In his annual State of the City address, Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood said the city forged ahead in both the economic well-being and quality of life areas in 2014.

Hobgood highlighted a more than a 7 percent jump in general fund revenues, a 66 percent increase in single-family building permits and a reduction in the city’s long-term debt to $36 million, down from $62 million seven years ago.

On quality of life, Hobgood noted progress in blight reduction and streetscape improvements, and said last year’s passage of a rental car tax will bring further progress.

He called for stepped-up historic preservation efforts, completion of citywide development and transportation plans and correction of downtown parking issues in 2015.

About the Author

Featured

Ja’Quon Stembridge, shown here in July at the Henry County Republican Party monthly meeting, recently stepped from his position with the Georgia GOP. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC)

Credit: Jenni Girtman