Laurin Wheaton, Mayor, City of Cookeville
In an interview with Invest:, Laurin Wheaton, mayor of the City of Cookeville, discussed strategic growth, collaboration and the city’s strong sense of community. “Success here isn’t because of just one group; it’s the result of all our assets coming together,” Wheaton said.
How would you describe the city’s growth right now?
The growth we’re seeing is planned and strategic. We’re very intentional about how Cookeville expands. It’s unique in that it keeps its small-town, family-friendly feel while offering opportunities that bigger cities have. We want growth that protects both qualities. That means staying proactive and involved in who is coming in and what’s being built, making sure every investment fits the vision for Cookeville. Our willingness to work together is a huge factor. City, county, chamber, Highlands Economic Partnership — all of us sit down multiple times a year and have honest discussions about what everyone is doing and how we can partner to make it better. Teamwork is vital. Success here isn’t just because of one group; it’s the result of all our assets coming together. I’d also say our “yes” attitude plays a big role. We know we don’t have 100 acres of flat land, but what we lack there, we make up for with creativity and cooperation. We look at cost-sharing, improving infrastructure, and finding solutions that make Cookeville attractive for investment.
How does the city balance large developments with support for local businesses?
A good example is our recent announcement about Home Depot and Target coming to Cookeville. That’s a huge win, since people have wanted those stores for years. While we’re recruiting big retailers and developing new chain restaurants and other businesses, we’re also looking out for our local merchants. For instance, we recently purchased a vacant lot in our West Side area, which is historically known for local shops and restaurants. We’re turning that space into parking and green space to benefit that area. So, while we’re bringing in big investors, we’re also making sure our local economy is cared for just as much. There can’t be a favorite. We understand how important it is to support both, and we’re committed to doing that.
How is the city planning for infrastructure needs as growth continues?
We stay ahead of growth. My healthcare background reminds me that it’s always easier to prevent problems than fix them later. We look at where growth is happening and guide it by improving roads, extending utilities and annexing where needed. Infrastructure may not be exciting, but it’s what makes healthy growth possible. Our council works hard to stay on top of paving, capital projects, sidewalks and utility upgrades. Staying ahead, not waiting for problems, is a big part of Cookeville’s success.
What community health and wellness efforts are you most focused on right now?
We have a quality of life fund supported by sales and property taxes to invest back into the community. It’s not just about shopping or roads, but making sure there’s plenty for people to do.
As a healthcare provider, community health is close to my heart. We’re always improving our city-owned parks, adding land and new features. We also pay attention to what residents ask for. Pickleball, for example, has become huge. People wanted new pickleball courts, so we’re building them. We’re adding a splash pad because families said they needed that. We regularly survey our community to find out what they want, and then we act on it. This approach has really helped us attract people who want to live here or spend time here during the day. We’re also lucky to have beautiful natural features like waterfalls, which add to the quality of life. Using those assets well is another way we keep Cookeville a great place to live.
What do you see when you look at Cookeville’s business environment today?
I want businesses here to truly invest in Cookeville. For us, it is crucial to provide quality jobs with wages that help people build better lives. Those jobs should help people buy homes, start businesses or further their education at Tennessee Tech. Businesses should know they’re becoming part of Cookeville and ask how they’ll get involved, whether through the chamber or supporting local partnerships.
How does Tennessee Tech’s presence shape Cookeville’s growth and community life?
Even though I’m not from Cookeville, I’ve been here long enough to know Cookeville would not be the same without Tennessee Tech. It’s an incredible asset for this community, especially when it comes to attracting jobs and providing higher education programs that many areas don’t have. The city works closely with the university. For example, we committed $4 million to help build the new football stadium. Having a new stadium helps recruit students and brings in events that benefit Cookeville overall. Tennessee Tech is not just a campus; it’s part of Cookeville’s lifeline. Investing in it and working together is essential because this community wouldn’t be what it is without it.
How are Tennessee Tech students and graduates contributing to the local economy and workforce?
A priority of mine has been making sure students coming out of Tech have clear pathways into our local economy. In healthcare, for instance, there’s a direct line from the nursing school to our locally owned hospital. Nursing students can do their clinical rotations there and then stay to work after graduation. It’s the same with engineering, IT, teaching and other fields. We want students earning their education degrees to teach in our schools and engineering graduates to fill positions at our local companies. Keeping strong communication between industries and the university helps make that happen. It’s about asking what students need, such as better housing, different opportunities, more industries, and then working to provide it. The goal is for those students to stay and grow their futures right here.
How do arts, culture and local events shape Cookeville’s identity?
I can’t imagine Cookeville without them. Our Performing Arts Center, CPAC, is an incredible space for theater, concerts and dance recitals. Places like the amphitheater and Dogwood Park host events all year. Our leisure services team does a great job planning activities for all ages.
We’re always looking for new ways to add more. The green space we purchased could be used for concerts or events. It’s fun to see people discover our historic square after leaving the interstate full of chain restaurants. That mix of culture, parks and local shops gives Cookeville its charm.
How do you see the historic downtown evolving in the coming years?
We have great community partners like CityScape, a nonprofit that works alongside our Main Street Association. Having people focused on downtown full-time is so valuable. I’m a firm believer in community partners. As mayor, I know I can’t and shouldn’t do everything alone.
We work together to apply for grants for beautification, benches made by local artists, and infrastructure improvements. We recently changed parking to parallel, added bike lanes and made road improvements to help the area flow better. It’s really a combination of what the city can do, like roads, sidewalks and property investments, and what our partners can do, such as bringing in funding and ideas we might not find on our own. That teamwork is what keeps downtown vibrant and evolving.
What are your top priorities for Cookeville over the next few years?
My term ends in August 2026, and while I’m sad to see it come to a close, I also know it’ll be nice to take a small break as my kids keep me busy enough as it is. People always say they want to leave things better than they found them, and I feel that deeply. I want Cookeville to be a place my kids want to stay, go to school, buy a house and build their lives. I want it to be a city they’re proud of, just like I am. Of course, I want young people to explore other places too, but my hope is that they feel like they can always come home to Cookeville. If people leave because they don’t see opportunities here, then we need to fix that. I want people to stay, invest, and keep this community thriving.
