07/01/2026
Today marks ONE YEAR of service and progress for the City of Clarksdale! During the first year of the Paden Administration, the City of Clarksdale has demonstrated measurable progress in visibility, community engagement and ex*****on. This period has focused on stabilizing city operations, reestablishing public trust, addressing long-standing infrastructure needs and positioning the City for long-term growth. Here's an overview of our first year in office.
MAYOR ORLANDO W. PADEN'S ACTIVITIES
From July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, Mayor Paden has made 230 documented official appearances. (There were much more)! The breakdown is as follows:
• Attended 143 meetings
• Made 59 Public Appearances as Mayor
• Delivered 28 Official Speeches
Mayor Orlando W. Paden received extensive national, regional, and state media exposure, including features by:
• CNN (Two times)
• USA Today
• National Public Radio (NPR)
• Mississippi Today
• Delta Business Journal (3 times and recognized as
a Top Minority Leader)
• Capital B News
• Yahoo News
• WBUR Here & Now
• Ideastream Public Media
• WHRO Public Media
• Clarksdale Press Register
This visibility has elevated Clarksdale’s profile and strengthened its positioning in regional and national conversations.
The Board of Mayor and Commissioners' Key Accomplishments
(This is an abbreviated list).
The Mayor and Board of Commissioners have advanced several high-impact initiatives, including:
• Launch of the NeighborGOOD cleanup Project, renewing partnership with the Coahoma County Board of Supervisors
• Received the Golden Cup Award from Atmos Energy, recognizing partners with outstanding safety records for protecting underground gas lines by always calling 811 before digging
• Approved raises for City employees
• Removed 44 dilapidated structures across the City
• Launched the City’s first news program, Sunday Morning from City Hall
• Implementation of Quarterly Ward Town Hall Sessions
• Completion of ditch improvement projects on St. Elizabeth, Florence, Sasse, Faith,Reubin, Courbin, and Church Streets
• Secured approximately $267,500 from the Delta Regional Authority for flood mitigation projects
• Cleaned up a neglected Yazoo Avenue Park, including debris removal, brusharbor trimming, and improved lighting
• Hosted a Citywide Halloween Event on October 31 serving hundreds of residents
• Established the Veterans Day Spectacular on November 8, honoring local Veterans and formalizing engagement
• Continued support of the Clarksdale Christmas Festival, serving hundreds of families during the holiday season
• Completed numerous tree-trimming projects
• Upgraded bedding at all three Clarksdale Fire Stations (the first upgrade in 15 years)
• Initiation of procurement for a new street sweeper and dump truck
• Partnered with 'AIM for Change' of Mississippi State University to secure outdoor equipment for Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center (equipment delivered and soon to be installed)
• Partnered with 'AIM for Change' of Mississippi State University and Aaron E. Henry Medical Center to secure outdoor amenities for Sasse Street Park (Official announcement forthcoming)
• Partnered with One World Organization to establish a Community Garden on Sasse Street
• Clarksdale Police Department Received NIBRS Certification
• Successfully launched our first Summer Youth Camp, with an enrollment of 83 students and student workers across Clarksdale, Memphis and Jackson
• Continued Partnership with Chuck Rutledge and Team to build the Sunflower Riverwalk (Coming this fall!)
• Continued Partnership with local festivals and events
• Upgraded Sunflower Street sidewalk and lighting
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To the people of Clarksdale,
Thank you for your partnership and patience throughout this first year. Every step forward has been possible because of neighbors like you who care deeply about our community.
We won't pretend that every problem has been solved. Challenges remain, but the progress we've made this year belongs to all of us and is worth celebrating. As we begin our second year, we remain committed to listening to you, the valued members of our community, and maintaining forward momentum. On behalf of Mayor Orlando W. Paden, Commissioner Ray Sykes, Commissioner Jimmy Harris, Commissioner Eddie Earl and Commissioner Linda C. Downing, THANK YOU!
