The Atlanta Regional Commission honored Cobb County as one of its nine Green Communities last week, highlighting its leadership in sustainability practices.
Other communities earning the certification included Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Mableton, Milton, Norcross, Roswell, Woodstock, and Douglas County. The commission developed the Green Communities Program in 2009 to certify local governments that invest in programs and policies that lead to a more sustainable region. The nationally recognized program showcases the many ways that local governments can reduce their environmental footprint.
“For jurisdictions to voluntarily submit to certify as Green Communities by lightening their environmental footprint is a testament to their commitment to fostering greener, healthier, and more livable communities,” ARC Executive Director Anna Roach said.
Learn about proposed SPLOST projects
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 host open house engagement meetings with residents to gather feedback on the proposed SPLOST program list. Drop in anytime between 6 - 8 p.m. on the following dates:
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
Have you ever wanted to start your own seedlings but don’t know where to start? Join Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the South Cobb Regional Library in Mableton for the how and whys of starting seeds. You will learn germinating to transplanting tips and participate in a hands-on seed starting activity with all supplies provided. It’s free with door prizes and raffles too.
The library is located at 805 Clay Road, Mableton. Gardener’s Night Out is an evening horticultural education series. Programs are held monthly from August through April and are free and open to the public. Programs alternate among the Cobb County libraries.
An online reservation system is open at a half-dozen Cobb County libraries for people needing help with their income taxes. AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will provide free tax preparation assistance by appointment only. Appointments can be made in-person (but not same day) or online.
Appointments begin Monday, Feb. 2, and run through Wednesday, April 15. For more information, including an accessible list of the libraries and what to bring to a Tax-Aide appointment, visit here.
Cobb libraries will also provide free federal 2025 1040 tax forms and instruction booklets while supplies last and will also offer free printing of federal and state forms (not instructions), up to 10 pages. Contact your library to ensure they have forms available before making a trip.
Raising awareness about trafficking
January is recognized nationally as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, highlighting efforts to prevent trafficking and support victims and survivors. Human trafficking is a crime that involves exploiting individuals through force, fraud or coercion for labor or commercial sex. It can occur in communities of all sizes.
Education is critical to prevention and response. When community members understand the warning signs and know how to report concerns, exploitation is more likely to be identified, and victims can be connected to support services.
You can also report suspicious activity by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Business license extension ends next week
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.
Cobb County Water System and the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority invite high school students from Cobb County and City of Marietta School Districts, including homeschooled students, to participate in the 2026 waterSmart High School Photography Contest. The submission deadline is Feb. 27.
Students interested in participating must submit a photograph in one of six categories: Water at Play, Water at Work, Water in Nature, Water and People, Protecting Water, and Conserving Water.
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.
Looking for a low-cost way to find a friend? Cobb County Animal Services will hold an adoption event at Heirloom Antiques and Art Gallery, 4004 Powder Springs Road, Powder Springs, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. Adoption fees will be waived.
If you can't make it, Animal Services will still help you out with a $25 pet adoption special during January. And if you donate unopened, unexpired cat or dog food to the Cobb Animal Services pet food pantry, the adoption fee will be waived.
Dogs and cats available for adoption are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations. Make an appointment at Cobb Animal Services to bring home a companion. Cobb County Animal Services is located at 1060 Al Bishop Road, Marietta.
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.
