GEORGE COUNTY, Miss.—As Lucedale’s population continues to grow, city leaders say traffic congestion, aging infrastructure and long-term planning are among their top concerns heading into the 2026 legislative session.
This story is part of a Roy Howard Community Journalism Center reporting project examining what mayors and county supervisors across southeast Mississippi want from state lawmakers during the 2026 legislative session. The project includes county-by-county reporting and an interactive overview highlighting shared priorities, regional differences and policy challenges facing local governments.
Readers can explore the full project, including an interactive overview and reporting from all 10 counties, here.
In George County, those priorities are shaped by steady population growth and the strain it places on roads, utilities and public services, according to local officials.
Growth and Infrastructure Pressure
George County has seen a 7.4% increase in population from 2020 to 2025. Lucedale Mayor Al Jones said that growth has pushed city leaders to focus heavily on infrastructure improvements needed to support a larger population.
Jones said traffic conditions are one of his biggest concerns, particularly in and around Lucedale’s busiest commercial areas. The city is pursuing funding for two traffic-related projects aimed at easing congestion and addressing pressure points on local roads.
Jones also said the city is seeking funds to repair aging water lines throughout Lucedale. He noted that parts of the water system are outdated and have experienced minor issues as demand has increased.
To accommodate population growth, Jones said two housing developments are currently under construction in the city, with about 800 homes being built. He also said older apartment complexes have been renovated and returned to use.
Alongside residential growth, the city has invested in community amenities. Jones said Lucedale recently built a new playground and soccer field for public use. The city has also applied for a grant to fund construction of a splash pad, which would add another recreational option for residents.
Long-term Planning and Partnerships
As development accelerates, Jones said the city is working to balance immediate infrastructure needs with long-term planning. He emphasized that Lucedale’s goal is to prepare not only for current growth but for the next decade as well.
That planning includes continued upgrades to water and sewer systems, as well as coordination with county officials on projects that benefit both the city and surrounding communities.
Jones said partnerships with county supervisors and community organizations have helped Lucedale complete recent projects and respond to rapid change. He added that maintaining quality of life remains central to the city’s planning, with a focus on parks, recreation, public safety and accessible infrastructure.
Community response to the city’s efforts has been largely positive, Jones said, particularly as residents begin to see improvements in public spaces and neighborhoods.
“As far as I’m concerned, the bottom line is we want quality of life for all our constituents,” Jones said. “And that quality of life here in Lucedale may be a little bit different than other parts of the state, but we’re still looking at what we can provide to make it better.”
This story reflects responses from local leaders who were available to participate during the reporting period. Readers who would like to hear from city or county leaders not included here are encouraged to contact RHCJC News, and additional outreach will be made when possible.
This article is one of 10 county-level stories in the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center’s project examining local leaders’ priorities for the 2026 legislative session. The full interactive project is available here.
This article first appeared on RHCJC and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.