Oxford, AL – Oxford, Alabama, experienced a transformative 2024, marked by significant economic, educational, and community advancements. From industrial expansion to downtown revitalization, the city has positioned itself as a hub for innovation and growth.
Economic Development
The city saw the addition of 900 jobs through the expansion of four existing industries and the establishment of the Wellborn Cabinets plant. Supporting this growth, an $850,000 state grant enabled the purchase of over 150 acres near the Oxford West Industrial Park to attract further industry.
Oxford welcomed more than 40 new businesses, including two hotels, Candlewood Suites and TownePlace Suites, boosting local commerce and tourism. Meanwhile, the I-20 exit area underwent revitalization, with the opening of a Culver’s restaurant and the start of construction for a QT gas station and market.
Downtown Renaissance
Historic Main Street Oxford celebrated its 10th anniversary by facilitating the renovation and restoration of historic downtown buildings. Efforts to enhance the downtown area’s aesthetics and infrastructure have made it an increasingly attractive business location.
In line with these revitalization efforts, nine dilapidated structures on East Choccolocco and Spring Streets were demolished to make way for the Alabama Children’s Museum and mixed-use developments.
Infrastructure and Recreation
Oxford completed several major infrastructure projects, including improvements to Leon Smith Parkway, Friendship Road, and the Barry Street and Highway 78 intersection.
Oxford Parks and Recreation continued to expand opportunities for residents, adding eight pickleball courts, a bicycle bump track, and a new playground. Choccolocco Park, a vital community hub, hosted seven major baseball and softball championships, some nationally broadcast by ESPN, and became part of the Alabama Birding Trail Network with 188 documented bird species.
Public Safety Advancements
The Oxford Police Department reported a double-digit drop in crime, supported by cutting-edge technology and training. Its achievements gained international attention through the YouTube series “U.S. Cops.”
The Oxford Fire Department marked 140 years of service by setting state records in its smoke detector campaign and offering firefighter certification through the Alabama Fire College’s Bridge program. Oxford Health Systems introduced a life-saving rapid infuser, becoming one of the few critical care transport services in Alabama.
Cultural and Educational Highlights
The CREATE workforce development center opened for Oxford High School students and will expand its offerings to regional high school students in 2025.
The Oxford Performing Arts Center remained the busiest stage in Alabama, hosting sold-out shows and preparing for the 2025 Rubato International Piano Competition. The competition’s finals will be televised on Alabama Public Television, with production led by Oxford High School Jacket Media students.
Reflecting on the year, Mayor Alton Craft emphasized the city’s trajectory of success: “The completion of major infrastructure projects, a booming industrial and business landscape, a downtown area once again active, full support of our highly-effective first responder forces, and an expansion of family and recreational opportunities have justified those sometimes-difficult decisions made in the past while laying down the markers to a continued and responsible growth and success in the future,” Craft said. “With the continued support of our citizens and City Council, as well as the efforts of our dedicated city employees, I have no doubt Oxford’s future is bright and will continue to be Alabama at its best.”
As 2024 concludes, Oxford stands as a testament to strategic planning and community collaboration, poised for an even brighter future.
