In 2025, the Golden Triangle proved truth really is stranger than fiction, from a ballot box lost during a car repossession and a rapper arrested after name-dropping Maple Street in his own lyrics, to an election-season assault accusation between candidates and crimes unfolding in a Clay County cow pasture.

The Dispatch reached out to officials across the Golden Triangle to ask about their hopes and predictions for 2026.

Columbus 

City council members are hopeful the new year will encourage continued cooperation among officials, as well as new developments throughout the city.

Mayor Stephen Jones: “As we enter the New Year, my hope is that we are guided by faith, compassion and wisdom and that our city is blessed with peace, prosperity and unity.

“My prediction is that Zack (Plair) will convert David (Chism) to a Democrat,” Jones added, referring to the Between the Headlines podcast.

Ethel Stewart, who represents Ward 1: “My hope is that we (complete) plans to do the amphitheater and doing sidewalks out (by) the Magnolia Bowl and a lot of paving and clearing up for the city for (2026) and take down a lot of these dilapidated properties that we have. And drainage. That’s a big one.”

Rusty Greene, councilman for Ward 3: “I hope that things keep happening in Columbus. We’ve got a lot of good things going on with the amphitheater and Parkview and new interest in Columbus and new businesses coming in.”

Lavonne Harris, Ward 4 councilwoman: “I would like to see the city prosper, work together well and build our police department up and work more in the community. So far, I think the mayor and council is doing very well, and I hope we continue to prosper in the future years.”

Jason Spears, who represents Ward 6: “My hope would be … to continue to bring resources and opportunities to the city of Columbus and the community as a whole. We would continue to see businesses locate within the city and more citizens continuing to get involved with the city and help us move our mission forward.”

Lowndes County

Supervisors have their sights set on the Cinco Megasite this year in anticipation of landing the site’s first tenant, along with addressing road issues throughout the county.

Matt Furnari, District 1 supervisor: “I think it will be a great year for Lowndes County. … We are truly set up for success and my main goal is for that not to be just talk but something the residents of Lowndes County will see. … The one thing that I am most excited about is this board made a concentrated effort to pave more roads in 2026.”

Trip Hairston, who represents District 2: “My hope is obviously that we find our first tenant for the Cinco Megasite, and I would love to have some announcement before the end of 2026 that we’ve got somebody on that site.”

Andy Williamson, supervisor for District 3: “I am hopeful that we will have an announcement on who the new (Golden Triangle Development) LINK CEO will be. … We have a great economic track record. I would like to see us build on that success.”

Jeff Smith, District 4 supervisor: “As far as hopes, continued stability. I think it’s proven that our board has been very, very stable in its operation. The county has operated pretty steady in terms of growth, and we want to see that continue.

“… We’ve been investing a great deal of money into our recreation department and multi purpose sportsplex that’s located out (on) Highway 82 West, and I would like to see a multi purpose fitness facility built onto that facility,” Smith added.

Leroy Brooks, supervisor for District 5: “I hope that we continue to see economic development growth, and we’re working to address road issues and recreation issues. So we’re anticipating a good year.”

Brooks added he hopes to see a project land at Cinco Megasite. “It would be good to get some prospects to come in and say, ‘We’d like to set up shop out there on that 1,000 acres and create jobs.’”

Meryl Fisackerly, chief operating officer for the LINK: “I think it’s inevitable that we’re going to finally see the next leader of the organization named. … Economic development-wise, Cinco, the Megasite that we have, is being marketed heavily. I think you’re going to see a lot of traction there. You’re definitely going to see a lot of infrastructure starting. … I would like to see our first tenant on Cinco landed in 2026.”

Starkville

Along with hopes of wrapping up some of the major ongoing construction projects in the city, Starkville aldermen are eyeing a championship title or two for Mississippi State University athletics.

Mayor Lynn Spruill: “I am hopeful that 2026 brings Starkville continued success and growth. I predict we will complete our Main Street project, and it will have the desired powerful impact on our downtown.”

Kim Moreland, alderwoman for Ward 1: “Support small business development, and continue recruiting new businesses and retailers to grow sales tax revenue. Continue to (strengthen) our working relationship with the board of supervisors and MSU to make sure that we continue to do what is best not just for Starkville but all of Oktibbeha County.”

Sandra Sistrunk, Ward 2 alderwoman: “I expect to see continued public and private investment in the city and the growing pains that come with that sort of change. My hope is that we can start to move from heavy construction on (Highway) 182 and Main Street to enjoying those spaces, similar to our experience in 2025 with McKee Park.”

