Randall Hutto, Mayor, Wilson County
Randall Hutto, mayor of Wilson County, spoke with Invest: about fostering growth while retaining the character and history of the county. “Our focus is on balancing growth to keep the best of all worlds, preserving a hometown feel and creating a community vibe across the county,” he said.
What were some significant milestones and achievements for Wilson County in the last 12 to 18 months?
We are building a multilevel court system that will bring all the courts under one roof on six acres we purchased behind the jail. We finished first in the state in the number of companies landing in a county, and first in the number of jobs announced in 2024. We have two schools underway, set to open in Fall 2025 and Fall 2026, respectively. The next major project is purchasing land for a middle school in Watertown, along with renovations at Lakeview Elementary School.
How has population and business growth influenced the county’s priorities in infrastructure and public services?
We will continue to invest in law enforcement. We doubled the size of our jail, and the county’s multilevel court system is a key achievement. We are planning a new station on Route 109 on the west side. The station will be funded by a grant and will allow us to stage disaster equipment in a central location, addressing gaps seen during past tornadoes. We work with the state to address road widening projects, and we’ve done a road study identifying 54 roads in need of improvement based on widening, shoulder space, signage, and repair. This study gave us a comprehensive road network plan.
What industries and business sectors are driving the economic momentum in the county, and how is the county positioning itself to support their growth?
The county is well-positioned for logistics companies due to its central location in the United States, attracting companies like Amazon and FedEx. We are striving to grow the healthcare sector, and the presence of Vanderbilt Hospital is a major advantage. HCA Summit has added an ER and surgery center, and there is talk of another corporate hospital moving in, making healthcare access more convenient and providing jobs for current and future residents.
How does the county ensure local talent aligns with the needs of businesses?
We formed a group called Wilson Works, an organization that is now under the joint economic development group. The organization acts as a liaison between the employer and the educational system to create a skilled workforce pipeline. We are fortunate to have a technical college that produces graduates with associate degrees and vocational skills tailored to industry needs.
What is your view of the economic climate, and how is the county preparing for potential headwinds as a result of inflation and changes in federal funding?
Despite the 2008 economic downturn, Wilson County never missed a beat. Sales tax revenues continued to grow, and so far, there has been no sign of an economic downturn. Tennessee ranks fifth in the nation for people moving into the state, driving economic growth.
What role do small businesses and entrepreneurs play in the county’s economic strategy?
The county actively supports small businesses. In Lebanon, a $2 million cap was provided to Aubry’s Steakhouse to encourage its establishment. Both cities here have successfully revitalized downtown squares with new places to shop and eat. We’ve seen growth around the Providence Mall area, and it has spread to the north side. Watertown has significant tourism potential and has received a $6 million grant to designate a steam engine turntable as a rare destination site, one of only four in the country. Residents appreciate the county’s quality of life, with easy access to schools, work, and entertainment. The ability to move freely between different areas enhances the community experience.
What are your top priorities for the county over the next several years, and what steps are being taken to support sustainable growth?
Our focus is on balancing growth to keep the best of all worlds, preserving a hometown feel, and creating a community vibe across the county. Areas like Watertown maintain a laid-back atmosphere with antique shops and entertainment options. Seventy-four percent of the county is open space, and we lead the state in century farms. We need to manage growth responsibly and be sustainable without overdevelopment.
Growth and cost of living are major concerns. We are working on trying to achieve more affordable housing, defined as costing no more than 30% of income. While rising home values benefit homeowners, they present challenges for new buyers. The goal is to increase the housing supply to drive prices down.
Also, about 49,000 residents commute out of the county for work, and we want to increase the number of people staying in the county for work. 31,000 people are coming into the county for work, which helps local economies. If we can create better jobs here and keep more people working in the county, that will reduce traffic congestion and shorten commute times.
