MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – Jimmy Copeland has announced he will run for mayor of Meridian, focusing on the city’s untapped potential and addressing long-standing issues. A resident of Meridian for over 18 years, Copeland is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran with 26 years of service. He retired from Key Field in April 2020 and has since worked in various civic roles.
Copeland has served as a commissioner on the Meridian Airport Authority, where he advocated for and helped secure approval for a new $20 million airport terminal, which will be funded without taxpayer dollars. He has also contributed as a Historic Preservation Commissioner and a Main Street Board member, where he has worked to preserve the city’s history while increasing the number of community events and festivals.
As a member of the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation (EMBDC) board of directors, Copeland has been involved in preparing the city’s industrial park to attract a new data center. This project is expected to bring millions of dollars in revenue to Meridian and Lauderdale County.
In his announcement, Copeland highlighted ongoing challenges facing the city, including population decline, public safety concerns, and understaffed police departments. He also pointed to unfulfilled promises made during Meridian’s 2008 annexation, emphasizing the need for accountability in city governance.
Copeland stressed that local government should focus on providing essential services, such as public safety, street maintenance, and water safety, rather than being driven by political ideologies. He is running as an Independent and aims to foster better collaboration with state and federal officials to secure more resources for the city.
Copeland also criticized the failure to implement Meridian’s Master Plan, which was developed by a previous administration but never acted upon. He believes that a long-term strategic plan is essential for the city’s future growth and for ensuring effective use of public funds.
A “Meet the Candidate” event is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, at 5:15 p.m. at the Copeland Center, located at 2501 4th Street, where Copeland will share his vision for the city’s future.
