The Canton City Council meeting on March 6, 2025, focused on the proposal to establish the Cherokee Regional Land Bank, a significant initiative aimed at improving housing and land management in the region. Mr. Patent presented the proposal, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the city and Cherokee County's housing team.

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners has already adopted a resolution of intent to create the land bank, which is a crucial step in the process. Mr. Patent explained that state law requires both the county and at least one city to agree on the creation of a land bank for it to take effect. The county's resolution was adopted on February 18, 2025, and the timeline for other cities to follow suit is expected to occur in April and May.

The discussion included insights from Brantley Day, head of community development for Cherokee County, who provided an overview of the advantages of land banks. These entities are designed to manage vacant and abandoned properties, ultimately aiming to enhance community development and housing availability.

Council members expressed their support for the initiative, acknowledging the extensive discussions and preparations that have taken place since 2023. The meeting underscored a strong interest from all cities in participating in the regional land bank, indicating a unified approach to addressing housing challenges in the area.

As the process moves forward, the Canton City Council will continue to engage with the county and other municipalities to finalize the establishment of the Cherokee Regional Land Bank, which is anticipated to have a positive impact on local housing and land use.