AJC Local In-depth
AJC Local In-depth

East Cobb cityhood bill calls for 2020 referendum during primary

David Birdwell, a presenter who backs the proposed City of East Cobb, is confronted by Nancy Miller and other local residents with questions at the conclusion of a packed town hall meeting in Nolan Hall at the Catholic Church of St. Ann on Thursday, March 28, 2019, in Marietta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

David Birdwell, a presenter who backs the proposed City of East Cobb, is confronted by Nancy Miller and other local residents with questions at the conclusion of a packed town hall meeting in Nolan Hall at the Catholic Church of St. Ann on Thursday, March 28, 2019, in Marietta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com
By Meris Lutz
April 1, 2019

State Rep. Matt Dollar, R-Marietta, introduced legislation on Friday to incorporate a new city of East Cobb.

Last week, the cityhood movement held its first public forum with hundreds of residents, many of whom expressed skepticism of the proposed city.

Lawmakers won’t have an opportunity to discuss, let alone vote, on the bill until next year. Per state law, new cities must go through a two-year legislative process.

If it’s signed into law, the bill calls for a referendum to be held during the general primary preceding the 2020 general election. If it passes, elections for mayor and council members would be held at time as the 2020 general election.

About the Author

Meris Lutz is a contributing writer covering climate, the environment and the economy. She is particularly interested in stories that explore the intersections between climate change and labor, markets, health, biodiversity, government transparency and public access to natural resources.

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