BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Johns Creek, GA, October 2, 2025: On Friday, September 19, 2025, the Indo American Friends of John Bradberry organized a successful Meet & Greet Indian Dinner Reception at the Yifan Event Center. Hosted by community leader Himanshu Karnwal, the event brought together a large crowd for a civic dialogue with Johns Creek Mayor and incumbent candidate John Bradberry, who is seeking re-election this fall. The evening also included a special recognition of Johns Creek City Council member Dilip Tunki for his dedicated service.
Among the distinguished guests were Georgia House Representatives Todd Jones, Carter Barrett, and Scott Hilton; Fulton County School Board District 5 representative Kristin McCabe; and Fulton County District 1 Commissioner Bridget Thorne, who represents Johns Creek, Roswell, Alpharetta, and parts of Sandy Springs.
In his keynote, Bradberry reflected on Johns Creek’s national recognition as the top city to live in. “The first time a national magazine said we were number one, it was electric. The second time, people were like, yeah. And then two days ago, Architectural Digest named us number one, and people said it was old hat,” he told the crowd. “But for me, it’s not old hat. If anything, it increases my motivation, my resolve, that we keep pushing to find ways to deliver value and keep improving quality of life.”
He credited the achievement to the city’s strong foundation in public safety, financial discipline, infrastructure, and community engagement. “One of the big things they noticed is how much we are really turning on the building of our community,” he said, citing the city’s first-ever Diwali celebration, as well as Juneteenth and Duluth Days, as examples of growing inclusiveness.
Bradberry reminded residents that public safety has been at the heart of his administration. “Four years ago, I said it was going to be my top priority. Today, Johns Creek is literally the safest city in the United States,” he said. He pointed to a 36 percent increase in public safety funding, a new crime suppression unit, and competitive pay and retention bonuses that helped achieve a fully staffed police department. “Today in Johns Creek, we have more police officers per capita than at any time in our history. That’s significant,” he emphasized.
On fiscal matters, Bradberry noted: “Today, we have the lowest millage rate in the history of Johns Creek, the lowest in Fulton County, and we are stronger financially than at any other time in our history.” He reaffirmed his commitment to balanced budgets based on rollback rates, adding, “I’m very proud that we are trying to live within our means.”
Bradberry also shared updates on the highly anticipated Town Center. “Four years ago, people wondered if we would ever have a town center. Today, it’s coming out of the ground. Medley will open next year on October 29 at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting,” he announced, drawing applause. He also highlighted Boston Scientific’s new $100 million facility, the upcoming debut of The Boardwalk in early 2026, and numerous park, sidewalk, and intersection improvements that have enhanced connectivity and walkability.
Looking ahead, Bradberry set a bold vision: “When you get something like number one city, it makes me think, okay, what are we going to do to keep that? In four years, I want us to be able to say that Johns Creek is the best local government in the country.”
During an open Q&A session moderated by host Himanshu Karnwal, Bradberry addressed topics ranging from the city’s identity to finances and governance. He shared the recent success of ensuring all Johns Creek addresses now carry the city’s name in mailing designations, a symbolic but important step toward affirming community identity. On the Performing Arts Center referendum, he pledged to implement the will of the voters faithfully, noting that passage of the initiative would add an estimated $83 annually to the average household’s property tax bill.
He also addressed concerns over staff turnover, clarifying that high figures shared publicly have been exaggerated. Retirements accounted for much of the fluctuation, with this year’s police department turnover at just 5 percent. Morale across city departments, he affirmed, remains strong. Bradberry also provided updates on the city’s acquisition of the historic Macedonia Cemetery, sharing hopes to restore the original church structure as a pavilion and educational landmark.
On sustainability initiatives, Bradberry explained that solar energy investments were evaluated but did not prove financially viable. He added that while residents have inquired about a public pool, surveys consistently show that trails, sidewalks, and an indoor recreation center rank higher as priorities.
He outlined goals to streamline city codes and permits, improve communications and customer service, and increase private sponsorships for community events. “Too many of our residents have difficulty with the permitting process, and it affects our businesses too. That has to change,” he said.
The mayor highlighted ways in which new venues at The Boardwalk will elevate the city’s ability to host cultural celebrations, envisioning fireworks over the lake for Diwali and lantern displays for Lunar New Year.
Bradberry closed on a personal note, expressing gratitude to the community. “It’s really an honor to serve as your mayor. I take it very seriously, and I’m humbled by it. My heart is truly to serve our community,” he said. He urged residents to stay engaged: “It’s very important that we get out and vote. I want your support — whether it’s hosting a meet and greet, contributing, or volunteering. Let’s do everything we can to return a good team that has brought us to number one so we can stay at number one.”
The evening began with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem by Sri Priya and Jyotsna, who were specially recognized for their performance. Guests then enjoyed a traditional Indian dinner that fostered fellowship and conversation, rounding out a night that seamlessly blended cultural pride with civic engagement.
