Civil Municipal Magazine Aug 2023

85 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 8 practically every weekend,” Higgins states, underscoring the vibrant local culture. Walkability and access to green spaces are important facets of Cumming’s community development. “We have sidewalks everywhere,” Higgins confirms, adding that the city center features walking trails that will eventually connect to the Forsyth County Greenway. The greenway, encompassing most of the county, allows residents to transition from sidewalk to natural trail, fostering an environment where urban living and the great outdoors exist in harmonious balance. Looking Ahead: Commitment to Progress and Personalized Service As Cumming advances into the latter half of 2023, now,” he reports. The marked shift towards residential growth is a relatively recent trend, coinciding with a more growth-friendly approach since Mayor Brumbalow took office. Reflecting on Cumming’s growth trajectory, Higgins emphasizes the city’s shift from a slow growth pace—averaging about 80 people a year over the last five decades—to a much faster one. “There have been over a thousand rooftops completed in the last 12 months,” confirms Mayor Brumbalow, adding that these new developments include both rentals and homes for sale. This significant increase underscores the robust demand and needs for housing in Cumming, fueling the city’s ongoing growth. Infrastructure and Attractions: Fostering Sustainable Growth and Community Appeal The city of Cumming has been diligently upgrading its infrastructure to accommodate its expanding commercial and residential sectors. Mayor Brumbalow explains, “The entire city is covered with sewer and water.” He also highlights an upcoming bypass project designed to optimize traffic patterns around the city square. New roads have also been constructed to ease traffic congestion and facilitate quicker transportation across the city. When it comes to tourism, Cumming’s strategy is handled through the Chamber of Commerce’s tourism department. The city’s allure stems from its varied amenities and regular events. The city center alone, boasting concerts and various activities, serves as a significant attraction. “We’ve had just unbelievably great crowds at every event we’ve had there,” Higgins notes. In addition to the city center, Cumming hosts the annual Country Band Festival, drawing in around 300,000 visitors. The Becoming Aquatic Center, a renowned local facility, hosts swim meets, and dive meets, including the state swim meet twice in the last five years. Cumming’s fairgrounds serve as another hive of activity, hosting a range of events from rodeos to music festivals. “We’re having events CUMMING , GA