Invoking the resilient spirit of William Ernest Henley’s poem “Invictus,” Waycross Mayor Michael-Angelo James told members of the Exchange Club of Waycross that despite challenges, he remains “the master of my fate” and “captain of my soul” as he reflected on six and a half years leading the city as its 66th mayor.
Speaking at the group’s recent Thursday meeting, James, who joined the Exchange Club in December 2015 shortly after his first run for mayor, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to address the organization. He recalled personal ties to former Mayor John Knox, who presented him his high school diploma and participated in his church installation service nearly four decades ago.
“I love our city,” James said, closing his remarks by repeating lines from the poem before opening the floor to questions.
In his address, the mayor painted a picture of steady progress in a community long centered on transportation, industry and agriculture. He referenced his recent State of the City address, noting preparations for significant expansion in the coming years and ongoing land clearing and infrastructure work.
Public Safety Gains James spotlighted strong performance in public safety. Under Police Chief Tommy Cox, the department achieved a 32.8 percent reduction in violent and major crimes in 2025.
Weapon-related violent crimes dropped 35.5%, other crimes fell 39%, and stolen property decreased 47.5%. The department also earned national recognition with CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) accreditation in the top five percent of agencies nationwide.
Eighty-seven youth graduated from the Junior Police Academy, with a new session launching in June. Several officers received promotions and awards, including Detective Kenneth Rowland (promoted to sergeant), Officer Scott Winkler, David Dixon, Lt. Jalil Gage and Sgt. Robert Jacobs.
The Fire Department maintains an excellent ISO rating of 2, aiding insurance costs for residents. It responded to nearly 1,700 emergency calls with an average three-minute response time.
The department conducted 1,129 inspections, logged 13,000 training hours, installed 77 smoke detectors, and participated in 49 community events. The department debuted a safety house exhibit at Swamp Fest.
A video titled “Come In From the Rain” featuring Waycross has been adopted for training by the Georgia Municipal Association.
Financial Stability and Development Finance Director Greg Smith oversaw a $42.7 million balanced budget with a clean audit. Public budget hearings are scheduled for early June.
Community Improvement Director Mark Hawkins’ team has supported substantial growth, including new residential building permits valued at $831,000 and remodeling permits adding approximately $100,000 in home improvements (as of recent 2024–2026 data).
Commercial activity included eight new buildings, two apartments, seven new businesses, expansions and 65 remodels, representing nearly $75 million in construction investment.
Engineering Coordinator Dawn Strickland, a city employee since 1993, was praised for her leadership, including work on a historical book profiling all 66 mayors of Waycross. Completed projects include the Lee Street culvert.
Ongoing efforts target paving remaining dirt streets. The city’s reporting app allows residents to submit photos of issues like garbage or brush for prompt response.
New Public Works Director Matthew Halewell maintains 148 centerline miles of roads. Initiatives include upgraded parks with restaurants, splash pads and playground equipment. Thirteen employees are training for specialized bucket truck operations.
Workforce and Technology
Human Resources Director Marissa Edwards has focused on retention, negotiating a favorable 5% medical insurance renewal amid higher market rates and reducing employee turnover from 30% to 17%. Additional incentives are under discussion.
The new Business Integration and Information Technology department, led by Patrick Simmons, launched a redesigned city website (waycrossgeorgia.gov) with meeting minutes, archived videos and other resources. The “Ask Wally” AI tool provides multilingual responses to citizen inquiries.
Q&A and Outlook
During questions, James addressed the pending delivery of a new customized fire response vehicle, updates on potential economic development projects (including possible relocation considerations for an Emirates-related facility), zoning concerns regarding storage buildings converted to homes, and plans for specific properties like the Carter Street area.
He emphasized transparency, adherence to state requirements and the power of community input.
James closed on an optimistic note, stressing Waycross’s future depends on collective response to opportunities and challenges.
“It’s not what’s happening in Waycross, it’s what we do about what happens in Waycross that makes Waycross Waycross,” he said.
The speech underscored a message of progress, accountability and civic pride as the city continues to evolve.
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