East Cobb Cityhood Pros and Cons

East Cobb is an unincorporated community within Cobb County in Georgia. The idea to incorporate East Cobb as a city is known as the East Cobb Cityhood movement. In December 2019, the Committee for Cityhood in East Cobb said it will put its legislative proposal on hold until 2021. A bill permitting a municipal referendum on whether the East Cobb area might incorporate as a city was enacted in February 2022. The referendum was conducted on May 24, 2022, after the start of early voting on May 2.

The issue over making East Cobb a city is a fight between those who want to change and others who want to keep things the same. The primary justification for becoming a city, according to supporters, is local representation. Additionally, they think that by using community policing, East Cobb's most common problems, such as theft and traffic accidents, may be addressed. The town will continue to receive fire protection services from the same fire stations, with the same equipment, and perhaps with the same personnel as are currently deployed to provide these services in East Cobb.

If East Cobb becomes a city, detractors argue that taxes will increase. Furthermore, they assert that people will receive less representation in the government, the police, and the fire department rather than greater or better representation. 

The plan to incorporate East Cobb as a city was rejected by voters on May 24, 2022. In response to a lack of affordable housing in metro Atlanta, three affluent areas in Cobb County had sought to form new cities in order to gain control over zoning.

Residents, legislators, and specialists in the area have all expressed their opinions on the subject of East Cobb Cityhood. The following is a list of some of the potential benefits and drawbacks associated with the cityhood of East Cobb:

Pros

Local command

One of the primary arguments in support of East Cobb Cityhood is that it will grant citizens greater authority over their own city. According to proponents, a city government could handle the interests and problems of East Cobb citizens more effectively than the county administration.

Better services

East Cobb Cityhood proponents contend that a municipal government would be in a better position to deliver improved levels of service to the local populace in areas such as public safety (police and fire protection), infrastructure (road maintenance and upkeep), and waste management.

Economic growth 

East Cobb Cityhood proponents suggest that a city government would be better able to encourage economic growth and draw in new firms, which might lead to the creation of additional employment and an increase in local tax income.

Cons

More taxation

One of the primary worries regarding East Cobb Cityhood is that it could result in increased taxes for residents. Opponents are dubious, but supporters of the initiative claim that any increased taxes would be compensated by better services.

Fragmentation

Some authorities caution that the establishment of a new city can cause fragmentation and conflict within the broader community. They fear that the proposal will foster a "us versus them" mindset between those who live in the new city and those who live beyond its boundaries.

Unexpected outcomes

East Cobb Cityhood's opponents contend that it is difficult to foresee all of the possible outcomes of establishing a new city and that the idea may have unanticipated negative effects on the region. They contend that prior to making such a substantial change, additional analysis and planning are required.