GAINESVILLE, GA – Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) released the following statement after the City of Mulberry received its certified population letter from the U.S. Census Bureau.

“I’m thrilled that the City of Mulberry received its certified population letter,” said Clyde. “Securing this letter was key to the city’s survival and financial stability. It has been a pleasure to coordinate on this matter with Mayor Coker, and I look forward to continuing to work together as we serve our constituents. I’m always honored to assist our Ninth District communities, especially in advocating for localities facing bureaucratic battles.”

“With the assistance of Congressman Andrew Clyde and his staff, Mulberry was able to secure its population letter in less than one year,” said Mulberry Mayor Coker. “This letter was more than a confirmation of population — it was essential to the city’s survival. It placed Mulberry on equal legal footing with the county, secured the city’s revenue streams, and ensured that the city could continue to operate with fiscally conservative policies and no city property taxes.”

“The entire City of Mulberry owes a deep debt of gratitude to Congressman Clyde for his commitment to supporting Mulberry in its mission for limited government and local control,” Coker added.

Background

From its founding, the City of Mulberry faced strong opposition — including multiple lawsuits from Gwinnett County challenging the city’s creation, tax collection, and services.

Mulberry does not levy a city property tax. Instead, all city revenue comes from existing fees already paid by residents to the county, such as business license fees, insurance premium taxes, and new vehicle purchase fees.

Many of these revenues are collected by the state and distributed to cities and counties based on population. To receive these funds, a city must provide the state with a certified population letter from the U.S. Census Bureau.

When the City of Mulberry first contacted the U.S. Census Bureau, the agency informed local officials that obtaining a certified population letter could take more than two years. Given the ongoing legal challenges to the city’s formation and ever-increasing legal costs, Mulberry could not afford to wait two years to receive the revenue to which it was legally entitled and dependent on for financial stability.

Following effective coordination with Rep. Andrew Clyde and the U.S. Census Bureau, the City of Mulberry received its certified population letter in less than one year.