Featured in Rough Draft: Advancing the Conversation in Sandy Springs

Featured in Rough Draft Atlanta

Ideas That Continue to Shape Sandy Springs

In February 2026, Rough Draft Atlanta highlighted how key issues from my mayoral campaign — recreation access, family-centered infrastructure, and housing affordability — are now central to city leadership discussions at the Sandy Springs City Council Retreat.

While I did not attend the retreat, I shared my perspective with the publication.

“I’m encouraged to see the city advancing a conversation that’s been decades in the making. Over the last two election cycles, I’ve urged the city to be more intentional about investing in recreation and family-centered infrastructure.”

For years, I’ve advocated for smart investment in parks, accessible public spaces, and long-term infrastructure that serves families in every zip code — not just those closest to City Hall.

As discussions move forward around Hammond Park and other recreation planning, I emphasized what must remain front and center:

“Hammond Park makes sense given its proximity to City Hall, but as we move forward, the city still has to grapple with geography, traffic, and access — especially for families on the north and south ends of Sandy Springs.”

Housing: Leadership Requires Hard Conversations

Housing affordability — one of the defining issues of the 2025 mayoral race — was also addressed during the retreat.

Following the December runoff, I had a productive and candid meeting with Mayor Rusty Paul where housing policy was a central topic.

“We spoke at length about housing and the importance of follow-through on ideas raised during the campaign, including the concept of a focused task force. We discussed the need for leadership that can responsibly manage expectations on both sides — developers who want to do business with the city and the hardworking, tax-paying residents who want to remain in the communities they call home.”

The city’s housing assessment confirmed what many families already feel:

• Sandy Springs lacks entry-level homeownership opportunities

• Housing stock for residents earning under $50,000 continues to decline

• Redevelopment is often replacing existing homes rather than expanding attainable ownership

There is no “magic wand” solution. Real leadership means navigating political realities while protecting long-term community stability.

These are complex policy choices — but avoiding them is not an option.

Influence Beyond the Ballot

The 2025 election may be over.
The work is not.

The ideas we elevated — equitable access, thoughtful growth, responsible housing policy, and family-first planning — are now shaping the city’s direction.

Leadership is not measured solely by election results.
It’s measured by whether your ideas move the city forward.

And they are.