Mayor Hill Copenhaver says Jonesboro "is strong," highlights parks, public safety and $70 million sports complex

Mayor Hill Copenhaver delivered the annual state of the city address at a Jonesboro City Council meeting, saying the “state of the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas is strong” and outlining planned capital investments, public-safety staffing and code and permitting reviews.

Copenhaver said the city holds reserves exceeding $33,000,000 and projected revenues of about $93,000,000 for 02/2025. He noted last year’s budget remained balanced and the city completed another clean financial audit. “The state of the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas is strong,” he said.

Why it matters: the mayor framed the budget and capital priorities as the foundation for near-term projects that he said will affect residents’ daily lives — from safer streets and improved 9-1-1 facilities to parks and a proposed sports complex intended to attract visitors and spur downtown activity.

Copenhaver listed a series of projects and accomplishments the administration points to as evidence of momentum: a…