How’s It Going? – Humboldt Mayor Arthur Boykin discusses state of city, first months as mayor
by Shane Wofford
Arthur Boykin is approximately five months into his first term as mayor, and he says he is encouraged by the direction Humboldt is headed. From neighborhood ward meetings and city beautification efforts to economic development projects and upcoming budget decisions, Boykin believes the city is building momentum.
During the Humboldt Chronicle’s annual “State of the City” interview, Boykin discussed the progress made during the first months of his administration, the challenges facing city government and his vision for Humboldt’s future. One of the initiatives Boykin has emphasized since taking office has been the establishment of quarterly ward meetings. The meetings, which bring residents together with aldermen and city leadership, were created to give citizens a direct line of communication with their elected officials.
The city is currently conducting its second round of quarterly meetings since the program began. Boykin said the sessions have proven valuable because they allow city leaders to hear concerns and suggestions directly from residents.
“Direct input is always a good thing,” he said. “It enhances communication up as well as down, and that’s always critical and important.”
Although city leaders could eventually discuss adjusting the frequency of the meetings, Boykin said he appreciates the opportunity to hear directly from residents and believes the current format is working well.
Asked to evaluate his first five months in office, Boykin described the experience as positive.
“It’s going well,” he said. “I think there’s enthusiasm from the governing standpoint, there’s enthusiasm from the citizens, and so that makes for a win-win. I believe citizens are seeing some of the things we said we were going to do happen, and there’s more to come.”
One of the most visible changes has been the demolition of the former bowling alley property on N Central Ave. The site now stands cleared, creating new possibilities for future development. While no specific plans have been announced for the property, Boykin said he hopes a developer will eventually invest in a new project at the location.
“I have some thoughts in mind,” he said, adding that the city will continue seeking opportunities that benefit the community.
Beyond larger redevelopment projects, Boykin pointed to several smaller quality-of-life improvements taking place throughout the city. These include cleaning curbs and gutters, removing accumulated dirt and vegetation from streets and conducting community cleanup efforts. Earlier this year, the city held a spring cleanup event that allowed residents to dispose of unwanted materials. Boykin said participation was positive overall, but he remains frustrated by the amount of litter and illegal dumping that continues to appear throughout the city.
“I am a little bit disappointed because right after the spring cleanup day, you drive the communities and you see a new load of tires or something that’s been thrown out,” he said.
Because of that, city officials may consider holding another cleanup event later this year.
“We’re thinking that may be something we’ll have to do again in the fall.”
As the city enters budget season, Boykin said his administration is preparing its first full budget proposal since taking office. When Boykin was sworn in last year alongside three brand new aldermen, the city was already operating under a budget adopted by the previous administration. The upcoming fiscal year budget, which begins July 1, will be the first budget crafted entirely under the new board. Department heads have already submitted their requests, and city officials are now working to balance expenditures with available revenues.
Recently, members of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen participated in a budget workshop led by Chief Financial Officer Alicia Pigue. Boykin described the workshop as beneficial because it helped aldermen better understand the city’s financial realities.
Boykin noted that city leaders face difficult decisions regarding future investments and capital improvements while maintaining financial stability. He also emphasized the importance of improving revenue collection from existing sources before considering additional taxes.
One area receiving attention is the city’s vehicle sticker program.
“We’re leaving monies on the table,” Boykin said.
Boykin also acknowledged that cities face significant financial limitations and must continuously evaluate ways to support services and infrastructure.
“We cannot run the city on a 15-year-old revenue stream,” he said.
Like many municipalities, Humboldt continues to face rising costs associated with public safety and public works operations. Boykin noted that police vehicles need repairs and replacement, while aging fire equipment will eventually require upgrades. Although grants can help offset costs, they often require matching local funds.
The mayor also pointed to workforce challenges facing city government. Surrounding communities, he said, are often able to offer higher wages to police officers, firefighters and public works employees.
“They come to Humboldt, and we put them through school, and then they leave and go somewhere else,” Boykin said. “I don’t blame them for that. But we have to be competitive.”
Economic development remains another major focus. Boykin highlighted the recent expansion announcement by Reinhausen Manufacturing, which is expected to add jobs and expand the company’s footprint in Humboldt. He also said city officials are in discussions with another company yet to be named that is considering locating in Humboldt. But perhaps the project generating the most excitement is Village Commons, a mixed-use development planned near the Highway 45 Bypass. Boykin said he is eager for future announcements regarding businesses that will locate there.
“I’m very much excited about it,” he said.
The project aligns with Boykin’s broader goal of attracting more visitors and business travelers to stay within Humboldt rather than using the city as a destination during the day and lodging elsewhere at night.
“We invite people to come and see our community, but they stay in Jackson,” Boykin said.
He believes additional lodging, dining and entertainment options could help change that pattern while creating new economic opportunities for local businesses.
Reflecting on his first months in office, Boykin said one of the biggest adjustments has been learning the various relationships and partnerships necessary to effectively lead a city. Boykin is a proud Humboldt native, but having spent years away from local government circles, he said he has devoted considerable effort to building relationships with state and federal officials, including legislators and congressional representatives.
“The hardest thing is learning the players,” Boykin said.
At the same time, one of the biggest positive surprises has been the willingness of residents to embrace change.
“The citizens are saying they need to change,” Boykin said. “That’s always encouraging when they’re on board with you.”
Boykin outlined several priorities that he hopes to address in the coming years. Among them is strengthening the city’s ability to respond to severe weather events. Following the winter storm in February that disrupted much of West Tennessee, the city has already acquired additional vehicles and equipment focused on snow and ice removal.
“We know it’s going to happen again sometime,” Boykin said.
The administration is also beginning discussions about how to better address homelessness within the community.
“We know we have some unhoused people,” Boykin said. “We’ve got to try to address that.”
Another long-term goal involves finding a productive use for the former Humboldt Junior High School property on Ferrell Street. The vacant structure has stood largely unused for years, but Boykin believes it represents one of the city’s greatest redevelopment opportunities.
“I think that’s a jewel that we need to develop,” he said.
Boykin pointed to the successful redevelopment of the old Peabody High School into apartment homes in Trenton, and suggested the property could potentially be converted into housing, an area where he believes Humboldt has growing needs.
“It’s just a matter of putting together a game plan,” he said.
Boykin says that while he believes city government has made progress, he stressed that maintaining these and future improvements will require cooperation from residents.
“We told the citizens we would clean it up, but at the end of the day, we asked them to help us keep it clean,” Boykin said. “We can have a better Humboldt. It’s going to take all of us.”
