James January-February 2025 web - Flipbook - Page 18
We have access to all the economic bene昀椀ts of Atlanta,
but with a safe and comfortable small-town quality of life.
Cherokee County Commission Chair HARRY JOHNSTON
“We’ve become an example nationally for downtown revitalization.
We get visits from all over the country. What’s most exciting is that the
five-year span we are now doing will
define who we are for the next generation.” Caldwell said. “We are wildly
focused on building a city in which it
is a great place to live, work and play.”
Newly-elected Holly Springs
Mayor Ryan Shirley also sees an exciting future ahead for his city as he
puts forth his vision to create more
good-paying jobs while ensuring the
community is a great place to live,
work, and play.
But more from these mayors later.
As for Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO
Pam Carnes, she hears from new
residents that the quality of life and
the friendly, caring residents in the
community are major reasons more
and more people are looking to call
Cherokee County home.
“Whether it is a child’s teacher
or your banker, a neighbor or a total
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significantly now and is pledged to
continue that help with state highways,” the chairman notes.
Furthermore, he says “We’re one
of the three lowest sales tax counties
in Georgia. A Homestead Option
Sales Tax (HOST) would further drive
down our property taxes and provide
the necessary 25 percent boost in the
local road improvement budget.”
Johnston also believes the
county’s conservative residential
growth practices have aggravated
the housing affordability issue that’s
happening everywhere: “I’d like to
see the county and cities agree on
some targets to keep some affordable housing in the mix without
increasing overall residential growth.
I believe it can be done.”
Looking to the Future
It should be noted that the
Among the County Commiscounty’s public safety, parks, and
sion’s goals are to ensure the quality schools have evolved from minimal
of life enjoyed by residents is mainto best-in-state in the last 25 years.
tained and to address issues caused As an example, the county Fire and
by the growth. “Regarding roads,
Emergency Services has just comwe need to pick up the pace of
pleted a 25-year journey from almost
improvements. The state is helping
all volunteers to a fully professional
stranger, our people are one of our
greatest assets. It is also a plus to
have exceptional educational opportunities for the youngest of minds
to inquisitive lifelong learners along
with an array of services to keep our
community healthy,” Carnes says.
Cherokee County Office of Economic Development President and
CEO Misti Martin further underscores
that “Cherokee’s proximity to Atlanta
and Hartsfield Jackson International
Airport, excellent public schools, and
being one of the safest communities in the state are at the top of our
assets. The unique cities and vibrant
downtowns, the natural beauty of
the community, and its people make
Cherokee County special.”
