Sandy Springs Voters Approve New Tool for Targeted Redevelopment
A 63% majority backed the referendum, granting city officials the legal authority to establish tax allocation districts for the first time since the city's founding.
By Petra Murphy ·
Sandy Springs voters approved a referendum on Nov. 3 that grants the city new powers to direct tax revenue toward specific redevelopment projects. Unofficial results from the secretary of state’s office show 26,000 people, or 63% of votes cast, supported the measure.
The approval allows the city council to create tax allocation districts. These zones use a mechanism called tax increment financing. Under this system, officials set a baseline property value. When redevelopment raises values, the extra tax revenue, known as the increment, goes directly to infrastructure or projects within that area instead of the general fund.
City leaders argue this authority was missing when Sandy Springs was founded in 2005. Mayor Rusty Paul stated in an October video that redevelopment powers were inadvertently left out of the charter. He described the vote as a correction that allows the city to play a more active role in supporting underused areas.
The city has not yet created a tax allocation district. Any future district would rely solely on city property taxes unless Fulton County and Fulton County Schools agree to participate. This distinction matters because redevelopment involves rebuilding existing structures rather than developing raw land.
Mayor Paul campaigned specifically on using these new powers for the area north of Abernathy Road. He said the new authority will help shape areas that need focused investment. The council now has the legal standing to draw the boundaries for such a district.
The next step involves the city council deciding where and when to apply this tool. No timeline has been set for the creation of the first district.
