Community leaders have begun the process of renewing Cobb County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. 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. All meetings are scheduled 6 - 8 p.m. on these 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
Cobb County Government offices will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 19. Many county services are available online at cobbcounty.gov.
You can join in the celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King at an event filled with meaningful performances, 10 a.m. - noon Monday, Jan. 19 at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, 548 S. Marietta Parkway, SE, Marietta. The annual event, hosted by the Cobb NAACP, will showcase singers, dancers, musicians, spoken word performers and more.
The final audition for the event will be held at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, tonight, 5 - 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12. Video auditions may also be emailed to cobbnaacp@gmail.com. Call 770-425-5757 for further information.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity to start your year in the spirit of volunteerism and service while continuing his legacy. Here are some ways to participate with service events in Cobb and Metro Atlanta:
Acworth - A Welcome Breakfast and Unity Walk will be held at the Roberts School Community and Education Center 8:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19. The walk will be followed by a program and day of service at 10 a.m. at the Tanyard Creek Overlook at the Acworth Community Center. Get Acworth event details here.
Kennesaw volunteer day will be held 9 a.m. - noon Monday, Jan. 19 at Smith-Gilbert Gardens. Volunteers will assist with a garden entryway beautification project. Get Kennesaw event details here.
Austell's Community Cleanup will help beautify streets and Keep Cobb Beautiful Adopt-A-Mile areas. Volunteers of all ages are needed Monday, Jan. 19, from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. Meet at Destiny World Church, 7400 Factory Shoals Road, Austell. Get Austell cleanup details here and sign up using the QR code or sign up here.
Chattahoochee Cleanup - Monday, Jan. 19, noon - 2 p.m. at the Paces Mill Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. 3444 Cobb Parkway, Atlanta. For ages 10 and older. Get Chattahoochee cleanup details and register here.
Volunteer to help in emergencies
Get CERT-ified to assist first responders. Join Cobb's Community Emergency Response Team volunteers and learn these skills:
Disaster awareness
Fire and utility safety
Medical/CPR/first aid
Search and rescue
Organization for disasters
Disaster psychology
Terrorism awareness
Great volunteer opportunity for young, old, those working and retirees! The next training sessions will be held:
Cobb County has been selected to receive $8.45 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program to support a project aimed at improving roadway safety across multiple high-risk corridors.
The project targets three key corridors identified as having high concentrations of fatal and serious-injury crashes. Proposed improvements focus on enhancing safety and strengthening pedestrian and bicycle connectivity through new traffic signals, additional turn lanes, roundabouts, raised medians, and improved lighting.
Did you know nearly 500 children in Cobb County are in foster care? You can make a difference in a child's life by joining the Cobb Juvenile Court's Court Appointed Special Advocate program.
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. Learn more and apply for the upcoming training session here. Deadline to apply is Feb. 6. Training sessions begin on Feb. 17.
Strategic plan seeks your guidance
Cobb is creating its first Economic Development Strategic Plan and we need your input. Officials are looking at how to bring more jobs, support local businesses, and make Cobb an even better place to live and work.
Take a quick survey and explain what matters most to you. Your voice will help shape the future of the community.
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. The final public hearing will be held 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20.
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.
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.
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
Fun for kids over winter break
Before you know it, kids will be off for the school winter break in February. Keep your kids engaged in arts and sports during the week off at Cobb winter break camps:
• Winter Break Musical: Schoolhouse Rock, Jr. - Feb. 9 - 20 at Sewell Mill Cultural Center for ages 9 - 12. #49464
5: 30 - 8:30 p.m., Feb. 9 - 13
9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Feb. 16 - 20
• Mixed Media Art Camp - 9 - 12:30 p.m., Feb. 16 - 20 at The Art Place. For ages 8 - 11. #50556
• Creative Explorers Camp - 1 - 4 p.m., Feb. 16 - 20 at The Art Place. For ages 8 - 11. #50165
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