On August 13th, the Cobb Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Roundtable, sponsored by Mauldin & Jenkins, brought together Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood, Mableton Mayor Michael Owens, and Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton for a compelling discussion on the role of nonprofits in local communities.
The event, moderated by Condace Pressley, focused on the intersection of local government and nonprofit organizations. Pressley opened with a reminder of how crucial these partnerships are for community resilience and development.
Mayor Derek Norton spoke about Smyrna’s impressive growth and how the city has managed to maintain a strong community spirit despite rapid development. He credited local nonprofits with helping to strike this balance.
Mayor Allegood shared Acworth’s achievement as Georgia’s first “foster-friendly” city, detailing how collaborations with the Acworth Business Association have supported foster families and brought a positive response. He also mentioned other successful nonprofit partnerships addressing local challenges.
Mayor Owens discussed the unique challenges of leading Mableton, Georgia’s newest city, and how early nonprofit partnerships have supported its development. He also highlighted the Mable House Amphitheater’s role in enhancing Mableton’s cultural and economic vitality.
The roundtable also addressed challenges in nonprofit-government collaborations, with Mayor Allegood noting times when partnerships didn’t align with city priorities. Additionally, Mayor Norton talked about Smyrna’s plans to address affordable housing and homelessness through partnerships with local nonprofits.
In closing, Pressley emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between nonprofits and local government to create thriving communities. The event was a valuable opportunity for attendees to gain insights and connect with key local leaders. The Cobb Community Foundation looks forward to more such discussions that support the nonprofit sector.
