Milan Mayor BW Beasley named 2026 TML Mayor of the Year

Milan Mayor BW Beasley was named the 2026 Mayor of the Year by the Tennessee Municipal League at their 86th Annual Conference at the MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center in Kingsport, Tenn.  

Since taking office in January 2016, Mayor Beasley’s leadership, vision, resourcefulness, and commitment to public service have transformed Milan into a thriving, financially stable, inclusive, and forward-looking municipality that serves as a model for cities across Tennessee.  
At the time of his election, the city was in severe financial distress with only $85 in its general fund account and facing numerous lawsuits. Since then, he has helped that general fund grow to its present $12 million.  

As part of his economic development focus, Mayor Beasley has worked to expand the tax base through new housing developments and then leveraged that growth to attract retail opportunities, including several national brands. When the former Milan Army Ammunition Plant site closed in 2012, Mayor Beasley knew it would have negative repercussions for the local economy. After taking office, he led efforts to secure the site from the U.S. Department of Defense, providing approximately 292 acres of high-value commercial and industrial property along a major highway corridor.  

Using his negotiation skills developed through years of business, Mayor Beasley worked with State Rep. Brock Martin to secure $6.8 million from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for the city to purchase the land. When the U.S. Amry Corp of Engineers later appraised the land for $4.2 million, the excess funds were returned to the state.   

Mayor Beasley also led the development of a premier park system featuring modern amenities like sports complexes, walking trails, disc golf, and inclusive playgrounds. He also helped secure grants to fund sidewalks and connectivity projects, enhancing access to these amenities.   
Additionally, Mayor Beasley has fostered a culture of unity and cooperation through the creation of community-centered events such as Easter egg hunts, citywide festivals, holiday celebrations, and the creation of the Thanksgiving One Table Celebration, which brings citizens to Main Street to share a meal.   

Mayor Beasley aims to ensure all voices are heard on municipal issues and that municipal progress benefits everyone. His emphasis on collaboration extends outside the city limits, working with regional, state, and federal partners to engage on important issues and find solutions.   

Many other West Tennessee mayors have said Mayor Beasley is always eager to provide them with support, advice, and collaboration to solve regional problems. He has been a champion for municipal causes, rallying his fellow leaders in West Tennessee and statewide to have their voices heard.   

In addition to his role as mayor of Milan, Mayor Beasley has served in several state and regional roles including as president of the West Tennessee Mayors Association and as a board member of the Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund.  

Each year since 1954, the Tennessee Municipal League has honored a city mayor that typifies the attributes of intelligence, effectiveness, hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.