Business View Magazine | November 2019

323 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2019 SOUTH FULTON, GEORGI A most is the partnership between our citizens and elected officials in ensuring that government works for all. The Citizen Response Center was birthed out of citizen engagement where residents desired to have better access to government, lower response times from fire and police, and insights into day-do-day things that they couldn’t find on the website, or in documents unless they attended a council meeting. The reason this effort has been successful, is that it is a solution to a problem presented directly from our citizens – just as important, is that it didn’t require additional funding from our taxpayers. “Plans are also in progress for a city center and a downtown district. Within South Fulton’s boundaries, there is more concentrated undeveloped land than in any other municipality in the state, so we want to be very thoughtful in where we place our downtown and our city center. We have an Economic Development Master Plan underway, so we expect to get quality feedback around Feb. 2020 on what potential locations are permitting time from 90 days to an average of 24 days.” BVM: Any green or sustainable initiatives? Donald: “Currently, we’re doing a Smart Cities evaluation. Our Council passed legislation focused on moving our City forward through smart sustainable solutions. Recently, Council passed legislation eliminating plastic straws, foam cups, and plastic bags. People can use these items, although doing so comes at a cost, where those revenues are used for greening activities on behalf of the city. We’re also exploring the use of solar panels on many of our buildings in the park system, as well as City Hall. We are currently working with the Cherry Street firm located here in the Metro Atlanta area to help us do a solar assessment and a solar panel test.” BVM: What are the most important points you’d like to share about South Fulton? Donald: “One thing that has impressed me the Engaged residents at a City Council Meeting