After years of watching cities created on the north side of metro Atlanta, voters on the south side decided it was their turn.

On Election Day, voters approved the cities of South Fulton and Stonecrest, bringing a combined 150,000 people within their borders. They'll become the ninth and 10th cities formed in the region since Sandy Springs launched the incorporation trend in 2005.

The formation will mean even more government bodies that will need to communicate and coordinate about the region’s future.

Like cities that came before, supporters of South Fulton and Stonecrest say they want more control of their tax money and government. They believe incorporation will bring more business growth and better services than county governments could provide.

To read more about the benefits for these new cities, and the challenges they face, click here.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com