“Join us, but please don’t try to change us” – Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter, Population growth’s effect on Putnam County
According to a recent report, Tennessee now ranks sixth in the nation for population growth. The state added 77,513 new residents with a population growth rate of 1.1%. The Southern U.S. saw 87% of the country’s population growth with 1.4 million new residents largely due to both internal and foreign migration.
According to The University of Tennessee State Data Center, Putnam County had a population of 83,844 as of July 2023, a 1.7% increase from 2022. That could be a sign of what’s to come for the county in regards to population.
“If you use that same metric for this year, we would be around 85,000 come July 2024,” according to Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter.
Population growth always influences economy, and the same can be said for Putnam County, according to Porter. Changes often force the government to adjust the way they do business.
“Absolutely, the more people living here increases the economy with an increase in the need for services and products,” said Porter.
What is the biggest effect on Governance according to the Mayor?
“Effects the way we plan,” said Porter. “We must try to plan for the increase in the services the county provides like Ambulance, Fire protection, Law Enforcement, Solid Waste, etc…. We also must look at schools, roads, recreation and other facilities that may need to be expanded with projected growth.”
Growth is key in increasing the need for services and products, and businesses look at population growth when deciding where to set up shop.
“I think so,” said Porter. “The growth brings an increase in their business, but it also normally brings more workforce to choose from.”
Does population growth affect the personality of a small town besides that annoying traffic?
“I sincerely hope not,” said Porter. “I love our small town feel and hope we never lose it. We are a welcoming community, and we want newcomers to be a part of that great atmosphere. Join us, but please don’t try to change us.”
But what about that traffic, Mr. Mayor?
“Anytime I start complaining about traffic, I just drive to Nashville,” he said. “My complaints quickly go away.”
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