Six years ago, on July 24, 2020, I placed my hand on my mother’s Bible and took the oath of office to be Mayor of Natchez. In some ways it seems like yesterday, and in other ways it seems like a lifetime ago. So much has happened since then! And now, as I begin my seventh year serving as your mayor, I find myself reflecting on where we were then – and how far we have come – together.
2020 was a year unlike any I have ever known. Our nation was in the midst of a national pandemic. Predictions for the future of our country were dire. Here in Natchez, businesses were struggling, uncertainty filled the air, and many wondered if our best days were behind us. But I never believed that – deep down, I knew our best days were ahead.
During that first campaign, I stood on our beautiful bluff overlooking the Mississippi River and shared words of hope that I truly believe now were God-inspired: “In our over 300 years, Natchez has overcome every challenge. And we will overcome this. In time, people will be talking about the Natchez Renewal.”
Flash forward six years, and this is exactly what is taking place. And I truly believe the best is yet to come!
The Natchez Renewal has never been about one person or one administration. It has always been about a community that refused to give up on itself. It is the story of neighbors working together, businesses investing in our future, volunteers serving quietly behind the scenes, and public servants committed to making our city stronger.
Together, we have welcomed transformational investment, strengthened our economy, restored commercial air service for the first time in more than three decades, expanded workforce development opportunities, invested in our parks and public spaces, improved infrastructure, celebrated our rich history, and brought new energy to downtown and our neighborhoods. We have shown the rest of Mississippi – and the nation – that Natchez is not content to live in the many stories of our past but on the contrary, we are committed to building a future full of hope and bright with promise – for everyone.
During the past six years, there have been challenges along the way. Every meaningful accomplishment has brought with it hard work, difficult decisions, and long hours – and we have persevered. I have often said “never give up”, not just as a catchy phrase to inspire others but as a challenge to myself. When it comes to building Natchez, the word “quit” has not been in my vocabulary. And through it all, I have never lost faith in the people of our community.
Serving as your mayor has been the highest honor of my life. Marla and I continue to be grateful for your support and the confidence you have placed in us. Your encouragement, your prayers,
your suggestions, and yes, even your constructive criticism, have inspired us to put in the work. You have made me a better mayor, and you have helped make our city better.
I often say that I am not here alone. None of what we have accomplished would have been possible without the partnership of our Board of Aldermen, Adams County officials, city employees, business leaders, community organizations, churches, volunteers, and countless citizens who love this community we all call home. And to our local, state and federal partners who have helped us bring historic dollars to Natchez, now north of $100 million, all I can say is thank you.
While I am grateful for all we have achieved together, our work is far from finished.
There are still neighborhoods to strengthen, streets to improve, opportunities to create, and dreams yet to fulfill. We must continue investing in our young people, supporting our first responders, growing our economy, attracting new families, and ensuring that every citizen shares in Natchez’s success. We must continue to build community and along with it opportunity – and JOBS!
Over the years, I have come to think of our Natchez Renewal as more than a goal to be achieved or a destination to be reached. In fact, it is more like a journey – a journey we have traveled, and are continuing to travel, together.
As I begin my seventh year as your mayor, please know I remain as optimistic as I was standing on the bluff years ago. I still believe our best days lie ahead, not because they will happen on their own, but because the people of Natchez have proven time and again that when we work together, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving our beloved Natchez – the oldest city on the highest bluff of the mightiest river. May God continue to bless each of you, and may God continue to bless Natchez as together we write the next chapter of the Natchez Renewal. Because Natchez Deserves More.
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