Mayor Roman Outlines Growth and Investment in Lakeland at State of the City Address

Mayor Josh Roman delivered the 2025 State of the City address this week on Wednesday, September 24, at the Lakeland Golf Club during the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce luncheon. In his address, Mr. Roman highlighted the city’s economic progress, infrastructure improvements, and future development plans.

Roman reported that Lakeland has experienced steady financial growth, with local sales tax revenues increasing by 16 percent and property tax revenues rising 22 percent between 2023 and 2025. He credited the gains to new commercial developments and strong residential demand. Businesses added in the past two years include Chik-fil-a, Wayback Burgers, Sol2Soul Yoga, Shadrach’s Coffee, Margaritas Restaurant, and Portalas Restaurant among many others.

The mayor also addressed improvements to parks and recreation facilities. Recent projects include new restrooms at International Harvester Park, lighting at the Brody Townsend Athletic Complex, and the city’s first t-ball field at City Hall Park. A $963,000 grant has also been awarded for pickleball courts scheduled for construction in 2026. The courts will be located next to the new Lakeland YMCA Community Center on Huff-n-Puff Road. Community programming is also expanding, with Freedom Fest, Lakeland’s first citywide July 4th event, drawing strong participation in 2024.

Roman described the planned Lakeland Community Center as a “transformational milestone.” The $30 million, 45,000-square-foot facility will be built in partnership with the YMCA and include a basketball gymnasium, fitness areas, an outdoor pool, and a childcare center. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year, with first-year operations projected to generate $1.45 million in revenue.

Infrastructure projects remain a priority for the administration. The New Canada Road expansion, scheduled to begin in just a few weeks in October 2025, will add a four-lane roadway funded primarily by federal grants. More than $6 million in paving projects are budgeted through 2026, along with sewer system upgrades in Clear Creek and Oliver Creek to accommodate growth.

In the area of public safety, Roman noted the expansion of surveillance and traffic technology, including 40 Flock cameras, speed sensors, and neighborhood speed bumps. Construction is underway on the Tennessee Highway Patrol District 4 Headquarters, a $10.75 million project located on Highway 64 behind Sonic. That project is expected to be completed in September 2026.

Community engagement initiatives were also highlighted, including the establishment of a Community Advisory Board, implementation of the SeeClickFix reporting tool, and expansion of the Adopt-a-Street program. The city also sponsored a touring Vietnam Veterans Wall this past year to honor local service members.

Roman concluded by outlining future goals, including continued support for law enforcement facilities, additional road projects, and completion of the YMCA community center.

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