(CUMBERLAND) – Today, the inaugural meeting for One Cumberland’s Board of Directors was held, officially launching Cumberland’s first community 501(c)(3) organization (onecumberland.org). One Cumberland, founded by the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID), will help bolster the work of the Cumberland CID by enhancing and broadening its reach, funding, and impact.
“Creating and maintaining a livable, vibrant community doesn’t happen by itself,” said One Cumberland Board Chair Rob Garcia. “Cumberland’s story is evolving. Now one of Cobb’s most diverse areas, Cumberland is home to over 30,000 residents and 3,300 businesses. One Cumberland will embrace this growth and engage our diversity to further establish Cumberland as a place where people want to live, work, and visit.
“The is an exciting day for our community,” said Kim Menefee, Executive Director for the Cumberland CID. “Since 1988, the Cumberland CID has invested over $160 million into key infrastructure projects and enhancements that have led to the success of the region. One Cumberland will build upon this success by being the engine that continues to boost quality of life and elevate all the assets that make Cumberland unique.”
The mission of One Cumberland is to protect and conserve the natural resources of Cumberland and establish the District as a vibrant, diverse community through the enrichment of cultural amenities, quality of life, improved access, and environmental stewardship. The Cumberland CID will staff and manage the day-to-day administration and operations for One Cumberland’s programs and projects.
Created by Constitutional Amendment, CIDs have the unique ability to partner with county, state, and federal agencies to plan, fund, and deliver infrastructure and transportation projects. Aligning One Cumberland with the Cumberland CID will allow for greater flexibility for community involvement and funding opportunities. One Cumberland will have the ability to accept donations from public and private foundations, private companies, and individuals as well as conduct capital campaigns for projects that enhance the Cumberland community.
“I envision One Cumberland will build and strengthen the bonds between people and neighborhoods in our community,” said Board Member Jon Ingram. “This can be done through numerous ways, whether it’s bringing together local artists for a public art project, hosting networking events, activating our many trails, or working together to preserve our natural resources, One Cumberland will enrich our lives and community spirit.”
Governed by a 9-member board of some the Cumberland District’s top private sector leaders, their mission is to improve and sustain the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit Cumberland. Below is a list of the One Cumberland Board Members.
• Rob Garcia, Board Chair
Pinnacle Financial Partners, Regional President
• Melissa Cantrell, Vice Chair
CDH Partners, President and CEO
• Barry Teague, Treasurer
Walton Communities, Executive Chairman
• Secret Holland
Gas South, LLC, VP of Human Resources and Community Affairs
• Jon Ingram
Woodruff Arts Center, Director of Corporate Relations
• Chad Koenig
Cushman Wakefield, Managing Director
• Chris McCoy
Brookfield Properties, General Manager
• Michele Swann
Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall, General Manager and CEO
• Holly Quinlan
Cobb Travel and Tourism, President & CEO
(One Cumberland Board Members, pictured from left to right: Chad Koenig, Secret Holland, Jon Ingram, Melissa Cantrell, Rob Garcia, Barry Teague, Chris McCoy, Michele Swann, and Holly Quinlan)
About Cumberland CID
The Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID), Georgia’s first CID, is one of the nation’s premier models of public-private collaboration. More than 190 Commercial property owners pay additional property taxes, and the CID leverages these funds to advance key projects for increased access, better connectivity, and a more vibrant character throughout the Cumberland area. Each year, the CID creates more value for the community by initiating and leading enhancements to make Cumberland a more attractive place to operate a business, to work, and to live. Today, Cumberland has a $23.6 billion annual impact on Georgia’s economy. Cumberland is home to leading companies including The Home Depot, Papa Johns, TKE, Comcast, Genuine Parts Company, and more.