Columbia had an eventful 2017 that included a new generation of leadership. Mayor Justin McKenzie and Superintendent of Education Jason Harris succeeded long-tenured officials who were a couple of decades older than them in Robert Bourne and Marietta James.
From my observation, that’s a switch that is ongoing throughout Mississippi. It’s both a challenge and an opportunity as younger leaders bring new energy and ideas but might lack the experience of older workers.
On the whole, I think there’s an optimism in Columbia about its future. I thought about that as I compiled a list of the top stories of 2017 from our archives, which will be published in Saturday’s edition. Many of them were positive examples that point to a bright future: unemployment at a more than 20-year low, successful festivals with large volunteer and attendee support, opening of new businesses and extensive renovations at the city schools.
Of course, there are also challenges. Namely, public officials have pushed higher costs on the people through increased garbage and water fees and property tax hikes in the city and county, not to mention a proposed increase for electricity rates within the city by Mississippi Power. I think the people understood those are needed right now; most are willing to pay a few dollars more per month to have a nice community.
However, the key point going forward will to be deliver results with those funds.
And as someone who manages a small business, I can’t automatically push price increases on my customers; I can raise prices but risk losing advertisers or subscribers as a result. Monopolies like utilities and local government don’t face that kind of pressure; I can’t hire another water company if I’m upset with the service I’m getting.
But that’s also why we elect officials; if the public is not satisfied with their leadership, they can vote for someone else.
That being said, I’m confident that officials in the city of Columbia and the school district realize those things and are working to make positive improvements. Here are a couple I’ll be watching in 2018 and beyond:
1. Annexation
The results of a study from an Oxford urban planning firm will be highly anticipated. I think it makes all the sense in the world to include the Lakeview area just east of town. It’s part of the city in everything but name, and the city needs a base of newer housing within its limits to attract more people here.
Too many people who work in Columbia, including leaders of many of the city’s largest businesses, choose to live on the west side of Hattiesburg and Lamar County instead. That’s a booming area, and it’s a quick drive. That’s certainly their prerogative, but Columbia needs to position itself long-term as an area where people want to live. Annexation is essential to making that happen.
2. Airport runway expansion
It’s a good sign for a community’s economic future if its airport gets a lot of use because smaller airports are typically used mainly by business people. The expansion of the runway here, mostly funded by the federal government, should help position the city for growth.
Reach C-P Editor and Publisher Charlie Smith at csmith@columbianprogress.com.
