James January-February 2025 web - Flipbook - Page 17
herokee County,
Georgia’s seventh
largest county,
was the fastest
growing county
in the 11-county
metro region for
2023-2024 according to the Atlanta
Regional Commission. Its population
grew from 286,960 residents in 2023
to 292,360 in 2024, a growth rate of
1.88 percent. Along with this growth
come challenges and opportunities.
That’s why this feature reports on the
county’s many assets as seen through
the lens of some of its top elected
officials and community leaders.
County Commission Chair Harry
Johnston says it is clear why so
many new residents are deciding to
move to Cherokee: “We have almost
everything going for us. It starts
with our fantastic location— literally
where metro meets the mountains.
We have access to all the economic
benefits of Atlanta, but with a safe
and comfortable small-town and
even rural quality of life.”
The Commission chairman
points out that Cherokee County’s
combined sales and property tax
rates controlled by the commissioners are the fifth lowest in the state.
“Our public safety, schools, parks,
and other county services are among
the best in the state and even the
nation, yet our taxes are low. I don’t
think any other county can touch us
in terms of the value per tax dollar
we provide,” Johnston said.
Canton Mayor Bill Grant proudly
notes that in a recent comprehensive citizen survey, residents rated
the county seat’s small town feel
and character as their top reason for
loving the city. He says “they also
enjoy our greenspace, parks, trails,
and the beautiful Etowah River that
winds through the center of the city.
In addition to the natural beauty and
charm, our residents also enjoy one
of lowest millage rates at 5.40 in the
state, the lowest in Cherokee County,
and the lowest we can trace in Canton’s 190-year history.”
For Woodstock Mayor Michael
Caldwell, he emphasizes that the
city’s downtown revitalization is
key to making the city attractive to
live for residents of all ages. In fact,
Woodstock was the feature for the
ARC’s Living Centers Initiative 25th
anniversary this year for the “State of
the Region” event.
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