Civil Municipal Magazine Aug 2023

52 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 8 AUSTELL , GEORGIA As the smallest city in Cobb County, Georgia, Austell is a dynamic community that promotes entrepreneurship, community-mindedness, and a high quality of life. Originally home to the Cherokee Nation, the city has a unique history as a health destination due to the natural springs in the area. Today, Austell has evolved to become a diverse community welcoming continued growth and development. “Austell is a very unique city,” touts Mayor Ollie Clemons. “We are only miles away from downtown Atlanta and from Hartsfield, the busiest airport in the world. We have a lot of features that people love to have, and we have continued interest in development, from a business and a residential perspective.” He expresses particular excitement about the ongoing development in and around the city’s downtown, which is outlined in a recently completed Livable Cities Initiative (LCI). Although at one time the city attracted residents seeking a quiet, tranquil lifestyle, Development Director, Darrell Weaver suggests that the landscape is shifting. He conveys, “Right now is an exciting time to be part of the City of Austell, because of all the change and redevelopment that is happening. A lot of citizens, especially the millennial population, are looking for diverse communities to live in, with walkability and connectivity, and with access to green space.” Development and Growth One of Austell’s primary economic development strategies is centered around empowering small business owners. This effort has fueled revitalization in the city, with historic commercial properties being repurposed for mixed-use developments. The Cincinnati Junction is one example