It was incorporated in 2017 from parts of southwest Fulton County and includes the communities of Red Oak, Cooks Crossing, Stonewall, Fife, Ben Hill, Sandtown, Cliftondale, Ono, Cedar Grove, Boat Rock/Dry Pond, Maude, Lester, Enon, Welcome All, Peters Woods, and part of Campbellton.

More than 200 names were submitted, and the list was pared to 20, including Campbellton (a historical town now partly within the city), Atlanta Heights, Wolf Creek and retaining South Fulton.

However, Mayor Edwards vetoed the name change on December 18, citing several reasons, including contracts and some public opposition.

[citation needed] In 2023, it was announced that approximately 700 acres along Old National Highway, one of the primary commercial corridors in the city, is set for major revitalization.

According to the National League of Cities, a weak mayor government includes a powerful council with both legislative and executive authority.

All other services – including utilities, sanitation, elections, public health and others – are managed by Fulton County, or private providers.

[31][27] Several South Fulton residents also filed a federal lawsuit against city officials for mismanagement of public funds, abuse of power, and irregular hiring practices.

[32] In February 2024, South Fulton City Hall was temporarily closed due to harmful mold found in the facility.

[34] Also in 2024, South Fulton limited permits for barber shops, beauty salons, and chicken shacks to attract and make space for more diversity in businesses.

[35] In January 2025, Kamau faced criticism over questionable expenses charged to South Fulton taxpayers between October and December 2024.

Kamau claimed the allegations were politically motivated and maintained his spending was appropriate but failed to justify his travel, why he did not submit 112 outstanding receipts for various purchases, and why he did not follow the city's credit card policies.

The city council voted to file an ethics complaint and fully audit the mayor after residents pressed for an investigation into Kamau's credit card misuse.

Additionally, he was required to return unapproved taxpayer-funded purchases, such as a $1,300 drone and a $1,800 recreational office pool table.