Mayor Randall Walker reflects on 2024, shares plans for 2025

PERRY – Mayor Randall Walker reflected on this past year for the city and is looking forward to leading it into 2025.

Walker said there has been a lot of growth in the city which has sparked concern. He defines 2024 as the “year of the infrastructure.” He shared they have had to improve infrastructure throughout the city to accommodate the positive growth.

A top project the city is currently working on is the Wastewater Treatment Plant on AE Harris Track; Walker anticipates it being completed in 2025. 

A concern on the city’s radar has been Sadie Heights, a neighborhood experiencing significant flooding. Walker said they are currently working on a Sadie Heights stormwater improvement project, and they will move forward to make sure the project is completed; He hopes they will have phase one of the Sadie Heights stormwater management system in place next year.

Another project the city will bring into 2025 is the Perry Branch Sewer project, which replaced the sewer line through the middle of the city, said Walker. 

“Again, having to improve our infrastructure to take care of the growth throughout our city,” he said.

To find out more about the city’s infrastructure improvements, visit the Perry Sewer Master Plan.

Walker also shared it is crucial for the city to address concerns happening throughout. In October, the city hosted a Vision Retreat where they established managed growth guidelines, including a land use map. Walker said the map defines potential uses of all vacant parcels within city limits.

To see what else was discussed during the Vision Retreat, click here. 

For part two, click here. 

Walker shared a lot of the city’s focus next year will be on finishing various infrastructure projects they have underway. These include the wastewater treatment facility, East Perry Sewer Outfall system and they anticipate the completion of the Swift Street and Commerce Street road improvements in the city’s downtown. 

The city will also look at roads and Walker expects all to have the right of way acquired for their Commodore Drive extension.

Walker also shared his New Year’s resolution:

“Continuing to make Perry a wonderful place for people to work and live and have the quality of life that they expect,” he said. 

To stay up to date on city events and projects next year, visit the city’s website.