Agencies
Canton Chamber Of Commerce
The mission of the Canton Chamber of Commerce Main Street Association is to promote the business, industrial, and educational development of Canton. Through the 4 Point Main Street Approach — organization, promotion, design and economic development — they work to make our city an attractive, safe, and preferred choice to live and work.
In 1987, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen established the Canton Redevelopment Authorityin an effort to revitalize the Canton Business District (CBD), especially in the area known as the “Hollow”. Canton Redevelopment Authority (CRA) was given the task of addressing those areas of “slum and blight” as defined in the Urban Renewal Statutes of the Mississippi Code.
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Several ordinances and incentives were developed:
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Zoning Ordinance/Zoning and Planning Commission
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Restaurant Ordinance
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Ordinance establishing a parking tax in Canton Business District with funds being used to address public parking spaces
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Utility & Building Code inspections
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Ordinance to establish Historic District and Preservation Commission
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Architectural Review Board (1998) for new construction
Canton Housing Authority
The mission of Canton Housing Authority is to enhance the Canton community by creating and sustaining decent, safe and affordable living environments that foster stability and increase self-sufficiency for people with low incomes.
The Canton Housing Authority operates two units of public and affordable housing; Joe Prichard Homes located on Welch Street and Pat Doherty Homes located on Dobson Avenue. We are proud to say that our various housing programs provide homes to more than 330 Canton residents. The department provides services and referrals to assist residents reach their goals and attain self-sufficiency.
The Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau and Film Office creates a major economic impact. With great confidence, they make a difference on behalf of the City of Canton, our restaurants, hotels, motels, and merchants. Canton CVB continues to concentrate in the area of promotion, advertising, marketing, image, and film. These campaigns continue to showcase our community in a positive light. We strive to create excitement and awareness to our citizens, visitors, and potential residents, while also helping to promote an environment to the perspective business and industrial client.
Canton Municipal Utilities
Canton Municipal Utilities (CMU) is a full service municipally owned utility. CMU has successfully provided electricity, water and wastewater services to the City of Canton and surrounding areas for over 100 years and natural gas service for the past 60 years. While utility service is their primary purpose, they have made resources available to assist and support other departments of the City as well as community wide economic development.