Authorized by Georgia Laws 1981, p. 1419; amended Ga. Laws 1994, p. 928 (known as the Georgia Business Expansion and Support Act of 1994). Activated by resolution of BOC January 24, 1995 (#27).

Legal name is "Joint Development Authority of Cherokee County and Cobb County". The Authority established pursuant to the Georgia Business Expansion and Support Act of 1994 to provide for job tax credit for businesses engaged in manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, processing, tourism and research and development industries. Credits are allowed for each full-time job with each eligible company creating 50 or more jobs receiving a $500.00 state income tax credit per job.

The Authority transacts business pursuant to and exercises the powers provided by the provisions of the Development Authority Law, codified in O.C.G.A. Title 36, Chapter 62.

Consists of five (5) members with three (3) members residing in Cherokee County and appointed by the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners and two (2) members residing in Cobb County and appointed by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners.

No director shall be an officer or employee of either Cherokee or Cobb County. Directors receive no compensation but shall be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. A majority of the Authority members constitute a quorum but no action may be taken by the Authority without the affirmative vote of a majority of the full membership of the Authority. The Authority elects their chairman and vice-chairman from the membership; a treasurer or secretary-treasurer is also elected but does not have to be a director. After initially staggered terms, all terms are for six (6) years.

Cherokee Office of Economic Development 
PO Box 4998 
Canton, GA 30114 
770-345-0600

mmartin@cherokeega.com