Three mayors in one city: JC Chamber hosts State of the City, County, Town meeting

Business owners interested in hearing from the Johnson City, Washington County and Jonesborough mayors at the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce's State of the City, County and Town meeting gathered together at Grace Meadows Farm on Thursday afternoon. Johnson City Mayor Greg Cox, alongside Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy and Jonesborough Mayor Kelly Wolfe, each had time to address the audience about recent projects, successes, updates and plans happening for their respective areas. "It's a special day – it brings together three leaders who each play a vital role in shaping the place we call home," said Bob Cantler, president and chief executive officer of the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce. Cox was the first to share some of the happenings in Johnson City. During his presentation at the meeting, he played intermittent video clips between giving information to the audience about the City Commission's four primary objectives: excellence in government, quality of place, economic vitality and future-ready infrastructure. Cox also highlighted the importance of education in Johnson City, mentioning the Langston Centre and its role of being the first Black school in Johnson City and the groundbreaking of Town Acres last November. Alongside education, Cox said the accomplishment of the Black Heritage Trail will also be recognized within the upcoming months. "This summer, the City will celebrate the launch of the Black Heritage Trail with a ribbon cutting ceremony starting at the Langston Centre," he said. "The self-guided trail will highlight stories, landmarks and contributions of Black residents who helped shape our community." Cox added being a volunteer within the community, whether it's for local events or being in a leadership role, also shows how people can use their voice to better the area they live in. "To serve in any volunteer role, whether it's to be as a festival organizer, or a committee chair or mayor, it all requires backbone," Cox said. "It's really just stepping up, facing the hard challenges and decisions, just getting in there and saying, 'Hey, we want to tackle those problems…we want to step up and face them,' and I know everybody in leadership right now at the city is wanting to do that." The Johnson City mayor also complimented downtown Johnson City for its economic growth with its festivals and events, featured the success of the Flock cameras aiding in recovering stolen items and finding a missing person, and gave a "call to action" to the audience for their involvement in the district they live in. "Each act, no matter the form, whether it's money, time, or investing in your business, library or downtown or community, it all can help add and share bonds for our sense of place," he said. Grandy's presentation to the audience focused on the partnerships in Washington County, the significance of tourism and agriculture, and noted the value of the First Fronteir Trail project, which will help connect Jonesborough to Johnson City and Carter County. "The ability to work together – the City of Johnson City and town of Jonesborough – for the project allowed us to go to the governor and ask for some funding," Grandy said. "When the governor sees that local entities have what he calls a stake in the deal…he's been very receptive to providing us funding. The trail is underway, and we're getting really excited to have that built." Grandy also noted the approval of BWXT's expansion and the amount of growth it would bring to Washington County by bringing 172 jobs with a high wage rate to the area and more investment in the capital of the county. "It's probably one of the biggest economic impact stories in Washington County's history," Grandy said. Wolfe's speech to the audience focused on the strides made with Jonesborough's new water department, which serves 83% of Washington County. He also commended the administration involved in Jonesborough's operations and the numerous attractions within the town that drive people to the Tri-Cities. "All of these things contribute to the quality of life of not just Jonesborough, but our entire region, and our communities benefit," Wolfe said. Alongside Jonesborough's impact on bringing people to the region, Wolfe implored the audience to participate with their local government by stressing the importance of having "good people" involved with decision-making and, ultimately, bettering their homes for the future. "This type of event is an opportunity for you to appreciate one another and for us to appreciate what we've got here," he said. "...Friends, enjoy your home that God has blessed us with. Let's make it a better place."