Franklin and Greenwood Celebrate Past Successes and Look Forward to Future Projects at their State of the City Events
Mayors Steve Barnett of Franklin and Mark Myers of Greenwood delivered their annual State of the City addresses this month, showcasing their governments’ accomplishments from 2024 and outlining visions for the year ahead. Both leaders placed an emphasis on public safety, infrastructure, quality of life, and economic development as pillars of their respective cities’ progress.
Speaking at the Greenwood Fieldhouse event hosted by Aspire Johnson County on February 20, Mayor Myers, now in his 14th year in office, highlighted the city's growth and investments in safety, roads, and community engagement.
Mayor Myers shared with the audience of business and community leaders the $13.3 million budget in 2024 spent on staffing and upgrading the police department. Greenwood now has over 80 officers, patrol bikes, a new VR training system, and additional body cameras.
“Our public safety is top-notch. It’s some of the best in this state,” Myers said in reference to a recent Life Saving Medal given to a Greenwood police officer for saving an infant’s life.
Greenwood’s new firefighter academy, launched in collaboration with Speedway and Decatur Township, has successfully recruited and trained 21 new hires. Mayor Myers also showed off Greenwood’s new ladder truck that he said has become increasingly useful to the city as taller buildings are constructed.
“The deep pool of applicants and intense training has produced an outstanding group of new firefighters,” Myers said.
Infrastructure improvements have also been a key focus, with over $4 million spent last year on resurfacing and rebuilding roads and streets. The Mayor was also happy to announce the completion of the much-anticipated Market Plaza reconstruction.
Myers also announced new retail businesses coming in such as Panda Express and PF Changs at Greenwood Park Mall, expansion of the Greenwood Municipal Airport, along with new housing growth along 135.
Earlier in the month, on February 13, Franklin Mayor Steve Barnett took the stage with the Franklin Chamber at Garment Factory Events, making it his ninth annual address. Barnett praised the city's continued transformation into a hub for economic development and quality living.
“It is an honor to be the mayor of the city of Franklin and leading on this journey to excellence,” Barnett said.
Mayor Barnett was proud of local educators for Custer Baker Intermediate School being named School of Distinction along with Franklin College’s record fundraising and enrollment.
Franklin’s public safety investment remains a priority, with $16.3 million (69% of the city’s budget) dedicated to policing and fire services. The city also celebrated 226 new homes built in 2024, the success of its vibrant downtown, and a growing business community, including a $200 million investment from Malarkey Roofing, expected to bring 200 jobs by 2026.
Barnett shared with the audience that Franklin is on track to complete the Active Adult Center in 2025 while Scott Park is due for expansion and development will take place for Commerce Point.
“Our vision remains ambitious. We are committed to growth, innovation, and making Franklin a place where everyone can thrive,” Barnett said.
Barnett shared plans for improving public safety in Franklin for 2025 including adding a new K9 unit for the police department and expanding bike patrols. Barnett also plans on adding a new ladder truck and rescue boat to Franklin Fire’s fleet.
Both cities have set ambitious goals for 2025. Greenwood plans to break ground on Fire Station 95 and expand recreational programming, while Franklin looks forward to a new comprehensive city plan and infrastructure upgrades.
Barnett mentioned a proposed future Planned Unit Development (PUD) that would involve collaborating with Franklin College called “Innovation Park”. Innovation Park is meant to serve as a mixed-use development to attract high-tech jobs and businesses to Johnson County.
“As we look ahead, the road to continued success is paved by our shared dedication to growth, innovation, and unity,” Myers said.
With strong local economies, expanding safety measures, and strategic investments, both Greenwood and Franklin are poised for another year of progress.