Auburn Mayor Ron Anders held the fifth annual State of the City Address at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center on Wednesday.
The event highlighted the growth of Auburn during the past year, gave insight into upcoming improvements as well and recognized outstanding individuals through the Mayors Lamplighter Awards.
“It's been another great year in Auburn,” said Anders. “We have celebrated the new and the old.”
In the past year, Auburn’s downtown has seen recent improvements as new boutiques and restaurants opened their doors, such as Mix, Stak’s and Jack Brown's. Additionally, welcomes an urban Target as well as a popup Lululemon, located under The Standard, set to open in the coming weeks.
“These additions to our community help further our goal to bring quality amenities and walkable environments for our residents and visitors,” said Anders.
Along with new businesses, Auburn has recent changes in its appeal, from the recently renovated drive along South College Street to welcoming a Buccee’s pleasing travelers driving I-85. “This larger-than-life travel center, brings new visitors and revenue to Auburn every day,” said Anders.
Auburn's increased popularity through events such as the National Biking Championships, sporting events and professional conferences has allowed for a 24 percent increase in lodging tax in 2023. “Our job is to put those tax dollars directly to work in the services that the city provides,” said Anders
Through increased tax dollars, $2.4 million went to resurfacing city streets along with $2.5 million contributing to a new 40-acre park located in North Auburn along Shelton Mill Road, slated to be named after the Auburn philanthropist Ann Pearson.
Auburn’s athletic amenities continue to grow with the newly renovated Wire Road Soccer Complex featuring three multisport turf fields and a 56,000 square-foot indoor multipurpose facility.
“It can be used for large events, such as the city’s ever-popular daddy-daughter date night. It will even serve as a new voting location for Ward Eight,” said Anders. “This makes a huge difference for our athletes and our families.”
In 2021 working with East Alabama Health, Auburn welcomed a medical pavilion including an emergency department, outpatient imaging lab services and a Breast Health Center recognized by the American College of Radiology as a cancer center of excellence.
Anders emphasized that the sound relationship between university and city allows for smooth communication in aspects of public safety, shared infrastructure, research and more, ranking second in the nation according to the Princeton Review. “It’s really number one for the record,” said Anders jokingly.
As continual changes improve Auburn, Anders recognized six individuals Wednesday for their valiant efforts in the community.
The six winners of the Lamplighter Awards include:
- Auburn High School's Charlie France
- Tangela Frazier of Auburn’s Chamber of Commerce
- Founder of Ross House Toni Holt
- Cliff Knight for his efforts in the creation of Pines Crossing Golf Course
- Ashley McCrary in her continued determination in her battle against ocular cancer publicly seen in the AUtlive campaign
- State-renowned pediatrician David Smalley
These Lamplighter Award recipients showcase their attitudes by living by the fourth stanza of the Auburn Creed, “I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities.”
“Our people are our best asset,” said Anders showing his gratitude towards the community as he concluded the State of the City Address.
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