| City of South Fulton, Georgia | |
| Other Name: | Renaissance, Georgia |
| Settlement Type: | City |
| Image Blank Emblem: | Logo of South Fulton, Georgia.png |
| Blank Emblem Type: | Logo |
| Mapsize: | 250x200px |
| Pushpin Map: | Metro Atlanta |
| Pushpin Label: | South Fulton |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location of South Fulton in Metro Atlanta |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | United States |
| Subdivision Type1: | State |
| Subdivision Name1: | Georgia |
| Subdivision Type2: | County |
| Subdivision Name2: | Fulton |
| Leader Title: | Mayor |
| Leader Name: | Khalid Kamau (D)[1] |
| Established Title3: | Cityhood |
| Established Date: | May 1, 2017 |
| Unit Pref: | Imperial |
| Area Footnotes: | [2] |
| Area Total Sq Mi: | 86.25 |
| Area Total Km2: | 223.40 |
| Area Land Sq Mi: | 85.22 |
| Area Land Km2: | 220.71 |
| Area Water Sq Mi: | 1.04 |
| Area Water Km2: | 2.69 |
| Population Total: | 107436 |
| Population As Of: | 2020 |
| Population Rank: | 8th in Georgia |
| Population Density Sq Mi: | 1260.75 |
| Population Density Km2: | 486.78 |
| Timezone: | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc Offset: | -5 |
| Timezone Dst: | EDT |
| Utc Offset Dst: | -4 |
| Coordinates: | 33.5926°N -84.6729°W |
| Elevation Ft: | 797 |
| Postal Code Type: | ZIP codes |
| Blank Name: | FIPS code |
| Blank Info: | 13-72122 |
| Blank1 Name: | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 Info: | 2786574 |
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.[3] 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.[4]
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.[5]
With the passage of the South Fulton referendum in 2016, Fulton County became the first county in Georgia with no unincorporated residential areas.[6] 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.[7] Many former Fulton County personnel and facilities were transferred to the City of South Fulton.[8]
On March 21, 2017, South Fulton held elections for mayor and city council, followed by runoff elections before incorporation took effect on May 1.[9]
The first mayor of South Fulton was Bill Edwards, who previously served on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners from 2000 to 2014.[10] His term expired on December 31, 2021.[11]
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.[12] Following a three-week public notice period and two regular public meetings, which are required to amend the city charter,[13] 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.[14]
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.[15] [16]
| White alone (NH) | 3,402 | 3.17% | |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 96,463 | 89.79% | |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 148 | 0.14% | |
| Asian alone (NH) | 459 | 0.43% | |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 33 | 0.03% | |
| Other race alone (NH) | 729 | 0.68% | |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 2,674 | 2.49% | |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3,528 | 3.28% | |
| Total | 107,436 | 100.00% |
According to the 2020 census, South Fulton had a racial and ethnic composition which is approximately 90% Black or African American. Non-Hispanic whites made up 3.17% of the population, followed by 2.49% multiracial Americans, 0.68% some other race, 0.43% Asian American, 0.14 Native American, 0.03% Pacific Islander, and 3.28% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
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.[18] South Fulton's mayor votes only in case of a tied council vote. Khalid Kamau was elected Mayor of South Fulton in 2021.[19]
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.
As of 2024, 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.
In 2022, the city council voted no confidence against Mayor Khalid Kamau after he called the city's police chief corrupt.[20] 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.[21] [22]
In 2023, 1,600 city of South Fulton residents signed a petition to de-annex from the city and return to unincorporated Fulton County alleging dysfunction. 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.[23]
Several city of South Fulton residents also 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.[24] South Fulton also limited permits for barber shops, beauty salons, and chicken shacks to attract and make space for more diversity in businesses.[25]
Fulton County Public Schools serve the city. The majority of students in the city are under the Westlake Cluster.[26] [27]
Westlake Cluster
South Fulton has over 10 parks. The city also offers recreation centers, tennis courts, aquatic centers, hiking trails, biking trails, and various fitness programs.[28] [29]
Atlanta–Fulton Public Library System operates in South Fulton.[30]