According to an announcement on the City of Marietta website, Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin has been named the 2026 Elected Official of the Year by the Georgia Chapter of the American Public Works Association, recognizing his leadership and support of infrastructure and public works initiatives across the city.
Tumlin was honored with the statewide award during the Marietta City Council meeting Wednesday, Aug. 12.
The Georgia Chapter of APWA presents its Elected Official of the Year Award to an elected official who demonstrates significant support for public works programs and activities in Georgia through leadership, advocacy, guidance, legislative action or active involvement in public works initiatives.
During Tumlin’s tenure, Marietta has completed several major infrastructure, streetscape and public works projects designed to improve safety, mobility, accessibility and connectivity.
Projects cited as examples of that work include the Powder Springs Street and Fairground Street streetscape projects, intersection improvements at James Street and Tower Road and the replacement of the Pickens Industrial Drive bridge.
The Pickens Industrial Drive bridge replacement previously earned the 2024 APWA Georgia Chapter Public Works Project of the Year Award.
Tumlin has also supported the involvement of Marietta Public Works personnel in decisions involving development, emergency preparedness and long-term planning, according to information announcing the award.
His support has included advocating for employee training, modern equipment and workplace safety, as well as recognizing public works professionals for their roles as first responders and community servants.
The APWA Georgia Chapter said those efforts reflect its emphasis on resilient and effective public works systems and helped earn Tumlin the organization’s 2026 Elected Official of the Year honor.