Smyrna Local covers city council, new businesses, schools, development, and community events in Smyrna, GA — The Jonquil City, in Cobb County just northwest of Atlanta.
Smyrna's free outdoor Summer Concert Series continues Saturday, July 11, with Yacht Rock Schooner — an Atlanta-born soft-rock tribute act with roots in Yacht Rock Revue — taking the stage at Village Green Park from 7 to 10 p.m. Here's the band's history, the concert's rules, and what else to know before you go.
Events ·
Smyrna has tentatively set a 2026 millage rate of 8.990 mills, a move that would increase property taxes by 1.77 percent even though the rate itself hasn't budged since 2008. Here's how the math works, what it means for homeowners with a homestead exemption, and how Smyrna's tax rate stacks up against Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth and Powder Springs.
City Hall ·
Cafe Racer, the Athens-based coffee, donut, and burger concept, cleared a Cobb County Planning Commission rezoning vote on June 2 for a new location at Atlanta Road and West Village Way. The company, which operates two Athens locations and is opening in Auburn, Alabama, plans to break ground in Smyrna by the end of 2026.
Business ·
The Fourth of July falls on a Saturday this year, giving Cobb County a full three-day weekend. Smyrna skips its own fireworks show (that's saved for the fall Birthday Celebration), but there's still plenty going on — from World Cup watch parties on the Village Green to parades and fireworks a short drive away in Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth, and Powder Springs.
Events ·
The Smyrna City Council voted 6-0 on June 1 to adopt a 10-year public art master plan developed with community input and the consultancy Designing Local LLC. The plan provides a decade-long roadmap for expanding public art across the city, activating gathering spaces and building a sustainably funded program.
City Hall ·
The Smyrna City Council voted 6-0 on June 15 to expand its home repair grant program with a $125,000 contract extension through Rebuilding Together Atlanta. Funded by federal CDBG dollars, the program has already helped 30-40 Smyrna homeowners with critical housing repairs.
City Hall ·
The Smyrna City Council approved a $122.7 million budget for fiscal year 2027 at its June 1 meeting, voting 6-0. The budget comes in below the prior year's $126.1 million revised figure, with the general fund set at $73.6 million and enterprise funds at $33.7 million. The new budget takes effect July 1.
City Hall ·
VN Sandwich on Concord Road has been serving fresh bánh mì, pho, and boba tea since summer 2025 — and it's become a quiet neighborhood favorite worth knowing about.
Business ·
Smyrna and Cobb Travel & Tourism will host a world record attempt at Village Green Park on June 6, as part of a global event in 30 cities. All ages welcome — spectators get in free, and participants can register for $15.
Events ·
The City of Smyrna is accepting qualifications from Atlanta Metro artists for two public art programs — digital artwork on vinyl and painted murals — with a deadline of May 28, 2026.
City Hall ·
A viral Instagram post has local bargain hunters buzzing about West Elm and Pottery Barn furniture finds at Smyrna's Habitat for Humanity ReStore on South Cobb Drive.
Business ·
Saturdays on Mimosa, a cottage bakery run by Autum Brown, opens in Smyrna's Williams Park neighborhood this Saturday, May 30, selling cinnamon rolls, cookies, donuts, banana bread, and muffins from a bake shed on the sidewalk. Brown bakes everything at home and opens around 9 a.m.
Business ·