
► Twelve months. Countless reasons to love Cobb County. Our digital 2026 Cobb County Calendar shows Cobb's parks and picturesque places. Photos are all taken by local photographers, Cobb PARKS annual photo contest winners, and county staff. You have a choice of two different covers. Use as computer screensavers or print for the wall or desk.
