The West Memphis #WinningStreak: Inside Mayor Marco McClendon’s 2026 State of the City Address

The numbers are in, the progress is undeniable, and the momentum is building.

If you are a remote worker or professional considering making your move to West Memphis, Mayor Marco McClendon’s recent State of the City address made one thing perfectly clear: our community is on a certified, multi-year #winningstreak. From massive public safety wins to major infrastructure upgrades and historic housing goals, West Memphis is actively building a premier destination to live, work, and thrive in the Mid-South.

Here is a breakdown of the major departmental achievements and future plans shared during the address that prove why West Memphis is the perfect place for your next chapter.

🛡️ Public Safety & First Responders

Our city continues to prioritize a safe, supportive environment for all families and businesses:

• Police Department: Crime is down 17% from last year, marking the third consecutive year of reduced crime in West Memphis. To keep neighborhoods secure, the department added 17 new patrol cars and 1 new shuttle van to its fleet.
• Fire Department: The department successfully maintained its elite Class 1 ISO fire rating, keeping insurance premiums low for residents.
• Leadership Transition: The night included a celebration honoring retiring Fire Chief Brady for his years of dedicated service, alongside a formal introduction welcoming the new Fire Chief Clay.

⚡ Infrastructure & Fiscal Responsibility

Smart investments and clean audits are maximizing the value of every local dollar:

• West Memphis Utilities: The city highlighted a massive $43 million wastewater treatment plant upgrade and proudly boasted having the lowest power prices in the state, keeping monthly utility bills affordable.
• Fiscal Excellence: Financially, the city achieved its third consecutive year of zero findings in the official state audit—proving transparent, responsible management of taxpayer funds.
• Flood Control: Active municipal ditch-cleaning and aggressive flood-control efforts remain front and center to protect local properties.

🌳 Quality of Life & Parks Upgrades

West Memphis is heavily investing in recreation and community spaces:

• Parks and Recreation: Local parks are currently undergoing $10 million in renovations.
• New Aquatic Center: Construction is moving forward on a state-of-the-art $30 million aquatic center, scheduled for completion within the next two years.
• Recreational Openings: The community golf course is slated to officially reopen this year, along with the brand-new, highly anticipated Ness and Carolyn Seacrest Animal Shelter.

📈 The Big Challenge: 1,000 New Homes in 5 Years

With major national corporations like Google and Buc-ee's advancing their developments right here in West Memphis, economic interest has skyrocketed.

To match this booming commercial growth, Mayor McClendon issued a bold challenge to developers and the community: build 1,000 new homes over the next five years. This aggressive housing expansion will directly fulfill the growing demand for modern, high-quality, and affordable residential options for new residents moving to the area.

"Come Be a Part of the Solution"

Beyond the numbers, the Mayor called on residents to take active pride in their hometown, encouraging citizens to keep their city clean, look out for one another, and act with integrity.

"Come be a part of the solution," Mayor McClendon urged, inviting newcomers and locals alike to actively participate in the city's bright future.

At Make My Move West Memphis, we match remote workers with vibrant communities that care about their future. With lowest-in-state utility rates, modernizing parks, falling crime rates, and a historic residential boom on the horizon, there has never been a better time to pack your bags and join the winning streak!