We are very proud of our small town. Visitors to the City of Madison are often initially struck by the same things - the clean streets, the myriad beds of seasonal flowers, and the picturesque 19th-century commercial buildings that line the downtown thoroughfares. Residents appreciate these same assets, while also enjoying city services such as back-door garbage pick-up, weekly curbside recycling, and the convenience of city gas and water. These amenities, which give visitors and newcomers alike a strong and deeply pleasant impression of the city, are not accidents, nor are they the result of simple good fortune on the part of Madison's citizens. These services are offered as a result of the strong stewardship from the city's past and present councilmembers, city managers, and citizens. Madison today bears the fruit of years of careful administration and activism.

Madison is truly one of Georgia's greatest small towns. When selected as the "#1 Small Town in America" by Travel Holiday magazine, the accolade was not news to community residents. It reflects the quality of life our community enjoys and the high standards we have set for ourselves. Both residential neighborhoods and entrance corridors are carefully protected by the community's proactive leadership. A strong corps of citizen volunteers staffs the city's preservation, planning, design, greenspace, development, business, and tourism boards. This constant citizen input helps the city's elected officials to maintain, preserve, and build that which all of Madison's residents prize - a vibrant, viable and safe community in which to live, work, and raise their families.

Please don't hesitate to contact City Hall with your questions or comments. For additional information on Madison - including a schedule of community events and a virtual tour - please reference the Chamber of Commerce's website at www.madisonga.org.

Sincerely, Bruce E. Gilbert