2025 Popular Annual
Financial Report
Financial Report
Fiscal Year 2025 By The Numbers
Active Businesses
Museum Visitors
911 Calls Answered
Permits Issued
A Year of Growth, Connection and Community Impact
From record-breaking attendance and new business growth to public safety investments and community events, FY2025 was a year of momentum for the City of Kennesaw.
We are pleased to present the FY2025 Popular Annual Financial Report...
about Kennesaw
Communication & Engagement
The Office of Communication & Engagement continued to strengthen the City's connection with residents, businesses, and visitors through strategic communications, marketing, and community engagement initiatives. Throughout the year, the department supported more than 500 City programs, events, and initiatives with coordinated marketing, media relations, branding, and digital communications while ensuring timely and accurate public information across multiple platforms. The department expanded the City's digital reach through social media, websites, e-newsletters, and digital signage. In addition to promoting community events and City services, the Office continued to enhance transparency, strengthen the City's brand, support emergency and public information efforts, and provide creative services that help every department effectively engage with the community.
Public Information & Media Relations
Digital Communication
Marketing & Event Promotion
Community Engagement
Creative & Branding
Emergency & Crisis Communication
Construction & Development
The Building Services Department continued to enhance efficiency, transparency, and customer service through several key operational improvements this year. The department streamlined the Short-Term Rental inspection process by developing more efficient workflows and standardized inspection checklists, creating a more consistent experience for property owners and staff. Code Enforcement staffing returned to full strength, increasing the department's capacity to respond to community concerns and maintain high service levels. To further improve communication with residents, new functionality was added to the code enforcement software, allowing complainants to receive a case number and track the status of their complaints online, providing greater transparency throughout the enforcement process.
Permits
Inspections
Reviews
Code Cases
Economic Development
Kennesaw continued to experience strong economic growth and investment throughout FY25, reinforcing its position as one of metro Atlanta's most desirable places to live, work, and do business. More than $105 million in residential, mixed-use, commercial, and institutional development projects were completed during the year, while additional residential and mixed-use developments advanced toward completion and several transformative projects prepared to break ground. The City maintained a healthy business climate with a stable 3.8% unemployment rate and growth to 1,584 active businesses, supported by ongoing partnerships, workforce development initiatives, and resources for entrepreneurs. Commercial real estate remained strong with low retail and industrial vacancy rates, while strategic investments in downtown redevelopment, business recruitment, and professional development continued to position Kennesaw for long-term economic success.
Completed Construction Projects
Active Businesses
Job Fair Attendees
2025 Projects Completed
Mazda Dealership
Landing at Summers Street
Town Kennesaw
Northwest Classical Academy
Public Safety
The Kennesaw/Acworth 911 Center continued to provide reliable emergency communications and dispatch services for both communities while maintaining exceptional response standards throughout FY25. The Center answered more than 24,600 emergency 911 calls and nearly 27,700 non-emergency calls, dispatching more than 17,200 incidents for police, fire, and emergency medical services. Despite ongoing staffing challenges, dispatchers answered 97.5% of 911 calls within 15 seconds and 98.5% within 20 seconds, exceeding industry standards. Team members also continued their professional development through ongoing POST-approved training to ensure they remain prepared to deliver high-quality emergency communications and public safety support.
The Kennesaw Police Department remained committed to protecting the community while strengthening relationships through service, outreach, and engagement throughout FY25. In addition to providing exceptional public safety services, the Department hosted and participated in numerous community events that fostered trust and connection, including the Taco Time Open Forum, Faith & Blue Community Cookout, Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, and the Jerry Worthan Memorial Christmas Fund, which provided holiday assistance to 38 families and 90 children. Officers also raised more than $24,000 for Special Olympics Georgia through community fundraising events, demonstrating the Department's commitment to serving beyond law enforcement. A major milestone was reached with the groundbreaking of the City's new Public Safety Building, representing a significant investment in the future of public safety. Throughout the year, numerous officers and civilian staff received local and regional awards recognizing their professionalism, compassion, and dedication to serving the Kennesaw community.
Calls Answered <15 Seconds
Calls Answered <20 Seconds
Emergency Calls
Non-Emergency Calls
Calls Dispatched
IT & Innovation
The Information Technology Department continued to strengthen the City's technology infrastructure while delivering secure, reliable, and innovative solutions that support every department, public safety operations, and community services. During FY25, the department resolved more than 1,800 technology support requests with a 99.1% resolution rate while completing a major network modernization initiative that improved reliability, security, and scalability across City facilities. The department also advanced cybersecurity protections, enhanced public safety technologies, expanded Geographic Information Systems (GIS) capabilities, and improved operational processes through modernized asset management, Microsoft 365 enhancements, and improved monitoring and documentation. These investments have positioned the City for future growth while reducing operational risk, improving service delivery, and supporting critical initiatives, including the future Public Safety Building, Next Generation 911, disaster recovery planning, and expanded GIS services.
tICKETS RESOLVED
Resolution Rate
Network Infrastructure Modernized
Cybersecurity Enhancements
Public Safety Tech Advancements
NextGen 911 GIS Progress
Parks & Recreation
The Parks & Recreation Department continued to enhance the quality of life in Kennesaw by providing exceptional parks, facilities, programs, and community experiences for residents and visitors of all ages. During FY25, the department expanded recreational opportunities, strengthened Kennesaw’s reputation as a destination for entertainment and sports tourism, and created new ways for the community to connect. The first full season of the United Bankshares Amphitheater at Depot Park marked a major milestone, hosting concerts, community events, fitness programs, watch parties, and the relocation of the annual Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival to downtown Kennesaw. The Kennesaw Recreation Center and Recreation Center at Adams Park continued to serve as hubs for athletics, wellness, and community engagement, hosting thousands of participants through pickleball, youth sports, fitness programs, camps, and regional tournaments. Swift-Cantrell Park remained a premier community amenity, with the Swift-Cantrell Dog Park earning “Best of Cobb” recognition for the eighth consecutive year. Through innovative programming, facility enhancements, and continued investment in community spaces, the Parks & Recreation Department remains committed to creating opportunities for residents and visitors to live, work, play, and thrive in Kennesaw.
