Our community builds momentum. More than 35 years ago, a dedicated group of residents formed the Citizens for Sandy Springs, galvanizing support to incorporate our city. Before we officially became the City of Sandy Springs on December 1, 2005, local non-profits and organizations worked together to deliver community services, a tradition that continues today. That same pride and determination remain, and two decades later, we are still building on our momentum.
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In 2005, Sandy Springs pioneered the public-private partnership model, delivering city services at considerable savings. As our needs changed, we adopted a hybrid service model, saving an estimated $26 million in just the last five years. Our collaborative approach with contracting partners ensures we keep operations both efficient and effective. Now, the city is advancing even further, embracing digital innovation and AI to promote efficiency.
As we continue to invest in innovative solutions, our commitment remains focused on empowering staff and maximizing resources.
Public safety has always been a top priority. In July 2006, we established the Sandy Springs Police Department by swearing in 86 officers. This year, we opened the department’s first city-owned police headquarters and municipal court, a modern facility in the North End designed for greater service.
After founding our fire department in December 2006, we have continued to invest: this year saw the purchase of land and bond issuance for a new Fire Station No. 4, a replacement for No. 1, and expansion of No. 3, following last year’s opening of Fire Station No. 5. When this work is completed, we will have completely new facilities for all our public safety professionals.
Connectivity and infrastructure are ongoing challenges for a city originally designed around vehicular travel. To meet these needs, we have constructed new roads, reconfigured major corridors like the Mount Vernon Highway (expected to be completed in spring 2026) and invested more than $480 million in capital improvement and T-SPLOST projects. This year, the first segment of the Trail Master Plan, Springway 2A, was completed, and alongside PATH400, sets the stage for future connectivity, from Sandy Springs all the way to the Atlanta Beltline, while providing recreational opportunities for our residents.
These developments are building and strengthening the connective tissue of our community, and there’s no better example of that than our City Springs District. In 2018, we opened City Springs, which was built to establish a downtown gathering space. In six years, it has become a hub for activity, both economic and leisure, drawing nearly 500,000 people for performances at our Performing Arts Center and community events on City Green and delivering significant economic impact.
As I look to the next 20 years, the momentum is strong. We remain focused on enhancing public safety, infrastructure, trails, the City Springs District, the North End, and more, embracing innovative solutions that will continue to make Sandy Springs a vibrant home for generations to come.