Sandy Springs, October 10, 2025 — The City of Sandy Springs marked two decades since its incorporation with a dinner gala at City Hall Greens, drawing more than 200 community leaders, council members, and its residents.
Established on December 1, 2005, Sandy Springs became the third-largest city ever to incorporate in the United States. The city now ranks as Georgia's seventh most populous municipality, with 108,080 residents recorded in the 2020 census.
The celebration featured remarks from city officials and longtime residents who reflected on the city's journey from an unincorporated area of north Fulton County to a thriving municipality that serves as headquarters for major corporations including UPS, Newell Brands, Inspire Brands, Focus Brands, Cox Enterprises, and Mercedes-Benz USA.
From Annexation Fight to Independence
The push for incorporation began in 1966 when residents sought to prevent annexation by the city of Atlanta. After decades of advocacy, including renewed efforts in the 1970s when the Georgia Supreme Court ruled Atlanta's forced annexation attempts unconstitutional, residents formed the Committee for Sandy Springs in 1975 to lobby for incorporation.
On June 21, 2005, a referendum on incorporation passed with 94% voter approval. Six months later, voters elected a mayor and six city council members, and the city officially incorporated on December 1, 2005.
Innovative Public-Private Partnership Model
Upon incorporation, Sandy Springs pioneered a nontraditional governance approach by operating as a public-private partnership, with all but six full-time employees being contracted. The city's police force and fire department began service in 2006.
Community Voices
Among the speakers was Ken Byers, a 50-year Sandy Springs resident and business owner who relocated his company to the area a decade after arriving. “Not once in all this time have I experienced regret or remorse,” Myers told attendees, praising developments including City Hall, the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, and Veterans Park.
Sunny Park, a resident since 1997, shared his perspective as an immigrant who has watched the city flourish. “When I moved here, I noticed a lady named Eva Galambos who was everywhere talking about cityhood,” Park recalled. “Now, 20 years later, Sandy Springs is one of the best cities in the United States.”
Park, who brought neighbors to the celebration, emphasized that the city's success stems from its people. “Neighborhood by neighborhood, that's what makes a big city,” he said. “I'm so proud that there's no place like Sandy Springs.”
The evening included recognition of the Sandy Springs Foundation, the Performing Arts Center, and numerous city employees and volunteers who have contributed to the city's development over the past two decades.
