Pulaski receives Municipal League award for Small City Progress

Through working with local educational institutions, civic groups, and private partners, the city of Pulaski has made significant improvements in areas of infrastructure, housing, community engagement, tourism, and economic development.  

In recognition for concerted efforts by city officials to improve the quality of life and city services through collaboration and positive engagement, TML is proud to present the city of Pulaski with an award for Small City Progress. The award will be presented Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, at the 85th Annual Conference of the Tennessee Municipal League (TML) held at the Chattanooga Convention Center. 

To help with ongoing revitalization of its downtown area, the city of Pulaski has upgraded water lines and enhanced streetscapes with curbs, gutters, and sidewalks. The city also introduced the seasonal “Skating on the Square” event in the winter that boosted local business activity, and fostered family-friendly community engagement downtown. Tourism and business downtown are further promoted through collaboration with the Visit Pulaski tourism initiative and Main Street Pulaski program. 

The city has also made notable investments in parks and recreation, including new tennis and pickleball courts at Magazine Road Park in partnership with the University of Tennessee Southern. Following the decline of a decades-old swimming pool, the city decided to recreate the area’s first splash park on the site.  

To enhance local public safety, the city of Pulaski collaborated with the Giles County Sheriff’s Department to install Flock Safety cameras at four key intersections in the city. License plate recognition technology helps identify stolen vehicles, track criminals, and deter criminal activity with real-time data. The city has also worked with Pulaski Electric and Sain Associates to implement new traffic signals with pedestrian prompts and equipment to improve pedestrian safety in key areas. 

The city has collaborated with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) to break ground on the new TCAT Pulaski, which will bring expanded programs in the transportation, cosmetology, health services, and technical fields to the area. This $30 million project will bring more students to the area and enhance local workforce development. The University of Tennessee Southern is entering its fifth year of development in Pulaski and is also collaborating with the city to encourage growth of its student body through local amenities, businesses, and support.  

In 2022, Pulaski secured a $640,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to construct a new water boosting station supporting the Dan Speer Industrial Park South. This project, matched with $160,000 in local funds, is projected to create 81 jobs, retain 13, and attract $8.5 million in private investment, enhancing the city's industrial growth potential.  

The following year, Pulaski secured $1,751,841in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for water infrastructure improvements. This vital investment will support much-needed upgrades to ensure safe, reliable water service.  

Many of these projects are the result of the city’s forward-thinking and comprehensive economic development strategy created in the city’s annual review process. Designed to foster sustainable growth and enhance community vitality, city leaders systematically analyze and assess goals, objectives, and budgetary requirements to ensure alignment with long-term success metrics. Anticipating community growth, the city has also undertaken a detailed housing study to better understand where to invest and attract developers that will meet diverse housing needs.  

The city is also working to cultivate a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, working with the local chamber of commerce to implement innovative strategies aimed at both attracting new businesses and strengthening existing enterprises. This includes the development of the MakeShift coworking and entrepreneur center, the launch of a local e-commerce marketplace, and the provision of professional business consulting services—all aimed at nurturing local talent and driving economic resilience. 

Understanding that regional collaboration is key to modern economic development, the city has worked with the Giles County Economic Development Commission to develop industrial parks as well as with regional internet providers to enhance local broadband infrastructure and high-speed internet access in underserved areas.  

Giles County Chamber of Commerce CEO Jessie Parker lauded Pulaski and its municipal officials for the work being done to not only uplift the city but the region at large.  

“Pulaski is redefining what small town progress looks like,” Parker said. “Through strategic partnerships with education, industry, regional agencies, and civic groups, the city has cultivated a model of community-driven growth that balances economic development with quality of life. From forward-thinking infrastructure projects and public safety innovation to inclusive entrepreneurship and placemaking that attract both visitors and residents alike, Pulaski demonstrates that with vision and unity, even the smallest communities can set bold examples. The city’s leadership is committed, its people are engaged, and its results are undeniable. Pulaski isn’t just growing—it’s thriving with purpose.”