Author: Nakell Williams
Mayor-elect Karmalitha Goombs said she felt an immediate change on her first tour of City Hall. Employees greeted him with congratulations and optimism — a sign, he said, that people are ready for change.
Goombs became the first woman elected mayor of South Fulton on Tuesday night. Although she has served on the city council for eight years, she says that City Hall was not what she envisioned for her.
“It wasn’t on my bingo card,” Gumbs said. “But it’s huge and exciting that we’re making history.”
Incorporated just eight years ago, South Fulton has already seen two mayors come and go. Goombs will be the city’s third, and he says restoring public trust is his priority.
He plans to restore the city’s OpenGov financial transparency portal, which went offline while the city transitioned between systems. Making financial information available in real time is important to residents, Goombs says. “We have to overcommunicate,” he said. “People shouldn’t feel blind or in the dark.”
During his campaign, Goombs often highlighted concerns about leadership and morale within the police department. He said the city needs renewed community policing efforts, stronger mentorship for younger officers and potential competitive pay adjustments.
“We have a very young police force,” Goombs said. “They need the leadership of more experienced officers. Reinstating community policing will help restore relationships and trust.”
Goombs acknowledges that economic growth has been inconsistent across the city — something residents have expressed concern about. He believes the unique character of each district can be used to encourage business growth without crowding out communities.
He says the rural qualities of the Fourth Ward, the young professional families of the Second Ward and the entertainment energy of the Old National are all assets if strategically marketed. “We need to stop acting like two cities,” Goombs said. “We are a city and we need to promote our strengths.”
South Fulton’s political differences have often made headlines, but Gumbs said public perception doesn’t match reality.
“We agree with 97% of the policies,” he said. “People see passion as an internal struggle. I’ve always been quiet, cooperative – and I don’t participate in stupidity.”
Gumbs said he plans to meet individually with each council member, both returning and newly elected, to set goals and build unity for the new term.
After a contentious election season, Goombs says her message is simple: healing.
“Even if you don’t vote for me, I still represent you,” he said. “Our city is too precious to be divided. We have a lot of work to do.”
Goombs is preparing for his first 100 days, including an evaluation of each department and planning sessions with the city manager. He said the moment was a turning point for South Fulton.
“We are making history,” he said. “And we’re going to do what people say South Fulton won’t do — be successful.”
Goombs will be sworn in in January.
