Special to Iredell Free News

Mooresville Mayor Miles Atkins announced Thursday that he will not seek re-election this fall.

“Representing and serving the greater Mooresville community for the past 16 years has been an honor,” Atkins said in a news release. “After an ample amount of introspection, I feel now is the time to explore new possibilities; therefore, I have decided not to seek a seventh term as mayor in the upcoming municipal election. I plan on enjoying the on-going celebration of Mooresville’s 150th Anniversary, while keeping an eye on opportunities to serve in 2024.”

Atkins was elected commissioner at-large in 2007 and won his first term as mayor in 2011.

During his time in office, Atkins has prioritized fiscal responsibility and government transparency, which has resulted in no increase in property taxes or utility rates since 2008 while the town has expanded amenities. He has championed the Mooresville Youth Council, Veterans Benefits Assistance, Mayor’s Senior Roundtable, Council for Individuals with Disabilities, Community Needs Taskforce, and the Mooresville Suicide Prevention Working Group. He has been an activist for social issues such as anti-bullying, substance misuse, affordable housing, accessible healthcare, child abuse and domestic violence. 

Atkins also implemented the annual Mooresville Veterans Celebration in 2015, which in its inaugural year, helped uncover over $650,000 in retroactive benefits for local vets.

“I feel privileged to have been a part of establishing a more seamless and diverse Mooresville community, where all citizens, in all neighborhoods, enjoy safe streets, access to amenities, and opportunities for a good quality of life,” the mayor added. “I am sincerely grateful for all the support I’ve received over the years and look forward to a bright and promising future.”