Coker on the Record

In Episode 39 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker sits down with District 3 Councilman Kyle Shields to talk about something residents have been asking for: a real downtown for Mulberry. Councilman Shields also opens up about life as a councilman, the realities of working with state and county DOT on traffic, and his new weekly walk and talk meetups at Mulberry Park. 📧 Want your question f...

In Episode 38 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Coker sits down with District 1 Councilman Tim Sullivan to break down the Comprehensive Plan, the role of the Steering Committee, and why local control is more important than ever for Mulberry residents. Want to help shape Mulberry's future? Visit the city website at mulberryga.gov 📧 Want your question featured in a future episode? Email Mayor Coker at...

In Episode 37 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker sits down with City Manager Jamie Palmer to answer the questions Mulberry residents ask most. Licenses. Zoning. The Marshal's Office. Traffic on 124 and 324. If you have been wondering what is really going on in your city, this episode is for you. If you have been wondering what is happening in your city, this episode has the answers. 📧 Wa...

In Episode 36 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker sits down with City Manager Jamie Palmer to talk about Mulberry Jam, a new community event coming to the City of Mulberry. They discuss how the idea came together, how it connects to the city’s comprehensive plan, what residents can expect at the event, and how local businesses can get involved. Mulberry Jam is scheduled for June 13 from 3:...

In Episode 35 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker sits down with Mayor Pro Tem Michael Rudnick to break down Mulberry’s comprehensive plan—what it is, why it matters, and how residents can directly shape the future of the city. From land use and development to district-specific vision and community identity, this conversation explains how every resident can have a voice in what Mulberry be...

In Episode 34 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker sits down with Mayor Pro Tem Michael Rudnick to break down Mulberry’s first year—from starting with almost nothing to building a functioning city with strong reserves, public safety, and a clear vision for the future. They also discuss District 4 priorities, including preserving its character, improving connectivity, and why community input...

In Episode 33 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker is joined by Planning Commissioner Chris Adkins to discuss how development decisions are made in Mulberry. Commissioner Adkins explains the role of the Planning Commission, how rezonings are evaluated, what the comprehensive plan and UDO mean, and how residents can effectively participate in public hearings. The conversation also covers bal...

In Episode 32 of Coker on the Record, Natalie Geiger from Best of Mulberry returns to share more hidden gems, new businesses, and local favorites across our city. From Little Mulberry Park and Back Nine Golf to upcoming spots like Homestead at Hog Mountain, this episode highlights the places that make Mulberry a great place to live, work, and raise a family. If you’re new to Mulberry or simply loo...

In Episode 31 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker is joined by Chief Marshal Robert Jones of the Mulberry Marshal’s Office to explain what a marshal’s office is, what it does, and how it supports quality of life and public safety in the city. Chief Marshal Jones shares his background in law enforcement and walks residents through the role of the Marshal’s Office, including code enforcement...

In Episode 30 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker is joined by Terry Swaim, Chairman of the Mulberry Planning Commission, to explain what the Planning Commission does and how development and rezoning decisions are made. This conversation walks residents through the role of the Planning Commission, what the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) is, how staff reports work, and how community me...

In Episode 29 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker sits down with Bill Riley, a key figure behind the creation of several cities across Georgia. Reflecting on cityhood, Bill Riley explains that “the best thing about starting new cities is helping people improve their quality of life.” This episode takes you behind the scenes of how cities are formed, the challenges involved, and why local c...

In Episode 28 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker sits down with Cheryl Ritzel, editor of Mulberry Magazine, to discuss how the publication began, why it was needed, and how it continues to connect residents with reliable, community-focused information. Cheryl shares her background in education, writing, and photography, explains how Mulberry Magazine fills an important communication gap,...

In Episode 27 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker shares a special holiday update filled with stories from across Mulberry — from Halloween night to Christmas and everything in between. Hear about the Mulberry Marshal’s first night on patrol, Mayor Coker’s annual Veterans Day visit with WWII hero Donald Heath, and how the Pantry at Hamilton Mill continues serving over a thousand families e...

In Episode 26 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker sits down with lifelong resident Wayne Stancel to share what life was like growing up in Mulberry decades ago — long before the new developments and modern conveniences arrived. From farming with mules and hauling ice to the church picnics that brought the whole community together, this conversation captures the spirit of old Mulberry — its...

In Episode 25 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker sits down with local historian Eli Stancel to uncover the fascinating origins of Mulberry — from its Native American roots to the creation of Fort Daniel and even the surprising connection to Atlanta’s famous Peachtree Road. Together, they explore stories of frontier life, early settlers, and the events that shaped one of Gwinnett County’s...

In Episode 24 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker shares four major updates shaping the future of the City of Mulberry. The episode highlights the launch of the Mulberry Marshals Department, the city’s move into a new, larger City Hall, updates to the Unified Development Ordinance, and a new GDOT traffic project to help ease congestion near Hamilton Mill. Learn how these changes will stren...

In Episode 23 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker highlights one of the most inspiring community traditions in our area — the Friday Night Food Fights between Mill Creek, Dacula, and Seckinger High Schools. What began several years ago as a simple idea to restock food pantries after summer has grown into a powerful annual competition where students collect thousands of pounds of food for f...

In Episode 22 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker answers six important questions submitted directly by Mulberry residents. The discussion covers a range of topics that matter to the community, including the legality of golf carts and whether the city plans to regulate them with tags or permits, the possibility of a Mulberry heritage or history center, and whether a diverging diamond inter...

In Episode 21 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker shares some fun and important updates you may not know about Mulberry. Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode: - Mulberry Merch Store: Councilman Tim Sullivan has been working to create an official Mulberry merchandise store with a vendor out of Peachtree Corners. Soon you’ll be able to show your Mulberry pride with t-shirts, polos, and sw...

In Episode 20 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker shares the latest updates straight from Mulberry City Council. From rezonings and planning decisions to new initiatives and public safety, here’s what’s happening in our city:- Planning & Zoning: Mulberry is now hearing rezoning applications and variance requests, giving residents more local control over what gets built.- Bee-Friendly I...

In Episode 19 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker answers three pressing questions submitted by Mulberry residents. Rental Neighborhoods: Are entire neighborhoods being built just for renters? Mayor Coker explains how Mulberry is taking action with proposed ordinances that require licensing, onsite management, and higher maintenance standards to protect homeowners and ensure long-term qual...

In Episode 18 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker breaks down two newly proposed ordinances that could significantly change how rental properties operate in Mulberry. What happens when developers build entire neighborhoods intended solely for rental use? Mayor Coker explains how Mulberry is taking a proactive stance requiring licensing, on-site management, and strict maintenance standards...

In Episode 17 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker sits down with Best of Mulberry founder Natalie Geiger for a conversation about the people, businesses, and energy that make Mulberry special. Natalie shares how Best of Mulberry became a way to spotlight local restaurants, small businesses, and hidden gems that residents love. Mayor Coker and Natalie talk about where to eat, what’s new, an...

In episode 16 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker takes you inside how city ordinances are proposed, reviewed, and adopted in Mulberry. From council discussions to staff research, from public comment to the final vote—this is the real path from idea to law. He also shares a powerful example: a Georgia State student who helped bring a bee-friendly ordinance forward through passion and persi...

In episode 15 of Coker on the Record, Mayor Michael Coker breaks down how Mulberry works with Gwinnett County, the State of Georgia, and even the federal government to make things happen. From traffic congestion and state highways to school overcrowding and DOT project timelines, you’ll get a clear picture of what it takes to advocate for residents beyond city limits—and how Mulberry is building p...