ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Function
The mission of the Economic Development Division is to help ensure and enhance the economic
prosperity and viability of the City of Smyrna. Under the direction of the City Administrator, this Division
has as its primary function the retention, expansion and attraction of businesses and the
encouragement of development (public and private) that supports an energetic and sustainable
business environment. The Division is responsible for the administration and appropriate application of
the city’s economic development incentive programs which include, but are not limited to, fee waiver
requests, bond for title projects and the supervision of the Smyrna-Osborne Enterprise Zone.
Additionally, the Division partners with the Community Development Department to provide technical
assistance to the Smyrna Downtown Development Authority.
The Economic Development Division works closely with many of the other departments within the City
to make sure that the business community is efficiently provided with the necessary municipal services
critical to their operation and growth. The Division’s functions require day to day coordination with the
various divisions of the Community Development Department. The Division assists the Community
Development Department in long range planning activities that relate directly to the economic
development goals and objectives of the City. The Division also cooperates closely with planning staff to
supervise and coordinate the studies and initiatives that formulate a vision and plan for the city’s
business centers and corridors.
Major Goals & Objectives
• Continue to implement the Business Retention Visit Program and provide assistance to existing
businesses looking to expand their operations in the City.
• Provide facility and site location assistance to brokers, agents and businesses looking to locate
facilities in the City.
• Continue to encourage high quality development through rational, thoughtful and realistic
decision making.
• Coordinate with local, regional and state economic development partners (Cobb County, other
Cobb Municipalities, Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Cobb Development Authority, the
Cumberland CID, Atlanta Regional Commission, the Braves Development Company and other
governmental and private entities associated with economic development activities and
initiatives).
• Continue to use the Spring Road LCI Study as a guide when reviewing development and/or
redevelopment proposals along the corridor, including prioritizing and implementation of public
infrastructure improvements in the Spring Road Corridor.
• Begin to develop implementation plans and funding strategies associated with the completion
of the Smyrna Connects Transit Study and the South Cobb Drive Transportation Study.
• Continue implementation of the Smyrna BOLD Initiative in the downtown Smyrna area.
• Continue monitoring maintenance of the Smyrna Market Village area.
• Provide technical assistance to the Smyrna Downtown Development Authority and the
Downtown Design Commission.
• Coordinate with Community Relations to explore options for City branding effort and
implementation.
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