Columbus mayoral candidate Joanne Cogle outlines vision for city

Candidate says Columbus needs to change its self-perception to attract more investment and growth.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:11pm

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A serene, nostalgic painting of a single street lamp post on a quiet Columbus street, with warm sunlight and deep shadows casting a contemplative mood.Mayoral candidate Joanne Cogle hopes to reframe the perception of Columbus, Georgia, beyond just a tourist destination.Columbus Today

Joanne Cogle, a candidate for mayor of Columbus, Georgia, is calling for a shift in the city's self-image and perception in order to drive more investment and growth. Cogle believes Columbus is often seen as just a tourist destination, when it has the potential to be a thriving Southern city.

Why it matters

The mayoral election in Columbus is an important one, as the next leader will play a key role in shaping the city's future direction. Cogle's focus on changing the community's self-perception could be a significant factor in her campaign platform and vision for Columbus.

The details

In an interview, Cogle stated that Columbus has a 'negative way of thinking about ourselves' that needs to change. She believes the outside perception of Columbus is as a tourist destination, rather than recognizing its potential as a great place in the South and a 'diamond in the rough.' Cogle aims to reframe the narrative around Columbus to attract more investment and growth opportunities.

  • Cogle is a candidate in the 2026 Columbus mayoral election.

The players

Joanne Cogle

A candidate for mayor of Columbus, Georgia, who is calling for a shift in the city's self-perception to drive investment and growth.

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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, Mayoral Candidate

The takeaway

Cogle's focus on reframing the perception of Columbus could be a key part of her mayoral campaign platform, as she aims to position the city as more than just a tourist destination and unlock its potential for broader economic and community development.