Congressman Andrew Clyde has expressed support for the City of Mulberry after it received its certified population letter from the U.S. Census Bureau, a development that city officials say is vital to Mulberry’s financial health and legal standing.
“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.”
Mulberry Mayor Coker also commented on the importance of the certification process. “With the assistance of Congressman Andrew Clyde and his staff, Mulberry was able to secure its population letter in less than one year,” said 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.”
Coker added: “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.”
Since its founding, Mulberry has faced significant opposition, including lawsuits from Gwinnett County over issues related to its creation, tax collection, and services. The city does not impose property taxes; instead, it relies on fees already paid by residents to Gwinnett County—such as business license fees, insurance premium taxes, and new vehicle purchase fees—for revenue.
These funds are distributed by state authorities based on municipal population figures provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Initially, local officials were told that obtaining a certified population letter could take more than two years—a delay that would have impacted Mulberry’s ability to access necessary revenue amid ongoing legal disputes.
After coordination between Rep. Clyde’s office and federal agencies, Mulberry received its required documentation in under a year.
Andrew Clyde has represented Georgia’s 9th District in Congress since 2021 after replacing Doug Collins. He resides in Athens and was born in Walkerton, Ontario in 1963. In recent elections he has maintained strong support within his district; he won against Tambrei Cash in 2024 with nearly 69% of votes, defeated Michael Ford in 2022 with over 72%, and prevailed over Devin Pandy in 2020 with almost 79%.
