Community in West Memphis, Arkansas

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!

Baptist Memorial Hospital – Crittenden is one of West Memphis’s largest and most essential employers, providing high quality healthcare to patients across Crittenden County and the greater Mid-South region. As part of the Baptist Memorial Health Care system, the hospital combines trusted clinical expertise with a strong commitment to compassionate, community focused care.

See Open Roles →

The hospital offers a wide range of career opportunities across nursing and clinical care, allied health, patient support services, administration, IT, facilities, and leadership roles. With a full service medical campus and continued investment in patient care and technology, Baptist Memorial Hospital – Crittenden supports both experienced healthcare professionals and those beginning their careers.

Baptist Memorial’s culture emphasizes teamwork, respect, and service. Employees are supported through training, professional development, and a shared mission to deliver exceptional care while improving the health of the communities they serve.

#employers

West Memphis is stepping into an exciting new chapter. The city has long been known for its agriculture and transportation roots, but now it’s transforming into a hub for technology and innovation. In a recent WREG interview with Alex Colman, Mayor Marco McClendon shared his vision for West Memphis and how the city has prepared itself to attract world-class investments—most notably, Google’s historic new data center.

This isn’t just another business announcement. It’s a signal that West Memphis is ready to compete on a national stage. Mayor McClendon emphasized that the city’s success is rooted in teamwork, strategic planning, and community involvement. With Google committing $4 billion to the state and selecting West Memphis as the centerpiece of this investment, the city’s trajectory is changing rapidly.

A Milestone Moment for West Memphis

Google’s data center will be the largest private investment in Arkansas history, covering 1,300 acres. Ruth Porat, Google’s CFO, confirmed that this project will create thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of permanent positions. For Mayor McClendon, the announcement is proof that the city’s leadership and the dedication of its people have positioned West Memphis as a competitive and forward-looking city.

Key Insights from Mayor McClendon’s Interview

During the interview, Mayor McClendon highlighted how West Memphis’ strategic location, workforce readiness, and strong community partnerships made it the perfect place for Google’s first Arkansas project. He also stressed that the city’s residents are central to its success. Their hard work, dedication, and collaboration created the foundation for this historic investment.

The Google Data Center Project

Google’s $4 billion investment will have a lasting economic impact on West Memphis. Thousands of construction jobs will support the local economy immediately, while hundreds of permanent roles will open up new career pathways for residents. Beyond jobs, the city will benefit from increased revenue to fund critical priorities such as public safety, workforce development, and education programs.

One standout feature of Google’s investment is the $25 million Energy Impact Fund, designed to help low-income families manage utility costs and keep money in their pockets. This initiative shows that Google is committed to being a partner for the entire community—not just a business in the city.

Mayor McClendon’s Vision for a Modern West Memphis

Mayor McClendon sees this moment as part of a broader “winning streak” for West Memphis. He highlighted that the city is shifting from its traditional industries toward a high-tech future, emphasizing that this progress belongs to the residents. Their efforts have positioned West Memphis as a city that can attract major investments and provide meaningful opportunities for its people.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined the announcement, praising the city’s leadership and calling West Memphis the ideal location for such a transformative project. This statewide support reinforces the city’s trajectory as a technology hub and a model for how communities can adapt and thrive in a digital economy.

Conclusion

West Memphis is no longer just a city in the Delta; it’s a city on the rise. Mayor McClendon’s WREG interview made it clear that this transformation is the result of years of preparation, collaboration, and community engagement. Google’s record-setting investment is just the beginning, signaling a new era of economic opportunity, high-quality jobs, and innovation. For residents, it’s a moment to celebrate and a reason to look forward to the future—one that West Memphis is ready to lead.

⏳ Less than TWO WEEKS until the first ever Delta Domino Tournament!

🤩 $1,000 First Place 😁 $300 Second Place 😊 $150 Third Place 🙂 $50 Fourth Place 🖐 $25 to Compete (PLEASE PREREGISTER)

FREE to watch 🥤🍿 Concession will be sold!

Learn more and register HERE: https://www.mainstreetwestmemphis.com/ When: Saturday, March 29; 9 a.m. Where: Boys and Girls Club of Crittenden County gym, 900 N. Missouri St., West Memphis, AR 72301