Meridian businessman and entrepreneur Jimmy Copeland announced Friday he is running for mayor in the 2025 municipal elections.

 

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Copeland currently serves as a commissioner with Meridian Airport Authority, Historic Preservation Commissioner, member of the Meridian Main Street board and board member for the East Mississippi Business Development District. He also owns and operates the Copeland Center, a popular events venue in downtown Meridian.

 

In a news release announcing his candidacy, Copeland pointed to Meridian’s declining population and perception of high crime as examples of local government not functioning properly. It is the local government’s job to provide essential services to its citizens, he said.

 

“Public safety, street paving, drainage issues and water safety are all quality of life issues and should not be political,” his said. “The significance and influence of political parties are better served at the state and federal levels of government.”

 

At the same time, Copeland said the recent announcement of a $10 billion investment in the local community by Compass Datacenters is a great opportunity for the city, and Meridian will need people in office who can plan for the future.

 

“This may be our best and only opportunity to get moving in the right direction,” he said. “We must ensure that we have elected officials that we can trust to do what’s right with these funds when they become available, and that can only be done with a longterm strategic plan for our city.”

 

Copeland, who is running as an independent, is set to hold a meet and greet event at the Copeland Center beginning 5:15 p.m. Wednesday to meet with Meridian residents and explain more about his campaign plans.