Cherokee County Traffic Is Terrible...Could This Make It Better?

Key Transportation Tax Initiative Approved 

Cherokee County commissioners have approved a 1% Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) referendum for the November 2025 ballot. The penny sales tax would be one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the county's history. If approved by voters on November 4, 2025, this 1% sales tax would generate approximately $445 million over six years (2026-2031)

 

This represents a major funding mechanism for addressing Cherokee County's growing transportation needs. As one of Georgia's fastest-growing counties, Cherokee faces significant traffic congestion and infrastructure challenges. 

 

The TSPLOST would fund road improvements without raising property taxes, spreading the cost to all consumers, including visitors.

Funding Distribution Structure

TSPLOST revenue will be divided between unincorporated Cherokee County and its seven municipalities based on an intergovernmental agreement approved by the Board of Commissioners. This collaborative approach ensures that both county and city transportation needs receive dedicated funding. The municipalities participating include Canton, Holly Springs, Woodstock, Ball Ground, Waleska, Nelson, and Mountain Park.

Strategic Timing and Context

The TSPLOST represents a continuation of Cherokee County's established infrastructure funding model. The county has effectively utilized Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) programs for years, with the current SPLOST providing significant funding for capital projects.

 

If approved in November 2025, the TSPLOST would take effect January 1, 2026, and run through December 31, 2031. This six-year timeline allows for comprehensive project planning and phased implementation, ensuring maximum efficiency of the $445 million investment.

 

Why residents should care

 

The November 2025 referendum gives Cherokee County residents direct control over this major infrastructure investment. The timing is particularly significant given the county's rapid growth and increasing traffic congestion on major corridors like State Route 20, State Route 92, and I-575, where daily traffic counts range from 23,000 to 115,000 vehicles.

 

• • • Direct impact on daily commutes - Improved roads could reduce travel times and vehicle wear

    • Economic development - Better transportation infrastructure attracts businesses and jobs

    • Property values - Enhanced road networks typically boost home values

    • Visitor contribution - Non-residents shopping in Cherokee County would also contribute to local infrastructure improvements

 

For residents, this development collectively represents significant decisions about tax policy, infrastructure investment, and community priorities that will shape Cherokee County's development for years to come.