James Skinner, alderman for Ward 3: “Starkville will continue to grow as a vibrant college town, with MSU playing a major role in economic and cultural development. Hope (to see) continued growth of local businesses and downtown development while keeping Starkville’s small-town character.”

Mike Brooks, Ward 4 alderman: Brooks said he hopes to see MSU athletes take home championship titles across the board, adding that it’s time for MSU’s football team to finally say, “hold my beer,” and win an NCAA National Championship.

“The population of the City of Starkville and the attendance at MSU (will) both increase by 25%,” Brooks light-heartedly predicted, along with the completion of several projects and the beginning of others. “Construction of single-family residential housing and multi-family apartments will be at a furious pace along with new restaurants and retail offerings. The big rumor will be that Target is secretly looking for a site. We can hope.”

William Pochop, who represents Ward 5: “In 2026, I expect we’ll see some construction signs going away, and some new ones being placed around town. Improvement is a nonstop project. I just wish the signs weren’t that awful Tennessee orange color. I expect to see our parks and splash pads covered up with families as the seasons warm up, but I hope to see a new and improved city pool in the future.”

Pochop added he hopes to see MSU’s baseball and football teams win national titles and for new businesses and restaurants to pop up throughout the city, even if they are more barbecue or chicken dives.

Henry Vaughn, alderman for Ward 7: “I’m hoping that we can just go ahead and complete some of the projects that we got. … My biggest concern is that everything we annexed in 1998, that we go back and complete (that) because … there’s so many that still don’t have city sewers and city water.

“… Another thing, I wish that we could build affordable houses for retired elderly people,” he added.

Starkville Police Chief Mark Ballard: “I know that in 2026, I would love to see effective action and support for mental health (and) mental wellness for our first responders … move forward. Secondly, a continuation and advocating (of) standards related to accreditation. … Then lastly, in 2026, I would say finding effective ways to recruit amazing people for this very tough job. Recruiting remains a major issue in law enforcement.”

Oktibbeha

With several irons in the fire, Oktibbeha County supervisors are looking forward to a productive year with progress expected on dam repairs, road projects and a wise investment of hospital proceeds.

Marvell Howard, District 3 supervisor: “My prediction is that we’ll see an increase in (the county’s) growth. My hope is that we will land a major industry out in the industrial park. (I’m) hoping to see … 250 (to) 350 jobs. My final hope is that we will start the rehabbing of the Oktibbeha County Lake by the summer.”

Ben Carver, District 1 supervisor: “I anticipate the hospital proceeds to be invested wisely this year, and that we tackle more of the pressing water and sewage needs this year. Expect more record-setting growth in the county this year, as people look for the quiet quality of life that country living brings. I am most excited about getting 7 miles of New Light Road paved this (spring).”

Orlando Trainer, supervisor for District 2: “I just pray that everybody will be healthy and everybody will be just a blessing and be able to do those things that are more beneficial to helping people to improve better relationships and also try to be able to find ways to deal with some of the challenges and give people hope for 2026.”

Pattie Little, who represents District 4: “This year, I hope to see us continue working collaboratively and unanimously with our fellow supervisors to invest the hospital sale proceeds in a way that secures long-term growth and future opportunities for Oktibbeha County.” Little added that she also hopes to see all county roads ranked and prioritized for repairs.

Area legislators 

Mississippi legislators are overwhelmingly hopeful for improvements in education this year, advocating for additional funding and teacher pay raises.

District 43 Rep. Rob Roberson, R-Starkville: “We will take steps to put families first in educating our children. The Golden Triangle will live up to its name and give great job opportunities to those looking to join our community. We will continue to grow at a rate that will surpass our past successes.”

District 41 Rep. Kabir Karriem, D-Columbus: “As we get ready to go into this 2026 session, I hope that there is a willingness to work together for the betterment of the people of Mississippi. … We’re hoping that 26 is a whole lot better than 25.”

District 39 Rep. Dana McLean, R-Columbus: “For Lowndes, my focus will be to advocate for more funding and support for (Mississippi University for Women) and (Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science). Both programs are not only vital to Columbus but are extremely valuable to our entire state.”

District 37 Rep. Andy Boyd, R-Columbus: “I really wish some time, we could just do things with each other and across the aisle that’s not political – in the session, out of session, but particularly in the session.”

District 17 Sen. Chuck Younger, R-Lowndes County: “Next year, there’ll be a teacher pay raise. If there is a school choice (bill) … I think it will be up to the locals to be able to let a kid go from one district to the next district.”