MILTON, Ga. — Mayor Peyton Jamison delivered the annual State of the City address Jan. 28, honoring the people and community that continue to make Milton strong after 20 years.
Some 200 community members, former city leaders, Fulton County officials and mayors of neighboring municipalities filled City Hall for the annual assessment of the city’s posture since its founding in 2006.
Milton’s growth over the past two decades has created a government that is goal-oriented and determined to provide trustworthy service to its constituents, Jamison said.
The city has completed every objective outlined in its 2021-25 strategic plan. Last year, Milton was ranked number one for trust in governance based on data gathered through Polco’s National Community Survey.
“We do not ask for your trust,” Jamison said. “We work hard to earn it every day, decision by decision.”
Public safety remains a priority as Milton works with Fulton County Schools to expand its implementation of having a visible law enforcement presence at every school in the city.
A new fire station, Station No. 45, will begin construction later this year at Windward Parkway and Ga. 9 which will strengthen coverage and reduce response times for the area.
Nearly 200 community members and area officials listen to the State of the City address Jan. 28 at Milton’s City Hall.
HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA
Projects within the Deerfield District continue to evolve as staff move forward with plans for an indoor community recreation center. It’s intentional placement, Jamison said, as Milton works to protect its rural land and shape expectations for developments.
“This was not about building fast, it was about building right,” Jamison said.
The mayor highlighted the difference between investing in places where families can play and permanently protecting land that should never be developed, “because once open space is gone, it’s gone for good.”
Milton has taken action over the past year to preserve 700 acres of green space between granting protections for Birmingham Park and doubling the size of Providence Park. The city expects to have a ribbon cutting on the second phase of the Milton City Park and Preserve in the north part of the city in the coming weeks.
Jamison addressed the pending decision of the Georgia Supreme Court in its liability case that could have statewide implications and set the city back $32.5 million. While a Fulton County jury found Milton at fault for the death of a college senior when his car struck a planter in the city right of way, more than 80 cities have shown support for the city, some filing amicus (friend of the court) briefs in the case.
The decision, expected to come in March, may set a precedent that could affect municipalities and taxpayers across the state, Jamison said. Regardless of the outcome, he said Milton is prepared to protect taxpayers and the city’s ability to provide service.
“Milton is built deliberately, not just by the decisions in City Hall, but by the daily investment in the people,” Jamison said. “I am confident we’re ready for the next chapter.”
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