The City of Duluth is proud to share national recognition of a historic milestone in our community. Sarah Park has made history as the first immigrant woman elected to serve on the Duluth City Council, an achievement featured by CBS News Atlanta.

Park, who moved to Duluth from South Korea over two decades ago, credits her success to the city’s welcoming spirit and the support of residents across our community.

Her campaign, which launched last August, drew on her extensive experience in local government and her role as a co-owner of Alchemist On the Divide. Park’s leadership has been shaped by years of public service and community engagement.

Park’s inauguration also coincided with a proclamation recognizing Korean American Day, an observance that will also be recognized at the Georgia State Capitol.

As Duluth continues to grow and evolve, Councilmember Park’s historic achievement underscores the city’s commitment to representation and opportunity for all who call Duluth home.

📺 Watch the CBS News Atlanta feature here: Sarah Park makes history as Duluth’s first immigrant woman elected to city council.

The City of Duluth officially opened 2026 with a powerful and historic Mayor & Council Meeting, marking new beginnings, cultural recognition, and the continued leadership of dedicated public servants.

Held in front of a packed Council Chambers, the meeting featured the swearing-in of three councilmembers and a milestone moment that reflected Duluth’s growing diversity, inclusiveness, and commitment to representation.

A Historic First for Duluth

Sarah Park was sworn in as Duluth’s first immigrant woman to serve on City Council, marking a historic milestone for the city. Park’s journey is deeply rooted in the Duluth community. Her family immigrated to Duluth, where she grew up as a student and later built her life as a working mother of two, government professional, small business owner, and community leader.

She and her husband co-own Alchemist on the Divide, a beloved downtown coffee shop that has become a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

Honoring Korean American Day

Park’s swearing-in coincided with a proclamation recognizing Korean American Day, which commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States in 1903.

Mayor Greg Whitlock read the proclamation alongside Councilwoman Park, who also delivered the proclamation in Korean… a moving moment that highlighted Duluth’s appreciation for cultural heritage and community representation. The proclamation is also being recognized at the Georgia State Capitol, connecting Duluth’s celebration to a statewide observance.

Continuing Service and Leadership

Judge Barrett also swore in Marline Thomas, the first Latina woman to serve on Duluth City Council. Thomas, an Army veteran, was first appointed to Council in July 2020 and later elected to Post 2 in November 2021. She was sworn in on January 10, 2022, for a four-year term. She ran unopposed in 2025 and took office for a four-year term on January 12, 2026.

Lamar Doss was first elected to Post 3 in November 2021 and took the oath of office on January 10, 2022. He was elected to a second term in a December 2025 runoff election and took his oath of office on January 12, 2026, to serve a four-year term.

Looking Ahead

The evening marked more than the start of a new year… it marked a renewed commitment to leadership that reflects the people of Duluth. With continued service and historic new representation, the City of Duluth enters 2026 focused on progress, unity, and community-centered governance.

Parsons Alley came alive on December 31, 2025 as families gathered to celebrate the New Year in a bright, joyful, and kid-friendly way at Downtown Duluth’s Noon Year’s Eve event. The mid-day celebration featured a lively dance party, festive crafts, free face painting, a Kids New Year’s Resolution Station, and the highly anticipated Countdown to Noon.

Children and families filled the alley with laughter, music, and holiday cheer, creating a memorable way to close out the year together. Events like Noon Year’s Eve reflect Downtown Duluth’s commitment to providing meaningful, family-friendly experiences that bring the community together in fun and creative ways.

Downtown Duluth received a colorful winter glow on December 28 as families, artists, and community members gathered for our Frosty Fun Frosty Chalk Art event. Sidewalks transformed into vibrant works of art as participants of all ages brought their creativity outdoors and filled the district with imagination, laughter, and winter cheer.

From whimsical snowflakes to bold, bright masterpieces, the artwork showcased the heart of our community and the joy of coming together during the holiday season. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped turn our streets into a festive outdoor gallery.