Coker on the Record

In episode 14 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker sits down with Mulberry’s City Manager Jamie Palmer to explain how day-to-day operations are managed, how zoning and permits are processed, and how Mulberry—despite being a brand new city—is running with speed and precision. From planning and community development to infrastructure and permitting, Jamie walks us through what it takes to get...

In episode 13 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker sits down with Councilman Tim Sullivan, who represents District 1 in the City of Mulberry, Georgia. Tim shares his deep background in zoning, his vision for smart growth, and why he’s fighting for responsible development and local character. From pushing back on unnecessary commercial sprawl to advocating for a park near Seckinger High Scho...

In episode 12 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Mayor Michael Coker sits down with Councilman Kyle Shields to discuss his background, his service to District 3, and the top priorities for the City of Mulberry, Georgia. From his start as a professional race car driver to becoming an HOA leader in Hamilton Mill, Kyle shares how his passion for service—and concern for quality of life—led him into local g...

In episode 11 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker explains why the City of Mulberry, Georgia is committed to being one of the best places in the state to raise a family. From school overcrowding concerns to smart growth strategies, Mayor Coker outlines how Mulberry is protecting its community values while planning for the future. He discusses the need for local parks, walkable neighborhood...

Mayor Michael Coker explains how the City of Mulberry operates with no property tax—and still delivers high-quality services through smart budgeting and alternative revenue sources. In episode 10 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Coker breaks down how city funds flow in, what residents are already paying for, and how Mulberry has been able to operate successfully without a millage rate. From permit fe...

In Episode 9 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker answers a key question: Is the City of Mulberry, Georgia open for business? The answer is yes—and in this episode, Mayor Coker explains how Mulberry is creating a business-friendly environment by simplifying permits, supporting local restaurants and shops, and building a long-term economic vision that benefits residents and developers alike....

Ever wonder what a mayor actually does? In Episode 8 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker pulls back the curtain and explains what his day-to-day looks like as Mulberry’s mayor. Learn what makes Mulberry’s government structure different, who’s responsible for running the city, and why public service matters now more than ever.

In Episode 7 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker gives residents a full behind-the-scenes look at how City Council meetings work in Mulberry. Learn how agendas are set, when you can speak, what an executive session is, and why community involvement matters more than ever.

In Episode 6 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker breaks down the City of Mulberry, Georgia’s first-ever comprehensive plan. This isn’t just a government formality—it’s a roadmap for the next 5, 10, even 20 years. From infrastructure and zoning to the look of future downtown areas, this plan reflects the voices of Mulberry residents. Mayor Coker explains how you can help shape what your cit...

In Episode 5 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker sits down with Mayor Pro Tem Michael Rudnick to introduce the residents of the City of Mulberry, Georgia to one of its key leaders. Mayor Pro Tem Rudnick shares his story—from a career in fleet management for the City of Lawrenceville to earning a Master’s in Public Administration from UGA, and how his municipal background helps guide the Ci...

In Episode 4 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker shares the full story of how the City of Mulberry, Georgia came to life—one year after voters approved its creation. You’ll hear how local residents came together to push for better planning, local control, and a stronger community. From early town halls to election night, Mayor Coker walks through the grassroots movement, the fight against...

In Episode 3 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker sits down with Chandler Faith Pitts, Mulberry’s first-ever City Clerk. They talk about her path from Georgia Tech engineering graduate to the front lines of local government—and the vital role the clerk plays in keeping our city running. You’ll hear how Chandler manages city records, meeting minutes, public access to ordinances, and why this...

In Episode 2 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker shares what’s really going on between the City of Mulberry and Gwinnett County. From lawsuits that challenge the city’s existence to the county refusing to provide basic services like fire inspections, Mayor Coker walks through the challenges—and the contradictions. He explains how the county says Mulberry doesn’t legally exist in court, but...

In this first episode of Coker on the Record, I explain what really happened when Gwinnett County canceled every pending permit in Mulberry—right after collecting payments and without warning. This episode walks you through how Mulberry stepped in to fix the mess, how we honored permits without double-charging residents, and how we’ve made the process smoother for homeowners, builders, and busines...