On Nov. 3, Cobb County voters will decide whether to renew the existing one-percent Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST, for another six years after the current program expires at the end of 2027.
The proposed program includes capital projects throughout Cobb County and its seven cities, with investments in transportation, parks and recreation, public safety, technology and other infrastructure. Residents can review the complete project list, including estimated costs and locations, at CobbCounty.gov/SPLOST.
SPLOST can only be used for eligible capital projects and not day-to-day county operating expenses. If voters approve the renewal, Cobb's total sales tax rate would remain at six percent.
Cobb County will host education sessions this fall for residents to learn more and ask questions. The first is Monday, Sept. 14, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Cobb County Civic Center, 548 S. Marietta Parkway SE in Marietta. Questions can also be submitted to SPLOSTcomments@cobbcounty.gov.
Remembering the fallen of 9/11
On Sept. 11, Patriot Day, there will be several events in Cobb to honor those lost during the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. They include:
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park will hold a memorial service at 7:55 a.m. A Field of Flags display at the park will remain up until Sept. 19.
Smyrna Public Safety Foundation 9/11 Commemoration. A public ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. at Smyrna City Hall. At 9:05 a.m., local first responders will take part in a memorial run through downtown Smyrna. A nearby flag display will remain in place through Sunday, Sept. 13.
Austell 9/11 Commemoration program, 8:15 a.m. at the Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Austell.
Korean delegation explores partnership with Cobb
Last week, Cobb County welcomed a delegation from Jinju City, South Korea, including Mayor Kyoo il Jo, to explore shared opportunities in economic development, innovation, and global industry partnership. As a rapidly growing economic hub in southeastern South Korea, Jinju City focuses heavily on aerospace, artificial intelligence, defense, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.
To provide the delegation with a comprehensive overview of Cobb County’s business ecosystem and economic strengths, local leaders delivered key feature presentations including Sabrina Wright, Director of Economic Development, Dana Johnson from the Cobb Chamber, Will Bradley of Lockheed Martin, and Holly Quinlan of Cobb Travel & Tourism.
The bilateral discussions focused on connecting key industries, exchanging technical insights, and fostering future business ties between Jinju City and Cobb County.
Town Center Community to hear from its own
Town Center Community Improvement District officials will host a public open house to help shape the area's 30-year master plan 5 - 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at the community room for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta in Kennesaw. Residents, students, workers, property owners and business owners are invited to share what matters most to them. Their input will help shape priorities in the district for the next three decades. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is located at 605 Big Shanty Road, Kennesaw.
Cobb cybersecurity lauded
Kudos to Cobb County's Information Technology Services team! The department was recently honored by the Georgia Technology Authority at the 2026 Digital Government Summit in Atlanta for its enterprise cybersecurity modernization efforts. This recognition reflects the exceptional leadership of Cobb's cybersecurity team, the dedication and expertise of the entire Information Technology Services Department, and the collaboration of departments across the county.
The award recognizes the technical expertise, strategic planning, and sustained commitment that have strengthened the county’s cybersecurity posture. Cybersecurity modernization is an ongoing responsibility that helps protect county systems and data, supports our employees, safeguards resident information, and promotes the reliable delivery of vital public services.
District town halls this week
Commissioner Keli Gambrill will hold District One town halls this week, focused primarily on zoning and the 2050 Comprehensive Plan.
Thursday, Sept. 10, West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs
Both town halls will begin at 6:30 p.m. Residents can attend and learn more about these important issues affecting the community.
Get revved up for car show
The Cobb County Police Department will host a morning packed with cars, live music, prizes, food trucks, community partners, and activities for the whole family 9 a.m. - noon Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Cobb County Civic Center in Marietta. Admission is free.
Register your Cool Car. Proceeds benefit the Cobb County Police Department’s SWAT Santa Program. The Civic Center is located at 548 S. Marietta Parkway, Marietta.
A 10-minute test could save your life
Get checked for prostate cancer during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Cobb County Public Library and Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute are offering free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests for men ages 40 - 75. No physical exam is required.
The Winship Mobile Unit will provide free, walk-in screenings from 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. on these dates:
Sept. 14 at Switzer Library, 266 Roswell Street, Marietta
Sept. 28 at South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road, Mableton
Ever wondered what actually happens when you call 911? Find out at Cobb County 911's Kids Expo, 10 a.m. - noon Saturday, Sept. 19 at 140 N Marietta Pkwy, Marietta.
Bring the whole family for a day of games, hands-on activities, and behind-the-scenes access. Kids will learn how a 911 call works, interact with first responders, and tour the 911 center.
Camps bring kids a week of activities
Families looking for activities during the upcoming fall break, Sept. 21 - 25, still have numerous choices this month.
Fall Break Theatre Camp (#57002) at Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. for ages 9 - 14.
Lace up your running shoes. Cobb County will hold its Make-A-Wish 5K on Saturday, Oct. 3, in downtown Marietta. The annual walk/run event helps grant wishes for Cobb County children with critical illnesses. The Make-A-Wish 5K is a Peachtree Road Race qualifying event.
Participants assemble on the Marietta Square, pre-race festivities begin at 7 a.m., and the race begins at 8:15 a.m. Find more information and register on the Make-A-Wish 5K page.
New this year - recycle any gently-loved sneakers with Eco Sneakers, who will donate 50 centsfor each pair to Make-A-Wish. How to donate:
Oct. 2 - Pick up your bib and drop off your kicks when you get your packet 3 - 7 p.m. at the Al Bishop Softball Complex, 1082 Al Bishop Drive SW, Marietta.
Oct. 3 - Drop shoes in the collection bin on Marietta Square.
More September featured events
It's the busy season around here with lots of events for kids and adults, families and seniors. See something you like? The links will take you to more info.
The Board of Commissioners will conduct public hearings to solicit comments and input on proposed amendments to certain chapters, articles, divisions, and sections of the Official Code of Cobb County, Georgia. The board will vote on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13 - Board of Commissioners Public Hearing 1 of 2
7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 - Board of Commissioners Public Hearing 2 of 2
The public hearings will be held at 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta, in the 2nd floor Board of Commissioners meeting room. A copy of the proposed amendments to will be on file in the office of the Clerk of the Board of Commissioners and the Clerk of the Superior Court for examination and inspection by the public. View the impacted chapters on the Cobb County web site.
Upcoming public meetings
All meetings are held at 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta, on the 2nd floor and also stream live on CobbTV and on our YouTube channel. You can watch the meetings afterward on our YouTube channel.
Board of Commissioners zoning hearing, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15
Board of Commissioners regular meeting, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22
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