Mayor Rainey Urges Cordele to Embrace Change, Outlines Goals

UPDATE: Cordele Mayor Wesley Rainey delivered an urgent message to the Cordele Rotary Club on February 11, 2026, as he outlined significant changes and goals for the city. The mayor, who has served on the City Commission for a decade, emphasized the importance of a new Commission-elected mayoral system, stating it allows for quicker accountability than the previous at-large election system.

Mayor Rainey, the first to be elected under this new system, explained, “If the mayor doesn’t perform his duties properly, it’s for one year, as opposed to four years.” This shift aims to ensure experienced leadership and effective governance in Cordele.

The mayor addressed pressing issues, including the city’s initiative to clean up its neighborhoods. “We’re going to try to reverse moving the trash from the alleys to the front,” Rainey said, highlighting plans for regular maintenance of the neglected alleys. This cleanup effort follows years of neglect and is crucial for community revitalization.

Raiding the city’s revitalization efforts, Rainey noted that code enforcement has positively impacted property ownership in Cordele, leading to an increase in black homeownership and first-time homeowners. “A lot of this property is now being sold to renters,” he stated, showcasing a shift towards an engaged community.

Challenges remain for the Commissioners, including maintaining roadways and ensuring consistent operation of city equipment. Rainey also discussed the implications of House Bill 92, which recently allowed Cordele to opt into a homestead exemption that caps assessed rates for qualifying homes. This measure aims to protect homeowners and stabilize property taxes.

Rainey, along with City Commissioners Joe Joe Wright and George Singletary, expressed interest in securing a grant writer to help drive funding for city projects. “We need to put our best foot forward, especially with investors eyeing the City,” Rainey urged, underscoring the need for strategic partnerships with the County and Power Commission.

Despite Cordele’s low median household income, Rainey is optimistic about the city’s potential. He noted that many residents in surrounding areas, including Timberland and Lake Blackshear, are not considered in the city’s income statistics, which misrepresents the economic landscape. “Those numbers are skewed,” he remarked, pointing to the economic opportunity that exists beyond the city limits.

In a move to attract business investment, Rainey mentioned interest from a data center, though they have yet to apply for a permit. The mayor emphasized the urgency of presenting a united and compelling vision for Cordele’s growth.

As Mayor Rainey continues to rally support and outline his vision for the future, the community is urged to stay engaged and proactive. The upcoming year will be pivotal for Cordele as it navigates these changes and strives for progress.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Mayor Rainey and the city commission tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead for Cordele, Georgia.