South Fulton is a city in

Fulton County, Georgia Fulton County is a county in the north-central portion of the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 1,066,710, making it the state's most populous county. Its county seat and most ...

, United States in the

Atlanta metropolitan area Metro Atlanta, designated by the United States Office of Management and Budget as the Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Roswell metropolitan statistical area, is the most populous metropolitan statistical area in the U.S. state of Georgia and the sixt ...

. 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. 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 Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...

and Jackson.

History

Creek people The Muscogee, also known as the Mvskoke, Muscogee Creek or just Creek, and the Muscogee Creek Confederacy ( in the Muscogee language; English: ), are a group of related Indigenous peoples of the Southeastern WoodlandsCherokee people are indigenous to the area. The 2016 Georgia General Assembly passed bill HB514 to incorporate South Fulton.

Governor A governor is an politician, administrative leader and head of a polity or Region#Political regions, political region, in some cases, such as governor-general, governors-general, as the head of a state's official representative. Depending on the ...

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

that began in 2005 with the incorporation of Sandy Springs on the north side of

Atlanta Atlanta ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Georgia (U.S. state), most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is the county seat, seat of Fulton County, Georg ...

. 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 election The two-round system (TRS or 2RS), sometimes called ballotage, top-two runoff, or two-round plurality, is a single-winner electoral system which aims to elect a member who has support of the majority of voters. The two-round system involves one ...

s 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 A waiting period is the period of time between when an action is requested or mandated and when it occurs. In the United States, the term is commonly used in reference to gun control, abortion and marriage licences, as some U.S. states require ...

mandated by state law, the

city council A municipal council is the legislative body of a municipality or local government area. Depending on the location and classification of the municipality it may be known as a city council, town council, town board, community council, borough counc ...

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 A public notice is a form of notice given to the general public, public regarding certain types of legal proceedings. __TOC__ By government Public notices are issued by a government agency or legislative body in certain rulemaking or lawmaking p ...

period and two regular public meetings, which are required to amend the

city charter A city charter or town charter (generically, municipal charter) is a legal document (''charter'') establishing a municipality such as a city or town. The concept developed in Europe during the Middle Ages. Traditionally, the granting of a 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.

Demographics

South Fulton was first listed in the 2020 U.S. census. As of the 2020 census, its population was 107,436. 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.

Government

South Fulton operates with 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 and has limited power. The council can prevent the mayor from 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. 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 and Recreation; 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.

Controversies

In 2021, the city council passed a resolution declaring racism a public health concern. The City of South Fulton became Georgia's first city to make this public declaration. In 2022, the city council voted no confidence against 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, kamau was arrested for trespassing and burglary. He was released on a $11,000 bond. In 2023, 1,600 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 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. Several 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. In January 2025, the city hall reopened after major renovations and mold remediation. Also in 2024, South Fulton limited permits for barber shops, beauty salons, and chicken shacks to attract and make space for more diversity in businesses. In January 2025, kamau faced criticism over questionable expenses charged to South Fulton taxpayers between October and December 2024. Bank records from a city-issued credit card revealed nearly $26,000 in unauthorized spending on travel, food, and other expenses, including a 20-day trip to

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—despite the city having no economic ties to the country and the city council being unaware of the trip. kamau claimed the allegations were politically motivated and maintained his spending was appropriate but failed to justify his travel, why he did not submit 112 outstanding receipts for various purchases, and why he did not comply with the city's credit card policies. The city council voted to file an ethics complaint and fully audit the mayor after a resident's open records request for the mayor went public. In February 2025, the city council voted to revoke most of kamau's privileges until the investigation is complete, including restricting access to his mayoral office in city hall. Additionally, he was required to return unapproved taxpayer-funded purchases, such as a $1,300 drone and a $1,800 recreational office pool table. In April 2025, kamau announced he would not be seeking reëlection.

Education

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 Other Fulton County clusters serving parts of South Fulton include Banneker, Creekside, and Langston Hughes.

Parks and recreation

The City of South Fulton Parks & Recreation Department manages 17 parks covering approximately 692 acres, offering a range of recreational amenities including athletic fields, gymnasiums, tennis centers, aquatic facilities, and walking trails. Additionally, the department oversees various community programs, youth sports leagues, and senior activities aimed at enhancing residents' quality of life. Notable Parks and Facilities Burdett Park (2945 Burdett Rd.) Burdett Park features a recreation center offering fitness programs, after-school activities, and multi-purpose spaces for community use. The park includes basketball courts, a playground, and walking trails. It serves as a central hub for youth engagement and recreational programming. Sandtown Park and Recreation Center (5320 Campbellton Rd.) This facility includes athletic fields, an outdoor track, and a multi-use gymnasium. Sandtown Park hosts organized sports leagues, after-school enrichment programs, and summer camps. Welcome All Park & Recreation Center (4255 Will Lee Rd. ) Welcome All Park offers a full-service recreation center with an indoor basketball court, fitness areas, and an outdoor swimming pool. The park is home to various community events, fitness classes, and youth sports programs. South Fulton's park system continues to expand, with ongoing improvements to green spaces and recreational facilities to meet the needs of its growing population.

Arts and Culture

As of 2024, the Department of Cultural Affairs operates independently from the Department of Parks and Recreation, overseeing the city's artistic and cultural programming. The department manages major cultural venues, supports public art initiatives, and fosters community engagement through diverse artistic experiences. South Fulton continues to develop its cultural infrastructure, ensuring that arts and heritage remain integral to the city's identity. Southwest Arts Center Established in 2001, the Southwest Arts Center serves as South Fulton's primary hub for arts education and performance. The facility offers year-round programs in visual arts, music, dance, and theater for residents of all ages. It includes a professional exhibition gallery, classrooms, and a state-of-the-art theater that hosts performances ranging from community productions to nationally recognized shows. The center also supports local artists through residencies, curated exhibitions, and public performances. Wolf Creek Amphitheater The Wolf Creek Amphitheater is South Fulton's premier outdoor performance venue, situated on a 435-acre wooded site. With a seating capacity of 5,420, it features reserved seating, general admission lawn space, and VIP table sections. The amphitheater has hosted concerts, cultural festivals, and live entertainment events featuring artists across R&B, jazz, gospel, and hip-hop genres. As part of the city's expanded cultural strategy, Wolf Creek continues to enhance its programming to attract larger audiences and high-profile performances. Annual Cultural Events and Festivals South Fulton hosts several cultural events throughout the year that celebrate its artistic and historical legacy. Notable events include: South Fulton Juneteenth Festival – A citywide celebration featuring live performances, historical presentations, African American art showcases, and community activities.https://www.cityofsouthfultonga.gov/ Heritage and Literary Arts Festival – A festival highlighting literature, spoken word, and the contributions of Black authors, poets, and scholars. South Fulton Jazz Series – A seasonal concert series showcasing local and national jazz musicians, held in public parks and cultural venues. Taste of South Fulton – A culinary and cultural festival highlighting the city's diverse food scene, complemented by live entertainment and visual art displays.

Public libraries

Atlanta–Fulton Public Library System The Fulton County Library System is a network of public library, public libraries serving the Atlanta, Georgia, City of Atlanta and Fulton County, Georgia, Fulton County, both in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. The system is adm ...

operates in South Fulton.

Notes

References

External links

South Fulton City Government

''Transition plans for new cities'', Fulton County, Georgia

Map of South Fulton's city council districts
{{authority control Geography of Fulton County, Georgia Cities in Georgia (U.S. state) Cities in Fulton County, Georgia Populated places established in 2017 2017 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state)