City of Sandy Springs, Georgia

Background

Sandy Springs, incorporated in 2005, is the sixth-largest city in Georgia and the second-largest in the metropolitan Atlanta area. With a population of approximately 108,080 as of the 2020 Census, the city has evolved from a 19th-century settlement into a vibrant urban center. Sandy Springs is committed to fostering a high quality of life for its residents by promoting economic development, maintaining efficient services, and preserving its unique community character.

Key Strategic Focus

The city's strategic objectives include:

Economic Development: Attracting and retaining businesses through incentive programs and infrastructure improvements.

Urban Redevelopment: Revitalizing outdated commercial properties and enhancing the North End district.

Community Engagement: Developing public spaces like City Springs to serve as cultural and social hubs.

Sustainability: Implementing green initiatives and expanding multi-use trails such as PATH400.

Financials and Funding

Sandy Springs operates with an all-funds budget exceeding $995 million. The city employs a hybrid model of public-private partnerships to deliver services efficiently. The Sandy Springs Development Authority facilitates economic growth by providing access to capital and financial incentives for businesses.

Pipeline Development

Key development projects include:

City Springs Phase 2: Expanding the downtown area to include additional retail, residential, and public spaces.

North End Revitalization: Redeveloping aging commercial centers to attract new businesses and residents.

PATH400 Extension: Extending the multi-use trail to improve connectivity and promote sustainable transportation.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Sandy Springs leverages technology to enhance city operations and services:

Public-Private Partnerships: Utilizing private sector expertise to deliver municipal services efficiently.

ChatComm 911: A collaborative emergency dispatch center serving multiple cities, improving response times and resource allocation.

Traffic Management: Implementing advanced traffic monitoring systems to optimize flow and reduce congestion.

Leadership Team

Mayor: Rusty Paul

City Manager: Eden E. Freeman

Background: Over 25 years of state and local government experience, previously serving as Deputy City Manager and Chief Operating Officer for Greenville, South Carolina.

Role: Oversees daily operations, implements council policies, and coordinates community initiatives.

Leadership Changes

Eden E. Freeman began her tenure as City Manager on January 17, 2022, bringing extensive experience in municipal management to Sandy Springs.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Sandy Springs is part of the dynamic Atlanta metropolitan area, characterized by:

Population Growth: A diverse and expanding population contributing to economic vitality.

Economic Diversification: Presence of multinational corporations, startups, and small businesses across various sectors.

Infrastructure Development: Ongoing investments in transportation and public amenities to support growth.

Competitor Analysis

Neighboring cities such as Dunwoody, Brookhaven, and Roswell offer similar suburban environments with robust economic development initiatives. Sandy Springs differentiates itself through its strategic location, innovative governance model, and commitment to community-centric development.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Sandy Springs actively engages in partnerships to enhance its services and infrastructure:

Chattahoochee River 911 Authority (ChatComm): Collaborative emergency dispatch service with Johns Creek, Dunwoody, and Brookhaven.

PATH400: Partnership with neighboring cities to develop a multi-use trail enhancing regional connectivity.

Development Authority: Works with regional economic organizations to attract and support business growth.

Operational Insights

Sandy Springs' hybrid public-private partnership model allows for efficient service delivery and fiscal responsibility. The city's proactive approach to redevelopment and infrastructure projects positions it competitively within the Atlanta metropolitan area.