first term ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Delivering Results for Residents
Infrastructure Enhancements
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Road and Street Improvements:
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Secured $12.5 million in contracts for street paving and preservation, set for completion by September 2024.
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Replaced Redbud Lane/Woodland Lake Box Culvert and enhanced channel improvements ($1.85 million).
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Installed High Mast Lighting on US 78 at Bethel and Craft Roads to enhance safety ($1.5 million).
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Extended Craft Road’s high-pressure natural gas line to address low pressure issues ($1.25 million).
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Replaced 17 outdated outdoor warning sirens to enhance emergency alerts ($662,000).
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New development of Animal Shelter.
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Construction of new Public Works building.
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Adding fields, concessions, restrooms, and parking at Church Rd. Soccer Complex.
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Obtained $23.4 million in Federal and State infrastructure grants, reducing the financial burden on residents.
Public Safety Investments
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Expanded Police and Fire Services:
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Added 1 Major and 18 Patrol Officers to the Olive Branch Police Department.
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Hired 10 Firefighters, 12 EMS staff, and 2 Emergency Dispatchers to boost emergency response.
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Added a new ambulance company to improve services at Fire Station #1.
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Adding Fire Station #6 for enhanced coverage and potential lower insurance premiums for homeowners.
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Adding 3 new firetrucks.
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Surveillance drone added.
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License plate readers added to entrances of the city to aide and protect residents.
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Added Citizens' Volunteer Patrol group with city car, uniforms, and resources.
Financial Responsibility
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No Tax Increases: Collaborated with the Board of Aldermen to maintain municipal tax rates throughout his term.
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Tourism Tax for Parks: Introduced a 1% hotel/motel tax to fund park improvements, supported by 91% of voters. Generated over $400,000 since December 2022, with proceeds going toward a soccer complex expansion and a new pickleball facility.
Community-Focused Projects
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Improved Public Amenities: Initiated design plans for expanded recreational facilities using tourism tax proceeds.
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Enhanced Safety Infrastructure: Upgraded emergency warning systems and implemented safety improvements across key city interchanges.
Ken’s tenure has been marked by significant infrastructure upgrades, enhanced public safety, responsible financial management, and community-focused projects that have directly benefited Olive Branch residents.
Ken’s Experience & Focus for Olive Branch:
A Vision for planned Growth & Community Focus
Experience and Leadership
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Mayoral Experience: Brings extensive experience, avoiding a steep learning curve which comes with new candidates.
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Legal Expertise: Over 25 years as DeSoto County Justice Court Judge, providing deep knowledge of local laws.
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Corporate Insight: Leadership and strategic skills obtained during nearly 4 decades at FedEx.
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Local Commitment: A resident of Olive Branch for 40+ years, aligned with the needs and priorities of the community.
Financial Responsibility
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Low Taxes:
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Maintain the city’s status of having the lowest municipal taxes in DeSoto County.
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Ken's tax strategies have prevented tax increases while enabling infrastructure improvements & amenities.
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Zero-Based Budgeting: Strict annual budgeting process to ensure tax dollars are allocated efficiently.
City Development & Infrastructure
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Road Improvements:
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Completed the largest-ever OB roadway resurfacing project.
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Advocates for widening MS Hwy 305, MS Hwy 302, and enhancing the US 78/Craft Road interchange.
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Beautification Initiatives: Continued expansion of city beautification programs and community improvement efforts.
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Business-Driven Growth: Leverage solid business strategies for sustainable city development.
Community Engagement
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Collaboration with Citizens: Strengthen engagement with advisory committees (Beautification, Parks, Recreation, Youth, Seniors, Pastoral, HOA).
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Citizen Feedback: Implement a streamlined process for residents to share input with city leadership.
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Enhanced Transparency: Continue streaming city meetings and improve the publicizing of agendas and minutes.
Public Safety and Services
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Support for Law Enforcement: Continue strong backing for police and first responders to ensure safety.
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Clean and Safe Streets: Initiate projects focused on maintaining road conditions and cleanliness.
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Improved City Services: Introduce efficient methods for citizens to request assistance from city departments.
A Vision for the Future
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Innovative Leadership: Drive forward-thinking initiatives for Olive Branch to be the leading city in DeSoto County.
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Team Approach: Collaborate closely with Aldermen for the benefit of all residents.
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Strong Government Relationships: Utilize existing connections with local and state officials to secure resources and support.
Ken’s leadership blendS experience, community focus, & innovative solutions for a brighter future.
ABOUT KEN
Ken Adams is the current Mayor of Olive Branch, MS. He is a native Mississippian who attended school in DeSoto County. Ken has been married to Angela for 41 years and has two children, Megan Adams Stotts and Kenny Adams, who also attended Olive Branch schools. He is also the proud "G-Daddy" of 3 grandkids (and one expected January '25..shh🤫).
Ken worked 38 years at FedEx (35 years in corporate security management). He was elected to serve as Desoto County Justice Court Judge for DeSoto County seven times from 1996-2021.
A Message from Ken
"It has been my pleasure to serve you as Mayor for the last few years. Working with the Aldermen, city team members, residents, and business leaders we have accomplished many positive things. The City of Olive Branch is where many people want to move to and we are blessed. Olive Branch is truly a great place to live, work, worship, and play.
I respectfully ask residents for another term to serve and continue to lead the city down the positive path we are on."
Coming Up Next
Tue, Apr 01FIND YOUR LOCATIONApr 01, 2025, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PMFIND YOUR LOCATIONGet out and VOTE! Re-elect Mayor Ken Adams on April 1st, 2025.- Tue, Jun 03FIND YOUR LOCATIONJun 03, 2025, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PMFIND YOUR LOCATIONGet out and VOTE! Re-elect Mayor Ken Adams on April 1st, 2025.
Thu, Jun 13Olive BranchJun 13, 2024, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM CDTOlive Branch, 7300 Hacks Cross Rd, Olive Branch, MS 38654, USADon’t miss one of the biggest local political events of the year: -Updates & Future Plans for Olive Branch -Local Political Event of the Year -Meet, Greet, & Network -Energizing Speakers & Music -Free Food & Drinks, Giveaways, & MORE
