City Profiles / Small Cities / Canton, OH

Canton, Ohio

Like many of its neighboring cities in the industrial Midwest, Canton has lost business and activity to its surrounding suburbs. Now the Canton Development Partnership is working to revitalize the downtown area and is turning to the green economy for long-term, responsible growth. In September 2007, the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Canton City Council and the mayor's office and stakeholders developed a Sustainability Roadmap for the future of the city. It includes plans to move toward alternative energy, smart water use, and infill development near job centers to move from low-density building to a more walkable community.

Canton has more than 50 neighborhood associations. Most groups evolved around grassroots issues and are now organized by the Stark Community Foundation with the common goal of resolving the city's issues and improving the quality of life in Canton. Representatives from each organization meet every month to participate in the Neighborhood Leadership Council.