Children play in the splash pad at Swift-Cantrell Park
Racers compete in the Kennesaw Grand Prix
Children play in the greenspace at Depot Park
Participants take part in a yoga class at Depot Park
A skateboarder catches air at the Swift-Cantrell Park skatepark
Visitors enjoying the trails at Swift-Cantrell Park
Children explore vehicles at the annual Touch-a-Truck event
Attendees enjoy a concert at the United Bankshares Amphitheater at Depot Park
Smith-Gilbert Gardens
Improvements
Volunteers
Volunteer hours
September Attendance Record
Smith-Gilbert Gardens continued to serve as a premier botanical, educational, and cultural destination in Kennesaw, offering visitors opportunities to explore horticulture, art, history, and nature across its 17-acre property. During FY25, the Gardens completed a transformative $1.1 million site improvement project focused on enhancing accessibility, expanding educational opportunities, and improving the overall visitor experience. Improvements included nearly a mile of paved walking paths, accessible restrooms, enhanced parking, upgrades to the bonsai and butterfly exhibits, new garden beds and interactive features in the Living Laboratory garden area, and a new covered pavilion for events and programming. Following the project’s completion, the Gardens celebrated a record-breaking reopening month in September 2025 with 3,047 visitors. Throughout the year, Smith-Gilbert Gardens continued to inspire the community through its renowned plant collections, award-winning “Garden with Wings” butterfly house, bonsai collection, outdoor sculpture displays, educational programs, seasonal events, and volunteer opportunities. With the support of 169 volunteers contributing more than 2,286 hours of service, the Gardens remains dedicated to conservation, education, horticulture, fine arts, and historic preservation while providing a unique destination for residents and visitors to connect with nature.
The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History
Visitors
Memberships
Guided Tours
Students Reached
The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History continued to serve as a premier cultural and educational destination, connecting visitors to the stories of railroads, innovation, and the people who shaped American history. As a Smithsonian Affiliations member, the Museum welcomed guests from across the region to explore its nationally recognized collections, including the historic General locomotive, a centerpiece of the story known as “The Great Locomotive Chase,” and the nation’s only full-scale reproduction of a belt-driven locomotive assembly line showcasing Southern manufacturing after the Civil War. During FY25, the Museum continued to provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages through interactive exhibits, educational programming, school field trips, outreach initiatives, special events, and family programs. From the 5,000-square-foot education center designed for young learners to its extensive research library and archives, the Museum remained a resource for exploration, discovery, and lifelong learning. Through exhibits, events, and community partnerships, the Southern Museum continues to preserve and share the stories of transportation, history, and innovation while providing meaningful experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Public Works
The Public Works Department continued to maintain and enhance Kennesaw’s infrastructure through strategic investments, grant-funded improvements, and proactive maintenance programs that support the City’s continued growth. During FY25, the department expanded its facility footprint, creating approximately 1.5 acres of additional usable space to better support operations. The Streets Division advanced transportation improvements throughout the community, utilizing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to expand the Woodland Acres sidewalk network by 8,400 linear feet and combining Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant (LMIG) funding with department resources to resurface 28 streets at a total investment of $1.7 million. The division also completed landscaping improvements at the Southern Museum, incorporating design elements from the United Bankshares Amphitheater and Depot Park areas to create a cohesive connection between key downtown destinations. The Stormwater Division continued its proactive approach to infrastructure management by inspecting at least 20% of the stormwater system annually, completing approximately 900 linear feet of pipe relining in 2025, and advancing system mapping efforts to support future modeling and identification of potential hydraulic issues. Through ongoing maintenance, planning, and infrastructure investments, the Public Works Department remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable services that support the community’s long-term success.
Feet of New Sidewalk
Miles of Road Resurfaced
Street Investment
Feet of Storm Pipe Relined
Planning & Zoning
The Community Development Department continued to guide Kennesaw's future through strategic planning, community engagement, and long-range initiatives designed to support sustainable growth and enhance quality of life. During FY25, the department led extensive public outreach efforts, engaging residents, business owners, and community stakeholders through meetings, surveys, and interactive events to help shape the City's future. A major milestone was Kennesaw's selection as one of six communities to receive funding through the Atlanta Regional Commission's Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) grant, supporting a planning study focused on transforming the Cobb Parkway corridor into a more walkable, connected, and vibrant destination while strengthening links to downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The department also laid the groundwork for the 2026 Comprehensive Plan Update, a community-driven initiative that will establish priorities for future growth, land use, transportation, and economic development. Through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and public engagement, the Community Development Department continues to position Kennesaw for a more connected, resilient, and prosperous future.
Community Engagement
LCI Grant Award
Cobb Parkway Study
2026 Comprehensive Plan
Governmental Revenues:
Where the Money Comes From
Where the Money Comes From
The General Fund is the primary operating fund for the City’s core services. A fund balance is achieved when city revenues exceed expenses. Taxes make up the largest portion of incoming money for the City.
Other sources include licensing and permits, intergovernmental revenue such as grants or shared revenues, fines and forfeitures, charges for services, investment earnings and other miscellaneous revenues.
Governmental Expenditures:
Where the Money Goes
Where the Money Goes
Providing quality services for constituents comes at a cost. Expenditures consist of general government support, public safety, municipal court, public work, planning, inspections, code enforcement and economic development and culture & recreation costs covering city parks and amenities and coordinating special events.