The City’s SWOT Analysis & Our Path to Action
A City's Self-Check: What the SWOT Analysis Means for Sandy Springs
Recently, Sandy Springs’ City Council publicly reviewed its first formal SWOT (Strengths–Weaknesses–Opportunities–Threats) analysis. This exercise offered a candid look at where our city stands and the road ahead. While council members noted it was a preliminary effort, the discussion was a crucial window into upcoming decisions on housing, growth and quality of life—issues at the heart of Sandy Springs Together’s (SST) mission.
The Council’s review spotlighted housing availability as a top “Threat,” noted redevelopment delays as both a “Weakness” and an “Opportunity,” and called for a fresh Housing Needs Assessment and deeper public engagement. These points directly affirm the challenges SST works to address.
Key Takeaways from the City's SWOT Discussion
While the full SWOT discussion was extensive, several points stood out in relation to Sandy Springs' future, particularly concerning housing and community well-being:
Acknowledged Strengths: The city recognized its dedicated staff, strong financial management and public safety as key assets. These provide a solid foundation for tackling challenges.
Critical Weaknesses: Lengthy redevelopment timelines were identified as a significant hurdle, often slowing down needed progress and improvements.
Major Opportunities: Redevelopment, if done right, presents a chance to reshape our community positively. Leveraging technology for efficiency and investing in future city leadership were also seen as key opportunities.
Urgent Threats: Crucially, the council pinpointed "housing in neighborhoods" (specifically its availability and cost) as a major threat. Concerns about financial uncertainties, water reliability and what was termed "public apathy" (which many, including council members, suggested reflects gaps in city outreach) were also prominent.
SST's Perspective: The SWOT Confirms Our Mission & Focus
The City Council's SWOT analysis powerfully aligns with Sandy Springs Together's core concerns and advocacy:
Safe, Affordable Housing Options: The city's identification of rising housing costs and the need to preserve our apartments in good condition as the affordable option for our workers validates SST's long-standing focus. This isn't just an issue; it's a recognized "Threat" to our community's stability if we don’t find a way to make housing more accessible for all income groups.
Balanced, Inclusive Growth: The discussion around redevelopment delays (a "Weakness") and redevelopment itself (an "Opportunity") underscores the need for a more comprehensive but strategic approach. Streamlining processes and adjusting zoning codes can help encourage the development of new mixed-income homes, offering economic mobility for our young families and seniors.
Authentic Community Voice: Leaders acknowledged that perceived "public apathy" likely points to shortcomings in the city’s engagement strategies. This echoes SST’s consistent push for broader, more inclusive resident involvement in shaping Sandy Springs' future, ensuring that the voices of renters and diverse community members are heard.
In essence, the SWOT analysis serves as an official acknowledgment of the very challenges SST was formed to address. It also illuminates clear pathways—like the upcoming Comprehensive Plan update, the potential for a new Housing Needs Assessment and a renewed focus on code enforcement and redevelopment—where targeted advocacy can lead to fairer, more comprehensive solutions for all residents.
What Happens Next? Key Opportunities for Action
The SWOT discussion is not an endpoint but a catalyst. Key upcoming decision points where these insights can be translated into action include:
Housing Needs Assessment (Decision Summer/Fall 2025): Council has decided to fund an update to the 2020 assessment. It will be included in the 2026 Budget. Given significant market shifts, SST believes this is a critical, non-negotiable step.
10-Year Comprehensive Plan Update (Kick-off Early 2026): This major undertaking will shape the city for the next decade. The new Mayor and Council will appoint a steering group and robust community input will be vital from the outset.
The City Council's SWOT analysis has laid bare both Sandy Springs' strengths and the significant pressures it faces, particularly concerning housing. The conversation has moved past whether these are problems. We must all come together to share our ideas in the upcoming discussions so that our city can address them.
. For Sandy Springs to remain a vibrant, inclusive community for families at all income levels, solutions for housing attainability and equitable development must become a priority and then we need to be creative in how it is funded.
Sandy Springs Together will remain vigilant, tracking the budget process, the Comprehensive Plan update and advocating for policies that ensure everyone can afford to live, work and age with dignity in our city.