Small Town, Big Vision: Inside Canton’s Sustainable Transformation

Canton, Georgia, proudly calls itself the “Coolest Small Town in America”—a place where historic charm meets modern innovation. Nestled along the scenic Etowah River, Canton offers outdoor beauty, a vibrant downtown, and a growing population drawn to its unique blend of culture and progress.

In 2020, Mayor Bill Grant introduced the “City of Canton’s Roadmap for Success,” a strategic plan focused on enhancing downtown and conserving the natural environment. This vision led to a major sustainability and historic preservation initiative aimed at reducing energy and operational costs in city facilities by 28%, saving an estimated $2 million over 20 years.

The city partnered with Schneider Electric to implement turnkey improvements across municipal buildings, including replacing outdated HVAC systems at City Hall and the Public Safety Complex. These upgrades, along with new building automation systems, significantly improved comfort, efficiency, and cost savings. By 2025, Canton had completed the core upgrades, achieving a rare balance between preserving historic buildings and modernizing them for energy efficiency.

Canton used an energy savings performance contract (ESPC) to fund the project—an innovative model that allowed the city to pursue ambitious goals without financial risk. This approach is now a blueprint for other small cities seeking sustainable transformation.

Sustainability is now woven into the fabric of Canton—from solar trees at Etowah River Park to rooftop solar arrays at City Hall, which bring the building close to net-zero energy use. Interactive kiosks throughout the city keep residents informed and engaged in Canton’s green journey. The city’s efforts culminated in its certification as an Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) Green Community in January 2025.

Canton’s success story proves that sustainability can drive economic growth, improve quality of life, and preserve cultural heritage. Visitors today will find a thriving community where Main Street charm coexists with future-ready infrastructure—making Canton not just cool, but a model for small-town innovation.

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