City Hall named after Mayor McGee

RIDGELAND — City officials surprised long-time Mayor Gene F. McGee by naming the recently-constructed $15.9 million City Hall in his honor.

Aldermen unanimously approved a resolution during their Dec. 17 board meeting naming City Hall after McGee.

"I am thrilled for Mayor McGee and the honor of having City Hall named in recognition of his legacy. It is a privilege to serve alongside him, and I look forward to the bright future ahead," said Ward 6 Alderman and Mayor Pro-Tempore Wesley Hamlin.

The new Ridgeland City Hall at the corner of School Street and U.S. 51 opened in February 2021. The building is now the Gene F. McGee City Hall in recognition of his 35 years as mayor.

Director of Public Works Alan Hart praised McGee.

“This great honor is a perfect fit,” Hart said. This building plays an important role in communicating the success of Ridgeland. City Hall is only one of Mayor McGee’s many outstanding accomplishments. Mayor McGee’s vision and leadership over the next four-year term will build upon these accomplishments and further galvanize the future of Ridgeland as a place where people want to be.”

The resolution highlights McGee’s “early beginnings on a dairy farm in Hickory, Mississippi,” and notes his “adult life in the business field” before he got into politics.

The resolution says of McGee’s upbringing that he “learned the value of a strong and unwavering work ethic.”

McGee began his political career as a Ridgeland alderman in 1985 and served for four years before he went on to run for mayor in 1989, marking 35 years in the role. 

“His passion for healthy living has influenced his leadership, resulting in Ridgeland’s development of top-tier recreational facilities, miles of multi-use trails,” the resolution says.

“Mayor McGee’s extraordinary work, dedication, vision and integrity will have everlasting effects on the City of Ridgeland.”