U.S. Sen. Isakson Tells Cobb, Quality Growth Isn't Inevitable

MARIETTA, GA — More 200 Council for Quality Growth members, elected officials and guests gathered at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta Wednesday morning for the Cobb Opportunity Outlook.

Attendees heard from Cobb County Chairman Tim Lee on the need for continued public and private investment in transportation and transit options; three expert panels discussing collaboration and community; and a keynote address from U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson.

Here are some highlights:

• "Quality growth is about partnership and investment in infrastructure." -- Isakson
• "Growth is inevitable - quality growth is not. That's what this is all about." -- Isakson
• "We have to have a thoughtful conversation about what we are going to do about transportation in Cobb in the next 10 years." -Teri Anulewicz
• "Access has always been our key word." -- Malaika Rivers, Cumberland CID
• "Marietta's long-term vision and investment in Franklin Rd. Corridor has helped spur growth." -- Jeremy Becker, JLL
• "Traffic is a problem, and it's our fault. We failed to do the right thing when we didn't pass TSPLOST. We should've done the Outer Perimeter. We've been applying band aids ever since." -- Woody Snell, Lynwood Development Group
• "CIDs are cornerstone of development. Town Center CID has invested $42m in growth." Tracy Rathbone, Town Center CID
• "Development is happening in all areas. We have 16 TSPLOST projects currently underway." --
• Kennesaw Mayor Easterling: "Development is happening in all areas. We have 16 TSPLOST projects currently underway."

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