Owens. “We have our own post office, a defined zip code, and a well-established area.” But now, as one of the newest cities in Georgia—and even the nation— it’s carving out a fresh identity. The city’s location is one of its most distinctive attributes. Situated just due west of Atlanta, Mableton sits along the Chattahoochee River and serves as a gateway to Atlanta and the entire western part of Georgia.“I often talk about Mableton as the gateway to the West,” the mayor explains. He points to Mableton’s critical role in connecting metro Atlanta to cities like Douglasville and Villa Rica and even extending toward Alabama. Major thoroughfares like Interstate 20, Veterans Memorial Highway, and the East-West Connector criss cross through the city, making it a hub of accessibility. Beyond being geographically well-positioned, Mableton offers a lifestyle that appeals to those looking for proximity to the excitement of Atlanta without the intensity of city living. Mayor Owens describes the city as “just eight or nine miles from Midtown Atlanta,” highlighting its easy access to Hartsfield-Jackson, the world’s busiest airport. For residents, this balance of quiet living and urban convenience is key. “It’s a place where you can live and raise a family and be very happy, but still have proximity to everything that the larger metro area offers,” he says. BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE As a newly incorporated city, Mableton has a unique advantage: the opportunity to build with a clean slate. This means Mableton can prioritize what matters most to its community from the outset. “We get to define, along with our citizens, what’s important to us,” Mayor Owens says. Environmental sustainability is clearly one of those priorities.” For him, sustainability isn’t just about reducing environmental impact—it’s about embedding ecofriendly practices into the city’s very foundation. One of the key areas of focus is transportation.“Our goal is to have an electric fleet for city vehicles,” he explains. Partnering with Georgia Power, Mableton is exploring expanding electric charging stations and making energy-efficient homes more accessible to residents.“We want homes that are not only greener but save people money on heating and cooling costs,” the mayor adds. This dual focus on environmental health and economic savings reflects a broader vision for the city’s future. The city is also building its community development department with sustainability in mind.As Mableton creates its ordinances, it is doing so with a keen 161 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 MABLETON, GA
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