James January-February 2025 web - Flipbook - Page 19
Canton Mayor BILL GRANT
and internationally accredited service— one of just
eight county and city departments in Georgia to
achieve that status.
Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office— overseen by
Sheriff Frank Reynolds since 2017— holds the very
highest level of national accreditation. And the
county’s E-911 operation was just recognized at
the No. 1 call center in the state.
Canton on the Move
The county seat, like the rest of metro Atlanta,
has experienced substantial growth. Consider that
in 2000, according to the last census, the approximate population of Canton was 7,000 and it has
increased to its current 38,000. That’s why Mayor
Grant’s goals center around continued adherence
to the 15-year strategic plan adopted in 2021. He
says the plan ensures a “quality over quantity”
approach to growth and development that’s consistent with the priorities established by the city’s
residents and businesses.
“I hope we will continue to focus on advancing
our regional impact, including non-traditional and
creative economic development sectors, such as
tourism, outdoor recreation, and cultural and public
arts,” Grant says. “It’s not always easy to maintain
the aspirations of being the Coolest Small Town in
America when national and regional dynamics are
in play, but our team is committed to ‘planning our
work and working our plan’ to enhance the quality
of life for all who call Canton home.”
The mayor points to many reasons Historic Downtown Canton is exceptional. “We have
preserved and readapted over 700,000 square feet
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