A new year, a new mayor for the city of Stockbridge has finally come. 2026 marks a new era for the city of Stockbridge.
A packed house full of family members, friends, elected officials, and residents all gathered for a swearing-in ceremony for the new mayor, Jayden Williams, in Stockbridge.
Williams was also sworn in alongside newly elected City Councilwoman Lakeisha Gantt, representing District 1, and Councilman Antwan Cloud, representing District 2.
Following winning the mayoral race against a two-time incumbent in November, Jayden Williams, 22, officially became the youngest mayor ever in Stockbridge.
Williams is also pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science at Clark Atlanta University. Following his election, Williams said his victory reflects a desire for change among Stockbridge residents.
The swearing-in marks the start of a new term focused on growth, inclusivity, and addressing the needs of a changing community, according to city officials.
“Today isn’t about me, but it’s about all of us. It’s about what happens when a community decides to believe and decides to do the work that is needed to back that belief,” Williams said. “We’ve knocked on doors, we’ve prayed, we’ve sent messages, but most importantly, you all have challenged me. You didn’t vote for the person, you voted for the promise.”
That promise he says, is being “all in for Stockbridge.”
“I’m all in for Stockbridge, all in for our neighborhoods, all in for our districts and all in for our people,” he said. “The future of Stockbridge will be built on transparency, physical responsibility, opportunity, and collaboration. The vision is not abstract, it’s intentional. We’re here to help build Stockbridge to higher heights.”
Williams says this is why economic development and economic innovation is going to be their administration’s front and center priority because “a city cannot rise if its people are locked out of opportunities.”
“We are committed to building clear paths to good jobs, supporting small businesses, and aligning education with the real demands of today’s economy, especially in healthcare, logistics industries, and the sectors that are driving our region,” he said. “It is why youth opportunities and community learning will be a priority because when we invest early and coordinate what already exists and truly listen to our young people, we change the outcomes of a lifetime.”
Williams told the crowd he wants to build exposure and safe spaces where youth can learn, grow, and see themselves in the future of the city, which is why housing and holistic wellbeing is going to be addressed. He said building safe and stable homes are the foundation of healthy families and strong neighborhoods, which includes aligning housing with access to health care, mental health support, transportation, and the quality-of-life services.
“We’ve got to also support the city as well. It’s why public safety and infrastructure matter because safety is not just about response, it is about prevention, not just enforcement, but trust,” he said. “It means modern infrastructure, coordinated services, well-lit streets, reliable utilities, and partnerships that ensure growth is smart, reliable, and every resident feels safe, seen, and supported.”
Additionally, he said they will strengthen neighborhoods, promote responsible growth, support small businesses, invest in the youth, and respect the elders because the process that leaves behind is all the process Stockbridge needs.
“No part of this city will be left behind under my administration, and that is my promise. We are facing some challenges, financial pressures, growth decisions, and in some places, trust can also be an appointment where we must rebuild it,” he said. “There are things that aren’t always going to go right, but there are also things that always will not be ignored. There are things we confront together because leadership is not pretending everything is perfect. Leadership is showing up anyway and doing the work.”
Furthermore, Williams quoted Shirley Chisholm saying, “If you don’t have a seat at the table, bring a folding chair,” and to this, Williams says Stockbridge did something different.
“We didn’t just bring the folding chair, we gathered the wood, we built the table, and now together, we’re going to make sure that table is strong enough, wide enough and welcoming enough for everyone,” he said. “This is our city. This is our moment, and together, we are all in for Stockbridge.