Jackson and Madison County mayors: weekly collaboration helps 'head off issues'

Jackson City Mayor Scott Conger and Madison County Mayor AJ Massie described routine, often weekly, collaboration between their offices on the JMCSS podcast, saying frequent communication helps the two governments tackle shared priorities and prevent small problems from becoming larger ones.

The mayors said they routinely exchange phone calls and texts, meet face to face when necessary, and coordinate across departments on issues ranging from industrial recruitment and parks to public safety and infrastructure. "We’re able to head off some issues before they become issues," Massie said, describing earlier informal problem‑solving between the city and county.

Massie described county government as primarily shaped by state law and overseen by a county commission; he said the county has roughly 33 departments and 11 report directly to his office. "Tennessee code...says how we operate," Massie said, noting the mayor’s role emphasizes administration across many elected offices and commissioners. Conger contrasted the county model with city government, saying the city mayor functions more like a chief executive and most of the city’s 32 departments report to the mayor, though the city recorder/finance director is selected with council involvement.

Both mayors said compromise and bringing departmental expertise to the table are essential when officials disagree. "Take a step back if we get bogged down in the weeds," Conger said, and rely on subject‑matter staff to inform decisions rather than letting personalities steer outcomes.

The conversation underlined routine intergovernmental coordination rather than new policy actions; no formal motions or votes were announced during the interview. The mayors closed by noting the practical benefits of sustained cooperation for residents and for attracting employers to the area.