Jonesboro Mayor Gives Positive Updates in State of the City Address

JONESBORO, Ark. – Mayor Harold Copenhaver gave his fourth State of the City address on Wednesday, discussing mostly positive updates about the city and its future.

Speaking before the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce at the Embassy Suites Jonesboro Red Wolf Convention Center, the mayor gave a positive update on the city. The city’s story has many chapters and the consistent component is growth, he said.

The city’s population is 82,000 strong, but on any given day, twice that number could be in the city. Last week, 500 tourism industry guests from all over Arkansas visited Jonesboro. While tourism hasn’t always been something Jonesboro gets credit for, Mayor Copenhaver said that’s changing, with expanding choices for outdoor entertainment and fun. He specifically mentioned the sports complex as a project that will transcend Jonesboro in a previously unseen way.

The mayor said businesses are earning more than ever, property values are higher than ever, and new neighborhoods are growing, too, while older ones are being revitalized.

“I’m proud that Jonesboro is a city where a baby born today can have world-class care at our hospitals, top-ranked education in our schools, and study to become an engineer, nurse or even a doctor — without ever leaving our city limits.”

Crime was also on the agenda for discussion. The mayor echoed a point made by Police Chief Rick Elliott that crime has gone down in Jonesboro over the past three years – something we reported as true back in December.

However, it is worth noting that crime is significantly higher than it was ten years ago – and it has grown at a much higher rate than the population.

The mayor mentioned the camera system in JPD’s network has grown to more than 700 locations. He also mentioned how the city gave raises to its emergency responders, resulting in all emergency response departments, including police, being effectively staffed.

Another area Copenhaver bragged on the city in was the removal of 170 dilapidated houses over the past 18 months.

“The Jonesboro we live in today didn’t happen by chance,” Mayor Copenhaver said. “But its founding fathers hardly foresaw a City on the Ridge that would grow far beyond its initial boundary. And if I could go back in time, I would ask them for a little wider Main Street.”

The mayor acknowledged flooding concerns in some neighborhoods are real in many previously developed areas prior to more modern developments.

The city has doubled its excavator fleet from two to four. The $1 million machines will allow more staff to remove obstructions from creeks, canals, and ditches. The city also hopes to encourage the public not to blow grass or leaves into drainage culverts.

The parks department was acknowledged during the speech, with Parks Director Danny Kapales being recognized for his work. The city is presently replacing low-built, often muddy soccer fields with artificial turf, which will hold up better against the elements.

The old YMCA next to the swimming pool on Nettleton Avenue was also renovated.

Mayor Copenhaver also mentioned the opening of Union Park, a covered pavilion on Union Street downtown. The Hispanic Center has held Zumba classes there and the First Community Bank ice rink will also be located there for future holidays.

The mayor honored Christie Matthews, Danna Johnson, and Sharron Haggenmacher for their work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arkansas. In 26 years in Jonesboro, the Make-A-Wish drive has raised $9 million. Last month alone, it raised $467,966.

For detractors, Copenhaver had several words as well. He said critics can cherry-pick certain years or certain statistics to paint Jonesboro in a negative light, but they must do some “statistical acrobatics” to accomplish it. He also said there will always be those in opposition to progress – and that’s life.

“We are moving forward,” Copenhaver said. “If you want to see the Jonesboro of tomorrow, one of prosperity, then get on board today. Let’s work together, row in the same direction. It’s not a new concept, it’s just one that requires a little bit of humility and teamwork.”

While the speech clearly focused on the positives, the mayor mentioned several things that he sees that don’t make him happy. He mentioned people struggling with housing and food insecurity along with stores struggling to perform and sometimes going out of business. He also mentioned an aging police station and municipal courthouse, as well as a need for more pedestrian infrastructure, specifically mentioning the downtown area.

He sees the need, Copenhaver said, but he also sees the opportunity. The mayor committed to bringing more funding for trails, investments in public safety facilities, quality of life projects, park investments, and for road improvements. On top of completing the Shooting Sports Complex, the mayor said he plans to propose upgrades to the Forum theater. The city also plans to buy a “bunch” of street lights that will dramatically change the way the city looks at night.

“When it comes to the book of Jonesboro, I want us to write the next chapter, together,” Copenhaver said. ” I challenge each of you – grab a pen! Let’s write it together, because the best stories of Jonesboro are yet unwritten.”

photos provided by the City of Jonesboro