South Fulton, Georgia

South Fulton is a city in Fulton County, Georgia, United States in the Atlanta metropolitan area. It was incorporated in 2017 from parts of southwest Fulton County and includes the communities of Red Oak, Cooks Crossing, Stonewall, Fife, Ben Hill, Sandtown, Cliftondale, Ono, Cedar Grove, Boat Rock/Dry Pond, Maude, Lester, Enon, Welcome All, Peters Woods, and part of Campbellton. As of 2020, it had a population of 107,436, making it the state's eighth-largest city in population. Also as of 2020, South Fulton has the highest African-American percentage of any U.S. city over 100,000, surpassing highly African-American cities such as Detroit and Jackson.

History
The 2016 Georgia General Assembly passed bill HB514 to incorporate South Fulton. Governor Nathan Deal signed the bill into law on April 29, 2016. On November 8, 59% of the citizens of what would become South Fulton voted to charter the city. This referendum was part of a “cityhood movement” in the Atlanta metropolitan area that began in 2005 with the incorporation of Sandy Springs on the north side of Atlanta. Several other communities in Fulton voted to incorporate in 2007.

With the passage of the South Fulton referendum in 2016, Fulton County became the first county in Georgia with no unincorporated residential areas. As a result, in 2017 Fulton County also became the first county in Georgia to cease providing municipal services such as fire, police, zoning, and code enforcement. Many former Fulton County personnel and facilities were transferred to the City of South Fulton.

On March 21, 2017, South Fulton held elections for mayor and city council, followed by runoff elections before incorporation took effect on May 1.

The first mayor of South Fulton was Bill Edwards, who previously served on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners from 2000 to 2014. His term expired on December 31, 2021.

In November 2017, after a one-year waiting period mandated by state law, the city council selected Renaissance as the new name for the city after allowing residents to suggest names. More than 200 names were submitted, and the list was pared to 20, including Campbellton (a historical town now partly within the city), Atlanta Heights, Wolf Creek and retaining South Fulton. Following a three-week public notice period and two regular public meetings, which are required to amend the city charter, the city council approved the name change in December 2017. However, Mayor Edwards vetoed the name change on December 18, citing several reasons, including contracts and some public opposition.

In its first eight months, South Fulton created its infrastructure, navigated financial challenges and began a transition from Fulton County services.

In 2023, it was announced that approximately 700 acres along Old National Highway, one of the primary commercial corridors in the city, is set for major revitalization. The revitalization project is scheduled to be completed by 2028.

Government
The City of South Fulton operates as a weak mayor form of government. According to the National League of Cities, a weak mayor government includes a powerful council with both legislative and executive authority. The mayor is not truly the chief executive, with limited power. The council can prevent the mayor from effectively supervising city administration. South Fulton's mayor votes only in case of a tied council vote. Khalid Kamau was elected Mayor of South Fulton in 2021.

The council is primarily responsible for creating and adopting policy via ordinances, resolutions, and amendments. Council members also approve proposed projects, services, events, and purchases above a certain dollar amount. South Fulton's city manager, who reports to the council, manages the city's day-to-day operations and supervises department heads.

Today the city operates with the following departments: City Clerk; City Manager; Public Affairs; Code Enforcement; Community Development; Economic Development (Destination South Fulton); Finance; Fire; Human Resources; Information Technology; Legal; Municipal Court; Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs; Police and Public Works. All other services – including utilities, sanitation, elections, public health and others – are managed by Fulton County, or private providers. All public schools within the city are managed by Fulton County Schools.

Demographics


South Fulton was first listed in the 2020 U.S. Census.

Primary and secondary schools
Fulton County Public Schools serve the city. The majority of students in the city are under the Westlake Cluster.

Westlake Cluster
 * Westlake High School
 * Camp Creek Middle School
 * Seaborn Lee Elementary School
 * Frank D. McClarin Success Academy
 * A. Philip Randolph Elementary School
 * Sandtown Middle School
 * Stonewall Tell Elementary School

Parks and recreation
South Fulton has over 10 parks. The city also offers recreation centers, tennis courts, aquatic centers, hiking trails, biking trails, and various fitness programs.

Public libraries
Atlanta–Fulton Public Library System operates in South Fulton.

Controversies
In 2022, the City Council voted no confidence against Mayor Khalid Kamau after he called the city's police chief corrupt. The police chief was accused of retaliating against officers and other city officials for reporting wrongdoings of a female officer whom he had a long work history with. The female officer in question resigned due to the amount of serious complaints and allegations made against her.

In 2023, Mayor Khalid Kamau was arrested for trespassing and burglary. He was released on a $11,000 bond.

Also in 2023, 1,600 City of South Fulton residents signed a petition to de-annex from the city and return to Unincorporated Fulton County primarily due to feeling the city is highly unorganized and dysfunctional. The city has made local and national news for challenges surrounding trash collection services, the arrest of Mayor Khalid Kamau after he was accused of trespassing, and the city improperly issuing business licenses. City officials can choose to deny or approve the de-annexing request but the city would not have veto powers, unless it can show how de-annexing is detrimental to residents.

And also in 2023, several City of South Fulton residents filed a federal lawsuit against city officials for mismanagement of public funds, abuse of power, and irregular hiring practices. The plaintiffs want better visibility and accountability from city leaders.

In February 2024, South Fulton City Hall was temporarily closed due to harmful mold found in the facility. Also in February 2024, South Fulton limited permits for barber shops, beauty salons, and chicken shacks to attract and make space for more diversity in businesses.