PODCAST - WGNS host Scott Walker sat down with Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland (pictured) for a wide-ranging conversation focused on the massive growth Murfreesboro has experienced and the development that continues to unfold across the city. Mayor McFarland discussed the positive side of population growth, including the arrival of new businesses and the creation of additional jobs. At the same time, he acknowledged the challenges that come with growth and the fact that not everyone welcomes the continued increase in the city's population.

Also during the show, the mayor discussed plans for a new tech- park and emphasized that the proposed development is not a data center and is not related to a data center. The conversation also turned to new roadways and road-widening projects underway or planned throughout Murfreesboro. Among those projects is the future Stonesbattle Parkway, which has proposed connections to both I-24 and I-840. When one listener asked whether residents should expect a possible tax increase, the mayor's response was an overwhelming "NO."

During the broadcast, McFarland also tackled the elephant in the room: the site of the former First United Methodist Church in downtown Murfreesboro. Developers previously proposed a massive mixed-use project at the property that included apartments, condominiums, retail and office space. However, the project stalled around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic and failed to move forward as originally planned. According to the mayor, new life is now being pumped back into the project, with the developer once again working toward moving forward with construction at One East College.

Listen to the podcast above to hear Mayor McFarland discuss these projects and learn more about the growth, transportation improvements and major developments shaping the future of Murfreesboro.