Union City leaders delivered an optimistic and forward-looking message during the 2026 State of the City Address, showcasing a city focused on growth, investment, and building stronger connections throughout the community.
Hosted before a packed audience of residents, business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders, the annual address served as both a celebration of progress and a roadmap for the future.
Mayor Vince Williams described the evening as an opportunity to reflect on the city’s momentum while sharing what lies ahead for Union City.
“We’ll be talking about infrastructure. We’ll be talking about parks and recreation. We’ll be talking about public safety. We’ll be talking about housing. We’ll be talking about healthcare,” Mayor Williams said ahead of the address. “We’re looking forward to sharing that information, letting the folks know where their tax dollars go and how we’re using them.”
Throughout the evening, city leaders repeatedly emphasized a theme of transformation — not just through development projects, but through intentional investments designed to improve the daily lives of residents.
The address highlighted Union City’s continued focus on:
- Expanding parks and recreational spaces
- Supporting economic development and job growth
- Improving public safety and healthcare access
- Investing in families and youth programs
- Strengthening neighborhood connectivity and community engagement
- Creating quality-of-life experiences for residents
City officials described Union City as entering a new era of opportunity fueled by strategic planning, partnerships, and long-term investment.
Councilman Brian Jones pointed to healthcare expansion as one of the city’s most significant developments, noting the broader economic impact expected from future medical investments.
“We know about the green hospitals coming. That’s going to be huge for the city,” Jones said. “There’s more economic development that’s going to come with that because you’ve got to support the hospital and the people that work there. It’s going to be housing, restaurants, shopping.”
Community spaces and recreation also emerged as a major focus during the event.
Councilwoman Christina Hobbs highlighted the city’s continued investment in parks and gathering spaces, including the expansion of recreational amenities and community-centered programming.
“We’ve got four parks coming online,” Hobbs said. “That’s what we call community.”
Among the projects discussed were improvements to Eagles Nest, described as a “field of dreams” for local families and children, as well as expanded outdoor amenities designed to create more opportunities for residents to gather, connect, and enjoy shared experiences.
Union City officials also emphasized storytelling and civic identity as an important part of the city’s future.
City Manager Sonia Fillingame described the State of the City as an opportunity for Union City to “tell our story” while highlighting the city’s rapid growth and evolving identity.
“Union City has absolutely been stretching,” Fillingame said. “From our park systems to bringing in access in terms of medical care, we’re just doing a whole lot and we’re very proud to tell the story to our residents and our partners.”
Fillingame also spotlighted the city’s “Growing Together” campaign, an initiative focused on strengthening resident connections while improving the city’s landscape and public spaces.
Education and literacy initiatives were also recognized as key priorities moving forward.
Councilwoman Lana Owens discussed the city’s continued investment in literacy programming, including expanded reading initiatives and plans for a new adult literacy program aimed at supporting lifelong learning opportunities within the community.
The evening blended civic pride, entertainment, and community celebration, reinforcing Union City’s continued push to position itself as one of South Fulton’s fastest-growing and most community-focused municipalities.
During the annual address, city leaders reflected on the progress made across economic development, public safety, infrastructure, housing, and quality-of-life initiatives while outlining a vision centered on smart growth, community investment, and long-term sustainability.
As Union City continues expanding, leaders say the focus remains clear: creating a city where growth is matched by opportunity, community connection, and a higher quality of life for every resident.
“This is an exciting time to be in Union City,” leaders shared throughout the evening — a message that resonated across every major announcement and initiative unveiled during the 2026 State of the City Address.
