Mayor Craft tells Chamber State of Cities forum of booming Oxford economy
June 6, 2025
Mayor Alton Craft addressed the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Cities Forum held Friday, June 6, 2025, in Jacksonville as the seven county municipal mayors spoke of the happenings in their respective cities.
Craft’s remarks highlighted a booming economy over the past year as the city welcomed 900 new jobs created through the expansion of existing industries, $67 million in private commercial investment, and $25 million in residential investment.
There were also 142 business licenses issued and 35 ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings held in 2024; 212 commercial and 750 building permits were issued; and 106 new homes and 10 commercial buildings were constructed.
Retail sales were boosted by more than 12 million visits to the Oxford Exchange, Oxford Commons, and Quintard Mall combined. More than 500,000 visits were registered to Choccolocco Park, the Festival of Lights, the Oxford Performing Arts Center, and Oxfordfest combined.
Craft reported that the 2024 tournaments held at Choccolocco Park in May 2024 increased retail sales by 4.5 percent and lodging revenue by 15 percent.
“The one road project I know everyone is thinking about is the one on Leon Smith Parkway,” Craft said. “I have been assured that it will be done within 45 to 60 days.”
He added that the project to complete ADA-accessible sidewalks downtown is scheduled for later this year.
Craft praised the quality and success of Oxford’s public safety departments, noting that the police department effected a double-digit decrease in the crime rate, the fire department achieved a record-breaking number of smoke detector installations and certifications, and the Health Care Authority became one of the state’s few critical care transport services.
Craft also took a moment to honor retiring mayors Johnnie Smith of Jacksonville and Bill Baker of Piedmont, referring to them as “two fine men and mentors.”
“Oxford continues to grow and we’re blessed,” Craft said. “I had a lady who was visiting recently tell me we were friendly people, and you can’t get a better compliment than that.”