Sam Foster, a systems engineer and civic activist, is making waves as a candidate for Mayor of Marietta, aiming to unseat the incumbent Mayor Steve ‘Thunder’ Tumlin in the upcoming election on Nov. 4.
Foster, representing Generation Z, believes that there is significant room for improvement in the urban landscape not only in Marietta but throughout the outer suburbs of metro Atlanta.
He argues that the rapid growth and urbanization experienced in cities like Atlanta over the past two decades, particularly with initiatives such as the Beltline and redevelopment of corridors like Memorial Drive, have not been matched by sufficient infrastructure improvements.
As a result, many neighborhoods remain unfriendly for pedestrians and cyclists.
According to Foster, this challenge is echoed in Marietta, where the central core, specifically the vibrant Marietta Square, stands out as a rare gem amid the suburban sprawl.
The Square is home to over 60 restaurants and breweries, offering lively public events like ‘Marietta the Gathering’ and a summer concert series, attracting multigenerational crowds and making it a hub for community interaction and enjoyment.
Foster emphasizes that Marietta has reached a critical juncture wherein city leadership must no longer overlook opportunities for revitalization.
He laments that key corridors leading into downtown—such as Roswell Street, Fairground Street, South Marietta Parkway, and Franklin Gateway—remain neglected, characterized by high traffic speeds and volumes that create unsafe conditions for anyone attempting to move without a vehicle.
Moreover, he points out that the lack of new housing developments due to opposition against multifamily and ‘missing middle’ housing has led to rising home prices, effectively pricing out younger residents.
Foster highlights a growing desire among young Marietta residents to reverse the trends of suburbanization, car-dependency, and NIMBYism.
This younger demographic expresses a strong preference for vibrant, walkable neighborhoods with well-designed, pedestrian-friendly streets.
They share the dream of home ownership, which is increasingly becoming less attainable without expanding housing supply.
Through his involvement with ‘A Better Cobb,’ an urbanist nonprofit he co-founded, Foster witnesses a shift in the aspirations and demands of the community, particularly among the youth.
This organization has garnered a growing number of supporters, including students from Kennesaw State University, who are championing policies to make Cobb County and Marietta more affordable, walkable, and appealing.
Recently, dozens of young residents attended a Cobb County Board of Commissioners meeting to advocate for zoning reform and affordable housing initiatives.
Additionally, Foster leads a weekly gathering called the Marietta Bike Social, aimed at promoting safe, accessible streets for cyclists and pedestrians.
He sees these developments as positive indicators of a grassroots movement forming within a region that has historically resisted change.
Foster emphasizes the importance of adapting to the impending regional growth, as the population is projected to reach 8 million by 2050.
He warns against perpetuating a legacy of car dependency and outdated zoning practices that would exacerbate traffic congestion and continue to inflate housing costs.
Instead, he advocates for a proactive approach that views this growth as an opportunity to remedy historical shortcomings and improve suburban living.
Foster is optimistic that the younger generation is becoming increasingly engaged in shaping the future of their communities.
With a blend of energy and political engagement, they are positioned to enact meaningful changes in urban planning and connectivity.
In conclusion, Sam Foster’s campaign embodies the aspirations of a clarion call for a new era of urbanism in Marietta’s outer suburbs, where connectivity, affordability, and livability can stand shoulder to shoulder with the urban experiences of a changing landscape.
As the election approaches, how the residents of Marietta respond to this call will shape the future of their beloved city.
image source from：atlanta
