Atlanta is looking to Woodstock as a model for how to build a thriving, walkable downtown. That was one of the big takeaways from Woodstock Mayor Michael Caldwell’s State of the City address on January 31.
🏙️ What’s Happening: Mayor Caldwell told a packed crowd at Woodstock City Church that the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s “Downtown Reimagined” campaign is underway, aiming to bring life back into the heart of the capital city. And when looking for examples of downtown success, they turned to Woodstock.
📢 Who Said It: “At the Chamber’s annual meeting, they highlighted the importance of transforming the City of Atlanta back into a livable community.” Caldwell said. “During their presentation, they used Woodstock as an example of the kind of downtown that Atlanta should be emulating. Our capital city is looking to us.”
💰 Why It Matters: Woodstock’s economic impact is undeniable. The city makes up just 3% of Cherokee County’s land area, yet it accounts for 40% of the county’s economy. Businesses in Woodstock generate more than $5 billion annually, making it a major economic center for the region.
🚧 What’s Next: With a booming economy, record park and trail expansions, and major transportation upgrades, Woodstock isn’t slowing down. Caldwell shared renderings for the new City Center Project, which will add office space, restaurants, retail, and a hotel with conference facilities.
📺 How to Watch: You can watch the full State of the City address below.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
