Opelika City Council President and native, Eddie Smith, has announced that he is running to become the city’s next mayor. Although the race in 2025 is still several months out Smith wants to give his fellow Opelikans a chance to get to know him better.
“Opelika is the place I have called home all my life. It is the place that I chose to raise my kids,” said Smith. “I love Opelika, and serving this community has been a privilege. After speaking with my family, I have decided to run for Mayor. During my time on the City Council, Opelika has made significant progress, and I believe I have the experience and knowledge to keep that momentum going.”
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If elected, Smith said he would continue to focus on improving economic development, infrastructure, public safety, housing growth, and community development.
He has been a member of the Opelika City Council since 2004 and has served as Council President for the past 16 years. He was also previously President of the United Way of Lee County and Chairman of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce.
During his twenty years on the City Council, Opelika added over 5,000 new jobs, attracted more than $2 billion in capital investments, and saw a 25% reduction in overall crime. Additionally, since 2006, the total value of housing construction in Opelika has exceeded $1 billion.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
