Columbus Mayoral Candidate Joanne Cogle Outlines Vision for City

Cogle discusses top issues like economic development, public safety, and community health if elected mayor

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:05am

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Columbus City Councilor Joanne Cogle, who is running for mayor in the 2026 election, sat down with the Ledger-Enquirer to discuss her policy priorities and initiatives. Cogle, a small business owner who has lived in Columbus for 17 years, highlighted her plans to streamline the city's zoning and permitting processes, address the city's 'internal narrative,' and prepare for potential state-level changes to property taxes. She also expressed concerns about the proposed Project Ruby data center and outlined her goals for public safety and community health.

Why it matters

As a longtime resident and small business owner, Cogle's mayoral campaign offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Columbus. Her policy proposals could have a significant impact on the city's economic development, public services, and quality of life if she is elected.

The details

Cogle said a key priority would be streamlining the city's zoning and permitting processes to make it easier for businesses to operate in Columbus. She also wants to address the city's 'internal narrative' and change how residents view their own community. Cogle expressed concerns about the potential impact of state-level changes to property taxes, which make up a significant portion of the city's budget. She also raised issues with the proposed Project Ruby data center, including environmental concerns and the need for Muscogee County to maintain control over any overlay district requirements. Cogle emphasized the importance of public safety, noting the upcoming transition in police chief leadership, and outlined plans to address the city's mental health crisis and overall community health.

  • Cogle was elected to the Columbus City Council in 2022.
  • Columbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis is leaving at the end of 2026.
  • Early voting for the 2026 Columbus mayoral election begins on April 27, 2026, with election day on May 19, 2026.

The players

Joanne Cogle

A Columbus City Councilor who is running for mayor in the 2026 election. Cogle is a small business owner who has lived in Columbus for 17 years after arriving via the military.

Stoney Mathis

The current Columbus Police Chief, who is leaving his position at the end of 2026.

Freddie Blackmon

The previous Columbus Police Chief who accepted a $400,000 severance package to retire in April 2023.

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What they’re saying

“We have a negative way of thinking about ourselves. And that needs to change because the way that the community outside of us sees Columbus is as a tourist destination, a great place in the South and a diamond in the rough.”

— Joanne Cogle, Columbus City Councilor

“I'm a cancer survivor myself. So, those are things that are really important to me, making sure that we are taking care of the health of our citizens.”

— Joanne Cogle, Columbus City Councilor

What’s next

The Columbus City Council will vote on Cogle's recommendation for the next police chief to replace the outgoing Stoney Mathis at the end of 2026.

The takeaway

Cogle's mayoral campaign focuses on improving Columbus' economic development, public safety, and community health through initiatives like streamlining permitting, addressing the city's 'internal narrative,' and tackling mental health challenges. Her background as a small business owner and city councilor provides a unique perspective on the issues facing Columbus.