Questions and Concerns Surface as Lakeland BOC Debates Change to City Governance Structure

A proposal to explore a change in Lakeland’s form of government sparked extensive discussion among city officials and residents on Thursday evening, April 16, 2026, at the Lakeland Board of Commissioners (BOC). The meeting showcased differing perspectives on representation, governance structure, and potential long-term impacts.

Commissioner Connie McCarter, a supporter of the initiative, as well as a few citizens backing a public petition at the meeting, argue that transitioning to a mayor-alderman system would provide more localized representation. Under such a structure, Lakeland would be divided into districts, with aldermen representing the areas in which they reside.

Advocates for the current system, however, pointed to the existing Board of Commissioners as evidence of geographic diversity. Of the five members, two reside in Stonebridge, while the others reside in Plantation Hills, Oakwood, and North Lakeland.

During the meeting, James Lewellen, a University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) consultant was asked to outline potential advantages of switching to a mayor-alderman form of government. After consideration, the consultant stated that the two systems are largely comparable. “The two structures are so similar I don’t know there are any advantages. They are essentially identical,” Mr. Lewlellen said.

Other officials, including Commissioner Jim Atkinson, voiced concerns about district-based representation, suggesting it could introduce division among areas of the city and potentially hinder unified decision-making.

Vice Mayor Michele Dial raised questions about how a change in government structure could affect Lakeland’s school system. According to information presented during the meeting, a worst-case scenario could involve the dissolution of the current system if the city’s charter were surrendered and a new structure not approved. In such a case, local governance would be temporarily limited, and the Lakeland School System could potentially be absorbed into Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS). Officials also noted that if voters approved surrendering the current charter but did not adopt a new form of government, the city would be unable to reverse that decision for up to four years.

Despite the concerns raised, Commissioner McCarter reaffirmed her support for pursuing a government change saying she would continue to study the issue. She encouraged residents to sign a petition currently circulating in the community.

Lakeland Mayor Josh Roman expressed strong opposition to the proposal, stating he does not believe there is a current need to consider altering the city’s structure. He said proponents had not presented a clear justification for the change and voiced concern over potential risks. “There were so many bizarro moments like her own expert saying there was no benefit to a change but at the end of the discussion, she still said she was for it but she’ll do some more research to figure out why she is for it!” He added, “no rational person would risk our city charter and school system just to get elected!”

The discussion remains ongoing while Commissioner McCarter works to gather enough signatures to bring this to a city wide vote.

 

 

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