Peachtree City Founder Joel Cowan, 3 other former mayors endorse Learnard’s re-election, former Mayor Haddix endorses Steve Brown

PEACHTREE CITY (September 24, 2025) – Joel Cowan, Peachtree City’s “founding father” and first mayor, has endorsed Mayor Kim Learnard’s bid for a second term.

According to a statement by the campaign, “Cowan’s legacy in Peachtree City is unmatched. A leading proponent for “green space,” his forward-looking vision created one of the nation’s earliest and most successful master-planned communities.” One of Fayette County’s busiest roads, Highway 74/Joel Cowan Parkway, bears his name in honor of his many contributions.

“Mayor Learnard is doing a great job protecting the vision of our cherished city,” Cowan said in a statement. “I appreciate her leadership.” 

In 1959, with the Fayette County Development Corporation and the blessing of Georgia’s legislature, Cowan established the town’s charter and began building a network of greenbelts, golf cart paths, and villages connected by natural buffers. 

Cowan told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2022 that green space is “just as important as the need for water, streets and electricity.”

The statement from the Learnard campaign continued, “Mayor Learnard has a proven record that shows her alignment with the founder’s vision. She blocked apartments in the old Kmart location–now an indoor pickleball facility–and stopped overdevelopment during her first term. She expanded the multi-use paths. Under her leadership, Peachtree City was designated a “Tree City USA” for the first time in decades.”

Former Peachtree City mayors Chip Conner (1970-1971), Bob Lenox (1992-2001) and Harold Logsdon (2006-2009) joined Cowan in endorsing Learnard’s candidacy. 

“As a 26-year resident of Peachtree City who raised my family here, I have enormous respect for our founders and the former mayors who made our master-planned community what it is today,” Mayor Learnard said. “Our paths, villages, and protected greenspaces make our quality of life unparalleled. I am honored to have their continued support as I oppose overdevelopment, revitalize our villages with thriving new businesses, and fiercely protect all that we cherish about our city.”

Additionally, Mayor Don Haddix endorsed former Mayor Steve Brown for the same race, stating, “Steve Brown has the experience and integrity to restore Peachtree City’s high standards.”Former Mayor Steve Brown lost his reelection by 30% to 70% of the vote. At the time it was the biggest landslide in Peachtree City history. Later, it was beat by the 5% of the vote that Mayor Haddix took in his re-election bid, when he lost. 

Election Day is Nov. 4. Early in person voting will be held Oct. 14-31 at the Peachtree City Library, 201 Willowbend Road.