‘Speak Good’ with Cobb’s State of the County Address

She will face Democratic primary challenger Shelia Edwards in Tuesday’s election, who was also at the event.

Credit: Elie Nouvelage

Credit: Elie Nouvelage

Previous county chairmen had typically given the State of the County address at the Cobb House, but Cupid broke with that tradition during his first year in office by opening the event to the general public. This year’s speech was delivered at the Cobb Galleria Center, attended by nearly 200 guests, county employees and community stakeholders.

Cupid made the case for the proposed transit expansion plan that she hopes voters will approve in the November election with the sales tax on local special purpose mobility options over 30 years, a goal long-term policy for which she has championed since becoming president.

“When we talk about investing in transit, we’re talking about economic development and investing in the workforce,” Cupid said. “If we passed this transportation tax, Cobb County would still be a leader in having the lowest sales tax in the metro area.”

Cupid highlighted the county’s infrastructure investments with water and sewer repairs and new trails, as well as economic victories, such as the Atlanta Braves Stadium hosting the MLB All-Star Game 2025 and the expansion of workforce development programs.

She also touted the opening of a new family advocacy center giving victims of domestic violence access to resources, and grants to the county and the Cobb Chamber of Commerce to support child care.

Credit: Elie Nouvelage

Credit: Elie Nouvelage

Although she did not present any specific proposals, Cupid pledged to propose affordable housing policies this year. The average sale price of a home in Cobb County is now $470,000, according to data from the Atlanta Regional Commission.

“When we have apartments coming to Cobb County, people look down on people who are trying to make a living and have a life here,” she said. “When many of us moved to Cobb County, we didn’t pay these prices at all.

“How will our children live in Cobb County? How can we continue to live here?

When asked after the speech to outline her policy plans, she did not provide details and said the commission would look at “some low-hanging fruit that could be supported by our entire council of administration. I don’t want to go too far because I want to have these conversations with the entire board.

Credit: Elie Nouvelage

Credit: Elie Nouvelage