When Sandy Springs became a city in 2005, it provided the impetus for nearby areas to do the same, changing the landscape of the North Atlanta metro area. Now, on the 20th anniversary of its incorporation, mayors from nearby cities reflect on the influence Sandy Springs had on their journeys to cityhood.
Dunwoody
Dunwoody officially became a city in 2008.
Mayor Lynn Deutsch: Dunwoody incorporated in 2008, following the model and momentum that Sandy Springs set. Their success gave us the confidence to pursue local control. We saw firsthand how a city could be managed with a focus on service, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. Nearly two decades later, both cities have thrived.
Together, we have transformed the northern arc of DeKalb and Fulton Counties into a region known for its innovation, collaboration, and quality of life. We are grateful to Sandy Springs for proving that local voices matter and for inspiring so many others, including Dunwoody, to build strong, responsive, and visionary cities of their own.
Brookhaven
Brookhaven was incorporated in December 2012.
Brookhaven Mayor John Park: When Sandy Springs became the first new city in metro Atlanta, it became a blueprint for other suburban areas dissatisfied with county-level management. Sandy Springs’ successful transition to cityhood and its focus on a high level of quality of local service delivery inspired the residents of what is now Brookhaven.
It got everyone thinking, if they can do it, we can too! Sandy Springs’ success gave Brookhaven advocates both a roadmap and political momentum. In essence, Sandy Springs opened the door to a wave of new cities across the Atlanta region, demonstrating how determined civic leadership could reshape local governance
Milton
Milton became a city in December 2006, just one year after Sandy Springs incorporated.
Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison: Twenty years ago, Sandy Springs ignited a wave of municipal change across metro Atlanta, a wave that would eventually reach the northern suburbs and pave the way for Milton. What made Sandy Springs transformative was not only the decision to become a city, but the way it chose to operate.
By contracting for most services and forming strong public and private partnerships, it demonstrated a bold, efficient alternative to traditional government. Neighboring communities took notice, seeing a model that offered greater control over services, taxation, and accountability. The impact was immediate.
Sandy Springs became both template and catalyst. Its success helped communities like ours turn the goal of self-governance into a lasting reality.
Tucker
Tucker officially became a city in March 2016.
Tucker Mayor Frank Auman: Tucker is grateful to the people of Sandy Springs for their more than 40-year effort to form the first new city in Georgia in nearly 50 years. Their success reminded many around the state of the foundational, indispensable value of local government.
As Tucker celebrates the 10th anniversary of our successful cityhood referendum, and we reflect on the many benefits cityhood has provided, we are more convinced than ever that our community has seen a significant increase in our quality of life that simply wouldn’t have been possible without local decision-making and hands-on government by neighbors on behalf of neighbors.