Mayor Zeb Smathers was first elected as the mayor of Canton in 2017. He has assumed a regional leadership role on the issue of flooding following the devastating flooding resulting from Tropical Storm Fred and has become a fixture on local and national media programs.
Canton is the second largest town in Haywood County, North Carolina, with a population of over 4,000. The town makes flooding resources, assistance, and updates available to town residents. Additionally, Canton participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and its residents are eligible for FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Canton is steadfast in its efforts to recover from previous flooding and fortify infrastructure, businesses, and homes against future disasters, having implemented flood mitigation efforts such as pump and drainage improvements.
