2025 Economic Development Accomplishments

The City of South Fulton is rising. From major redevelopment wins to stronger district engagement and record small-business participation, our Economic Development team delivered big results that support local entrepreneurs, activate our corridors, and prepare our city for long-term growth.

Why These Accomplishments Matter

The City of South Fulton is entering a new chapter of growth — one built on strategy, funding, and community-driven progress. Each initiative completed this year helps strengthen our commercial corridors, activate small business districts, attract quality investment, and create more opportunities for residents to live, work, and thrive right here at home. This work isn’t just administrative progress — it’s the foundation for safer streets, stronger businesses, and a healthier local economy.

$500,000

Federal Grant Secured

12

Grand Openings Across Corridors

4,000+

Farmers Market Attendees for All Districts

100+

Business Consultations

How These Wins Impact Our Community

Every accomplishment moves the City of South Fulton forward in meaningful ways:

  • Stronger Business Districts: Storefront upgrades, district activations, and retail strategy planning directly improve the look, feel, and performance of our corridors.

  • More Support for Entrepreneurs: Programs like the Small Business Accelerator, South Fulton Means Business Campaign, and Empower Her Expo give entrepreneurs the training, tools, and visibility they need to grow.

  • Long-Term Economic Stability: Secured federal funding and redevelopment planning prepare our city for future investment, revitalization projects, and new job opportunities.

  • Community-Centered Growth: Markets, events, district cleanups, and buy-local campaigns boost community pride and foster deeper resident engagement.

These outcomes strengthen quality of life today — while building momentum for the city we’re designing for tomorrow.

Accomplishment Timeline

In 2025, the City of South Fulton continues to strengthen its economic landscape through strategic planning, impactful funding, small business support, and district-level revitalization. Below is a snapshot of the key accomplishments driving community growth, infrastructure readiness, and business development across the city.

  • Q1 2025

    Urban Design Plan & Retail Strategies Plan Completed

    We delivered two major redevelopment roadmaps that shape how the City of South Fulton grows — guiding future investment, retail recruitment, corridor transformation, and long-term city identity. These plans now move toward Council approval!

  • MARCH 2025

    ARPA Façade Grant Impact

    More than $172,055.93 was invested to upgrade storefronts and strengthen commercial corridors. These improvements helped refresh local businesses, boost curb appeal, and reinforce the City of South Fulton's commitment to revitalizing small business districts.

  • MARCH 2025

    EmpowerHer Small Business Expo

    More than 200 attendees and 40+ women-owned businesses came together for a powerful day of inspiration, workshops, and networking. A panel of women board chairs shared insights on leadership, economic mobility, and the role of women in shaping South Fulton’s business ecosystem.

  • APRIL 2025

    Official Launch of CORE Alliance Advisory Board!

    We established the CORE Alliance (Community, Opportunity, Resilience, and Empowerment) in April 2025 as the formal advisory framework for Districts 2 and 4, creating a seven-member board designed to elevate community leadership and strengthen corridor revitalization efforts. The CORE Alliance Advisory Board serves as a community-driven body that brings residents, businesses, and stakeholders together to guide local priorities and support cohesive economic development strategies.

  • MAY 2025

    South Fulton Means Business Launch + Resource Fair

    We kicked off a citywide movement during Economic Development Week to empower entrepreneurs. With 150+ attendees, cross-regional partnerships, free professional headshots, and hands-on learning, this campaign created momentum, visibility, and new opportunities for local businesses to grow and connect.

  • MAY 2025

    Georgia Academy for Economic Development Training

    In partnership with AACID and Georgia Power, a development training day was offered to strengthen local business leadership and provide foundational economic development education to support strategic planning and community development.

  • MAY 2025

    Regional Leadership Luncheon

    In partnership with Aerotropolis Atlanta this luncheon convened 60+ regional stakeholders to explore economic trends, aviation-adjacent growth, and partnership strategies— reinforcing the City of South Fulton’s role within the regional economy.

  • JUNE 2025

    Secured a $500,000 EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant

    A major federal win — this grant unlocks the ability to assess, clean up, and prepare priority sites for redevelopment. It positions South Fulton for transformative projects that attract investors, create jobs, and breathe new life into underutilized areas.

  • SUMMER - FALL 2025

    Farmers Market Series

    Old National, Red Oak, and District 4 were activated weekly as community destinations for commerce, wellness, and connection. These markets boosted foot traffic, supported local entrepreneurs, and enhanced corridor vibrancy.

  • FALL 2025

    South Fulton Means Business Accelerator Launch

    In partnership with Georgia State University’s Small Business Development Center, the South Fulton Means Business Accelerator delivered four expert-led group sessions providing entrepreneurs with practical training, individualized coaching, and essential resources to support business growth. Each session had up to 40 participants, equipping local business owners with practical tools to support long-term growth.

  • SEPTEMBER 2025

    Outstanding GEDA Conference Attendance

    The City of South Fulton had 100% board representation from all 5 boards to attend the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) Conference, demonstrating a unified commitment to professional development and regional economic leadership.

  • OCTOBER 2025

    Connections & Collaborations Business Mixer

    A new citywide initiative launched to unite entrepreneurs, property owners, developers, and community partners. The District 2 debut gathered 60+ attendees, validating demand for consistent business networking and corridor updates across the entire city.

  • OCTOBER 2025

    Retail Recruitment & Market Analysis

    Collaborated with Retail Strategies to implement a comprehensive retail recruitment and market analysis program designed to strengthen commercial activity across South Fulton’s major corridors. This work included in-depth trade area studies, demographic and psychographic profiling, leakage and surplus analyses, and identification of high-potential retail categories aligned with local demand.

  • DECEMBER 2025

    Celebrating Economic Excellence: South Fulton Impact Awards

    The 3rd Annual South Fulton Impact Awards is a signature celebration recognizing businesses and organizations driving economic growth, innovation, resilience, and community impact. This year’s event is elevated through partnership support from Georgia Power and Gagnant Media, enhancing production value, visibility, and promotional reach. Awards will be presented on December 10, 2025, honoring excellence across eight areas of recognition, celebrating the leaders shaping the city’s economic future.

Farmers Market Program

Delivered a three-corridor Farmers Market series across Old National District, Red Oak District, and District 4, transforming each corridor into a weekly community hub for commerce, wellness, and local engagement from May to October.

18

Total Farmers Market Days Across Districts

85+

Unique Vendors Including 15+ Youth Entrepreneurs

360

Vendor Opportunities Created in 2025

4,000+

Attendees Citywide (All Districts Combined)

Board Retreat Success!

100%

Board participation in 5 strategic planning retreats & results action plans.

Local Business Energy

  • 75+ businesses engaged through Local 1st promotions & features.

  • 5,000+ residents reached through markets and seasonal activations.

  • Strong visibility via digital marketing and media coverage.

Redevelopment & Community Activation

  • 4800 Campbell Drive designs are 90% complete — preparing for FY26 groundbreaking.

  • Seasonal markets with 500+ attendees & 30+ local vendors.

  • 1,500+ participants at signature events + district-wide cleanups.

2025 PHOTO GALLERY

CITY OF SOUTH FULTON WEBSITE