Date of Award
Spring 2009
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Department
Political Science
Abstract
Kennesaw is a small suburban city located in the northern portion of Cobb County of metro Atlanta. The 2000 census put Kennesaw’s population at 21,675, but July 2007 estimates put Kennesaw’s population at 31,613 people. Kennesaw operates under the Council-Manger form of government which consists of a Mayor, five Council-Members, and a City Manager. All Council-Members are elected City wide, and serve four year terms. The Mayor presides over the Council meetings, but can only vote in the case of tie. Each appointed Commission and Department has a Council liaison. My internship allowed me to work closely with the Historic Planning Commission. The HPC consists of seven members who are appointed by the Council to serve two year terms.
I interned under Darryl Simmons, Zoning Administrator, in the Planning and Zoning Department. Our department works closely with the HPC to ensure all decisions compliment Kennesaw’s Design Standards and Comprehensive Plan. My contributions to Kennesaw’s historic preservative efforts have included a number of projects. For the Endangered Properties Project, I identified historic properties that have fallen into disrepair, and threaten the vibrancy of the Historic Districts. For the Plaque Project, I worked with Dr. Drobney of the Southern Museum to identify which properties are deserving of a historic plaque. I analyzed the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Main Street City Program, and gave a recommendation to the City. The City and the HPC will likely use my work as a resource for years to come.