MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – Jatara Smith officially launched her campaign for Meridian City Council, Ward 5, in a press conference held Friday, January 31, 2025, at 1 p.m. The event, hosted at her business, Aura 5 on 5th Street, provided a platform for Smith to outline her vision for a more connected and thriving city.
As a lifelong resident of Meridian, Smith emphasized her commitment to creating real change through clear, actionable plans. Key elements of her campaign include revitalizing downtown with more evening activities, investing in housing and job opportunities, and extending Martin Luther King Drive to improve connectivity across the city.
In her address, Smith underscored the need for comprehensive solutions to community issues. “Crime cannot just be a law enforcement issue—we must give our citizens a real chance at life, with quality jobs, accessible housing, and thriving businesses,” she said. “Ward 5 is the heart of Meridian, and with the right leadership, we can make it a model for progress and opportunity.”
Smith’s platform aims to address both immediate and long-term challenges facing the community, with a focus on sustainable development and fostering economic growth.
QCN will continue to provide updates on all municipal candidates as the election season progresses. Stay tuned for more.
Watch Smith’s full speech below for further details on her plans for the future of Meridian.

Image: Jatara Smith, (D) Meridian City Council, Ward 5 Candidate



