Cobb County residents are rallying against the proposed Mobility Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (M-SPLOST), a massive $11 billion tax hike over the next 30 years. Chairwoman Lisa Cupid and the Cobb County Board of Commissioners are pushing this tax, which would increase the average household’s tax burden by $500 annually, without delivering meaningful benefits to the community.
Opponents argue that the tax will mainly fund a bloated transit system, including more MARTA buses that will take over existing traffic lanes, worsening congestion. Ridership on these buses is currently dismally low, averaging just 16 passengers per day, yet the buses will keep running—and the taxes will keep coming—whether or not anyone is using them. The tax doesn’t go toward parks or much-needed road improvements, leaving many wondering why Cobb residents should foot the bill for a service few even use.
Cobb residents are particularly concerned about the long-term impact of this tax. East Cobb could see increased traffic and apartment complexes springing up along major corridors, following the failed model of areas like Terrell Mill and Delk Road. This would not only reduce the quality of life for current residents but also drag down property values and place a greater strain on local schools.
Critics also believe that Chairwoman Cupid’s real agenda is to push for more low-income housing across Cobb County, a move that could change the character of suburban communities like East Cobb. Many believe this initiative would primarily benefit illegal immigrants, with taxpayer-funded housing being funneled to those who haven’t even contributed to the local economy. Furthermore, this overreach goes beyond Cupid’s authority as Chairwoman of Cobb’s Board of Commissioners.
Questions have also been raised about the $287,000 in consultant fees Cupid is spending on an “educational campaign” to promote M-SPLOST, raising concerns that taxpayer dollars are being used to fund her own political campaign. Critics see this as yet another example of political insiders benefiting from sweetheart deals, while everyday citizens are left footing the bill. It’s a blatant example of wasteful spending that does nothing to help Cobb’s hard-working families.
Call to Action: Stop the M-SPLOST Tax at Upcoming Open Houses
The Cobb County Department of Transportation is hosting open house events this Wednesday, September 18th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at four different locations across the county. These events are being marketed as an opportunity for residents to ask questions, but many see them as a thinly veiled attempt to push through the tax with minimal opposition. There will be no formal presentations—just a soft sell to try and gloss over the costly consequences of the plan.
Opponents are organizing protests at these locations to stand up for taxpayers and provide information about the real impact of M-SPLOST. Volunteers are encouraged to hold signs, distribute flyers, and make their voices heard against this runaway tax-and-spend proposal.
Cobb Business Alliance to Host Pro-M-SPLOST Party for Insiders
On the same evening, the Cobb Business Alliance will be hosting an M-SPLOST Kickoff Party, which many see as a gathering of consultants, businesses, and political insiders who stand to profit from this tax hike. Community activists are urging residents to sign up for the event—even if they don’t plan on attending—to deny seats to those pushing the tax. Some are planning to peacefully attend and voice their opposition to this massive tax scheme, which they argue is nothing more than corporate welfare disguised as public transit reform.
As the debate intensifies, many residents are calling for fiscal responsibility, warning that the M-SPLOST tax is an unnecessary burden that will harm Cobb County for decades to come. Opponents are urging residents to vote “No” on M-SPLOST and to reject any candidate who supports this costly, wasteful tax hike by groups such as Cobb Taxpayers Association, for more information you can visit their website at Cobbtaxpayer.com.
