Mayor Derek Norton is set to give his fourth State of the City address, presenting a review of the past year and unfolding the future plans for Smyrna. The city, a vibrant suburb of metro Atlanta, continues to flourish with its recently completed downtown greenspace and further downtown developments in the pipeline. Registration for this free event, hosted by the City of Smyrna and the Cobb Chamber, is mandatory to secure a seat, and interested community members are advised to register promptly as walk-up registrations may not be accommodated.
Since his election in 2019 and subsequent re-election in 2023, Mayor Norton has maintained a significant engagement in local governance and community services. Highlights of his service include participation on the Board of Directors for Keep Smyrna Beautiful, the Smyrna Business Association, and the Executive Committee for the Smyrna Vision initiative. Moreover, Mayor Norton has also committed to support various educational initiatives, generously sponsoring different student groups and teams throughout Smyrna.
Along with his role in public office, Norton, alongside his wife Laura, founded Support Smyrna. This local non-profit organization aids a diverse group of individuals in the community, including children, families, veterans, seniors, and many others who are in need. Combining his personal and mayoral responsibilities, Derek has demonstrated a thorough dedication to enhancing the lives of his constituents.
Mayor Norton's involvement doesn't end there. He has also served on the Board of Trustees for two educational institutions—Smyrna First United Methodist church and St. Benedict’s Episcopal School—and has been part of the leadership for his neighborhood homeowners association. These positions have allowed him to closely and to actively influence the communal fabric of Smyrna, ensuring the citizens' needs and potentials are duly recognized and addressed in city planning and decision-making.
