The Buckhead Exploratory Committee has taken a bold step in their push to create an independent City of Buckhead by securing the services of top “Cityhood” lobbyists Garst Thomas Public Affairs. Garst Thomas (formerly CPS Strategies) has been involved in the incorporation of several metro Atlanta cities during the past ten years. They’ve helped many communities like Buckhead to navigate the complex government processes involved with creating and operating a new city government.
In 2005 Garst Thomas worked with the group attempting to incorporate the city of Sandy Springs. With their help, the city proposal passed at the ballot box by a margin of 94%. Since then the group has been instrumental in the formation of new cities like Peachtree Corners, Brookhaven, and Stonecrest. Their involvement is made possible thanks to private donations, and it signals new momentum in the cityhood movement for Buckhead.
Bill White is a member of the executive committee and VP of Buckhead Exploratory Committee. Bill told Buckhead.com, “We are excited that we have the people’s backs here, and our momentum is growing stronger everyday. We are meeting each and every milestone and raising the support and funds for success. To the naysayers who say this will never happen, they may be right but we say now is our time and we will bring this to a vote – a vote all people in Buckhead should have the right to cast.”
The BEC gave notice to Mayor Bottoms and the Atlanta City Council this week. They told Atlanta’s leadership that they intend to bring this issue before the community, and have Buckhead cityhood on the ballot within 24 months.
