At the Smart Cities Summit & Expo, Mayors LaRhonda Patrick of Warner Robins and Michael Caldwell of Woodstock, accompanied by representatives from the Partnership and local media, had the opportunity to showcase their projects and opinions on a global stage.

“The next great chapter in our City’s story comes with a dedicated vision and a plan to gift future generations with more Public Art,” a letter from Mayor Michael Caldwell introducing the plan reads in part.

Woodstock Mayor Michael Caldwell, alongside other members of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s second Local Leadership Housing Action Committee, recently announced a series of steps they will take to address housing affordability challenges in their jurisdictions.

Mayor Michael Caldwell told the Tribune earlier this month that “we believe that there should be a point at which an individual has paid their fair share in property taxes.”

In a heartfelt moment of the proceedings, Caldwell addressed Ogletree directly, "On behalf of Council and the nearly 40,000 people who call this city home now, thank you," acknowledging that Woodstock owes much of its development to the dedication and vision of leaders like him.

“On behalf of council and the nearly 40,000 people who call this city home now, thank you,” Caldwell said to Ogletree. “When you were serving as council member, the city was 4,500 people. It’s almost 10 times that size now. It’s because of the incredible leadership that you and your colleagues serving beside you showed that this place is what it is today.”

“HB 1013 would ask the voters to consider adding a five-year homestead minimum to reach tax-free status,” Caldwell said. “With record numbers of new residents moving into the city, this would make sure that our city can always afford to offer this benefit to our seniors. The bill would grandfather in anyone who lives in Woodstock today from the 5-year minimum and match the newly proposed Cherokee Schools tax senior exemption.”

“We believe that there should be a point at which an individual has paid their fair share in property taxes,” Caldwell told the Tribune Thursday.

“I am proud to report that our city today remains financially secure, economically robust, artistically vibrant, and the sought-after home of go-getters and dreamers throughout the region,” he said. “The state of our city is optimistic, vibrant, and strong.”

I stand before you today to report on the State of our City. I am proud to report that our city today remains financially secure, economically robust, artistically vibrant, and the sought-after home of go-getters and dreamers throughout the region.

The state of our City is optimistic, vibrant, and strong.

Woodstock Mayor Michael Caldwell presented his 2024 State of the City Address to a sold-out crowd at the Woodstock Arts Theater on the morning of Friday, January 26, 2024.

Atlanta Regional Commission Board Chairman Andre Dickens made officer and committee appointments for 2024 Jan. 10, including Caldwell as vice chair.

“City Clerk is a vitally important role and the City Clerk keeps the story of the city,” Mayor Michael Caldwell said. “Thank you, Robyn, for serving our city so well and for serving in this new role for all of us.”

ARC Officers:

Vice Chair – Michael Caldwell (Mayor, City of Woodstock)
Secretary –Alfred John (Chair, Forsyth County Commission)
Treasurer – Nicole Hendrickson (Chair, Gwinnett County Commission)

Mayor Michael Caldwell issued a proclamation stating that a plaza to be constructed in downtown Woodstock will be named in Rob’s honor.

Mayor Michael Caldwell said. "Winter got this project done six weeks ahead of the contracted date of completion and that means a lot to the surrounding businesses as you can imagine."

After the parade was the city's annual festival in the Park at City Center, where Santa and Mayor Michael Caldwell lit the 30-foot tall Christmas tree.

Woodstock Mayor Michael Caldwell told the Tribune. “Rather than establishing a new government mandate, the council believes the free market should determine where this infrastructure is installed moving forward.”

"It’s a really exciting milestone in Woodstock’s history. This marks the largest investment in our parks and trail infrastructure in our city’s 126-year history," Woodstock Mayor Michael Caldwell said of the parks bond Wednesday.

Mayor Caldwell spoke to the wonderful support from the community and the Woodstock Lions Club.