Lockhart gives ‘State of the City’ address for Muscle Shoals

Mayor Mike Lockhart gave a 2025 State of the City address for Muscle Shoals on Jan. 28 at Cypress Lakes Golf and Tennis.

Lockhart, who took office in 2020, spoke on the growth and development the city has seen since then.

He also talked at length about the work that has gone into the Muscle Shoals comprehensive plan.

“We are not just planning for growth,” Lockhart said. “We are designing a city that reflects our shared values and aspirations. We are ensuring our community is not only growing, but growing thoughtfully, with a strong sense of identity, connection and pride.

“One of the main tenets of the comprehensive plan is how to grow in a smart manner, and how to welcome new businesses while preserving the character and quality of life that defines our neighborhoods.”

He said residents want growth and new business options but also want to retain a small-town feel, which can be “a struggle.”

“We have to find the right balance between residential, commercial and recreational space,” Lockhart said. “The comprehensive plan is a blueprint for where we want to go and how we get there.

“We have even greater opportunities ahead of us, and I’m excited to work with all of you as we continue to strengthen our neighborhoods, expanding our opportunities and ensuring a bright future for every single resident.”

Lockhart also spoke about the highs and lows the city faced during his tenure, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Muscle Shoals Centennial celebration in 2023.

“During those three days we had over 10,000 visitors on the lawn between City Hall and Muscle Shoals High School,” Lockhart said. “It brought our community together and gave us a vision of what we can be going forward.”

State Representatives Jamie Kiel and Kerry Underwood, who was mayor of Tuscumbia when Lockhart took office, said the city is in a good place.

“Just as an observer, not as a citizen, the state of the city is strong,” Kiel said. “You guys have done it right. You really are a beacon to the rest of the Tennessee Valley and the communities around you about how to do things right. Responsible growth. Great school system. Great services you provide for your citizens.”

“Not since the federal government buil Wilson Dam has this community been so vertically inclined with the federal government,” Underwood said. “Today, from your local leadership to your state leadership to your federal delegation, all the way to President (Donald) Trump, never have we been so vertically connected as we are today.

“We communicate every day with local officials and very often with other state leaders. They constantly communicate with the president, and that hasn’t happened before. We are vertically connected in a way we can get a lot of things done.”

Lockhart said Muscle Shoals would not be where it is as a city today without the hard work of those who came before him and other city officials.

“It’s an honor and privilege to stand before you today as we reflect on the incredible journey our city has taken and look forward to the bright future we will continue to build together,” he said.

“Today is not just about celebrating where we our now — it’s about recognizing the foundation that has been laid by the leaders before us. This administration stands on the shoulders of those who have worked tirelessly to create the strong, resilient community we have today.”