Mayor Randall Walker plans to continue improving the City of Perry in 2026

PERRY — The City of Perry has welcomed the new year and is prepared to continue making improvements, especially in infrastructure. Mayor Randall Walker looked back to 2025 and shares how he plans to enhance the city this year. 

Walker shared their biggest focus in 2025 was improving infrastructure to keep up with the city’s rapid growth. According to Walker, the city’s population is approximately 27,000. 

One of the city’s major accomplishments was starting construction of the AE Harris Water Reclamation Facility. Walker described it as a large infrastructure investment that is almost complete and anticipates it to be fully commissioned this May. 

Another accomplishment Walker mentioned was the completion of a water and sewer rate study, which eventually led to the city council approving a sewer connection fee. 

“[This] was providing a long-term data driven funding strategy for the payment of all of our water and sewer infrastructure utilities,” he said. 

Walker also praised the city’s downtown saying it remains busy and there are several new restaurants. He said they have also noticed growth in the Perry Parkway area. Last year, the city announced there will be a Kroger Market, which is currently in development. 

“I think most people have really seen that explosion of growth out on the Perry Parkway. I think that’s a major change,” he said. 

Walker shared most of the city’s projects have been going well. He said they are excited about making improvements in Sadie Heights with their Stormwater Management project. He hopes this will relieve drainage issues in the subdivision. 

Walker believes projects have been effective because of those who are working behind the scenes.

“The city is being run by our council and staff very effectively,” he said.

Looking ahead to this upcoming year, Walker shared they look forward to fully commissioning the new water facility. 

“I think that’s going to be a major objective to get it up, running and move much of the wastewater from Frank Satterfield [Wastewater Treatment Plant] over to that new facility,” he said. 

Walker is also looking forward to completing multiple sewer and water infrastructure projects. One of those projects is the installation of an emergency backup generator at the Tucker Road Water Treatment plant. He believes it is critical, especially during severe weather. 

Walker is also excited about the city launching a citywide comprehensive plan. This will guide future growth moving forward, he said. 

From infrastructure projects to planning for future growth, the city has a busy year ahead. Walker shared his New Year’s resolution: 

“Continuing to be the best mayor I can be,” he said.