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Leonard Riley hopes to continue Valley’s growth in 2024. His main objectives are focused on the commercial growth of his city.

“[Our goal] is to continue to grow, continue to grow our population and our business and make it make everything a smooth operation for folks coming in,” Riley said. “We want to grow revenue.”

During the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony at Betts Overflow & More, Riley celebrated the city’s success Valley has seen during 2023.

“In the last three or four weeks we have opened three or four more [business], and our sales tax has hit a record the last eight months. We’ve taken in over $800,000, so business in the City of Valley is good,” Riley said. 

The City with the help of the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce (GVACC), which deals with commercial growth in the area, hopes to increase the city’s revenue in the coming year.

Riley offered the city’s resources during the ribbon cutting saying, “We want to continue to build our local business community. Anything the city can do, all you have to do is call. If you have any questions about business licenses, sales tax, or anything, the City of Valley will help you.” 

Riley has been in office since 2012. His campaign promise over a decade ago to not lay anyone off has remained true. In September, the city council voted to adopt a three percent cost of living adjustment for city employees. 

The biggest news for the city this year was the court decision to locate the new consolidated high school in the City of Valley. The site will be off of the Fairfax Bypass behind Rams Stadium.

More details on the school, to be called Chambers County High School, will be announced on Jan. 24 including the mascot, colors, and the first renderings.