JACKSON, TN — The City of Jackson, TN is celebrating Infrastructure Week during the week of November 13-17, 2023. The week will showcase the critical work carried out by various departments to enhance our community's infrastructure. This initiative aims to foster transparency, engage the public, and highlight the dedication of our staff in maintaining and advancing the city's vital systems.
Meet the Staff:
As part of Infrastructure Week, we invite residents to get acquainted with key city leaders. Featured in this lineup are Austin Clark, our new Public Works Director; Stan Pilant, the new Director of Planning, Growth and Development; and Amanda Hicks, the newly appointed City Engineer. Residents can look forward to learning more about their qualifications, experiences, and visions for the city's future. We encourage the community to connect with these leaders who play pivotal roles in shaping Jackson's infrastructure landscape.
Public Works Showcase:
The Public Works Department will take center stage during Infrastructure Week. Engaging videos and images of our dedicated employees in action will be shared, providing a behind-the-scenes look at their efforts in streets maintenance, pothole repairs, and other crucial tasks. Public Works will also share key statistics on streets resurfaced, potholes repaired this calendar year, and provide insights into future street projects and stormwater assessments.
Planning, Growth and Development Highlights:
The Planning, Growth and Development Department will share updates on major planning projects from this calendar year and unveil new plans for the future. Additionally, the department will provide information on code enforcement activities, including the number of violations closed and details about the code violation resolution processes. This segment promises to offer a glimpse into the city's development strategies and initiatives.
Capturing the Action:
Throughout the week our team will be actively capturing moments in action. Media partners are invited to see our crews at work, documenting the dedication of our employees (dates/times/location TBD).
About Stan Pilant
Stan Pilant, the recently appointed Director of Planning, Growth and Development for the City of Jackson, has a distinguished career marked by a commitment to urban development. Born in Coronado, California, in 1963, he returned to his family's Brownsville, Tennessee, roots at age three, eventually graduating from Haywood High School in 1981. Stan holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Science from Union University (1986) and a teaching certificate in Secondary Education. After completing his Master of Science in Planning coursework at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1988, he joined the City of Jackson in 1989, gradually advancing through the ranks to become Director of Planning in 1996. In his recent promotion to Director of Planning, Growth, and Development in August 2023, Stan now oversees the Building, Engineering, and Planning Departments, contributing his extensive expertise to the city's continued development.
A respected member of organizations such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), the American Planning Association, the Tennessee Section of the American Planning Association, and the Urban Land Institute, Stan is deeply invested in his profession. Personally, he is married to Dee Pilant, and together they have two daughters, Emily and Allison. Stan Pilant's journey reflects his unwavering dedication to urban planning and his pivotal role in shaping the growth and development of the City of Jackson.
About Austin Clark
Austin Clark, the city’s new Public Works Director, leads a team of 130 employees in overseeing the multifaceted Department of Public Works for the City of Jackson. His extensive responsibilities span fleet management, budgeting, personnel, roads maintenance, stormwater systems, parks groundskeeping, traffic infrastructure, snow removal, and waste disposal. With a decade of experience, Austin earned State licenses in Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, Water Distribution, and Sewer Collections during his 9-year tenure at the City of Clifton. Recognized for his outstanding contributions, he received The TAUD 2022 Roger Booher Young Professional of the Year Award.
Looking forward, Austin Clark envisions a tech-driven future for the department. He plans to introduce autonomous mowers for the Grounds Keeping Department, enhancing maintenance efficiency for City parks and municipal properties. Additionally, he aims to implement remote telemetry in stormwater management, providing early warning alerts during rain events to proactively prevent flooding of City streets and protect public infrastructure. Austin's forward-thinking approach positions the Public Works Department for continued innovation and effectiveness under his leadership.
About Amanda Hicks
Amanda Hicks, the newly appointed City Engineer for Jackson, TN, is a highly qualified professional with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Memphis (2012). Armed with certifications including Arkansas Wastewater II Operator’s License and Arkansas Water Distribution IV License, Amanda has made significant contributions to civil engineering. Her involvement in organizations like the Institute of Transportation Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers, where she served on the Board of Directors and currently holds the position of Board Secretary, attests to her commitment to professional development.
Amanda's diverse career includes roles such as Public Works Director and City Engineer for the City of West Memphis, followed by a position as County Engineer in DeSoto County, Mississippi. Recognized with awards like the Smart Cities Digital Government Transformation Award (2018), Amanda returned to municipal government in September 2023 as the City Engineer for the City of Jackson. Her extensive experience and dedication to community development align with Jackson's vision, making her an integral part of the city's commitment to being a welcoming, engaging, and resilient community.