Smith County Judge Neal Franklin on Tuesday welcomed hundreds to the Green Acres Crosswalk Conference Center for the 2025 State of the County address. This year’s theme is collaboration.

“I believe the sign of a healthy community is the ability to negotiate and work together with other entities for the betterment of all,” Franklin said.

Franklin talked about county projects that are moving forward with help from local groups. He also shared personal stories of loss, which led to the creation of support systems and memorials through teamwork.

Jail and mental healthcare

In partnership with The Andrews Center, grant money is being used to support programs that help people in jail with mental health needs. This includes jail-based competency restoration and adding two jail navigators.

The navigators work to keep people with mental health issues out of jail when possible. They do mental health checks before and after someone is booked into jail. They also help with jail diversion, support mental health services, and make sure people get the care they need while in jail and after they’re released.

Smith County has partnered with UT Health Science Center at Tyler to improve medical care for jail inmates.

Through an agreement, the county now has access to UT Health’s doctors, including on-site psychiatrists, and local medical staff. The deal also helps save money by using the UT system’s buying power for medicine and supplies.

“This was a huge undertaking, and we are thrilled with the progress,” Franklin said.

A new mental health center is set to open in Tyler in 2026 at 4101 University Blvd., the site of a former facility. About $7 million will go toward renovations to make the building better suited for behavioral health care. The center will serve teens, adults and seniors, including patients with serious and complex mental health needs.

It’s part of a regional effort to expand mental health services in East Texas.

Quality of life and economic improvements

Smith County is using coronavirus-relief funds to help build a new baseball field for the Miracle League of Tyler, a nonprofit organization promoting recreational and developmental activities for children with mental and physical disabilities.

The money, from the American Rescue Plan Act, will go toward a rubberized turf field designed for children and adults with disabilities. The surface supports wheelchairs and other assistive devices and helps prevent injuries from falls.

“What a blessing this will be to our entire community,” Franklin said.

The Tyler Economic Development Council helped bring 4,319 new private-sector jobs to the area in 2024 — about one job every two hours, Franklin said.

Major projects, like the 412-acre Interstate Commerce Park and companies such as Amazon and Yellawood, are boosting growth. Smith County’s unemployment rate stayed low at 3.4%, showing strong job numbers across the region.

County facilities upgraded

The City of Tyler’s downtown square project is moving forward in collaboration with the county courthouse project, Franklin said.

The new Smith County courthouse — funded through a bond approved by voters in 2022 — will be about 265,000 square feet and is expected to take two years to build. Demolition is finished at the site, and crews are now working daily to construct the building.

Although the building will have seven floors, it will stand nine stories tall due to the height of each floor. The new courthouse is expected to be completed by the fall of 2026, though the timeline may shift slightly.

“This is a great example of collaboration,” Franklin said. “We’re working through every hiccup or every bump that we have, and we’re going to make it through and make this a reality.”

Smith County has opened its new 543-space parking garage at 210 East Ferguson, next to the Courthouse Annex. The project was completed on time and under budget. The garage includes reserved spots for law enforcement on the first floor, 10 handicap spaces across all levels, and two elevators for easy access.

This year, Smith County updated its capital improvement plan to address both current and future facility needs. The plan covers routine maintenance like roof repairs, parking lot upkeep, and HVAC units, as well as remodels and new construction.

One goal is to move as many county operations as possible to the downtown campus.

Gulf States Lumber is undergoing a major update as part of ongoing plans. The old Gulf States Lumber yard is being demolished to make way for a newly remodeled building for Facilities.

At the Cotton Belt building, three major departments — the Tax Office, Records Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — will move downtown. These departments have unique needs, so ensuring the new space meets those needs is a top priority.

Smith County is working with a consultant to find a new location for the animal control shelter.

Animal care professionals and passionate animal lovers are leading the effort. The goal is to move the shelter to a more central location to increase visibility and adoption opportunities. The county is excited about the potential for this new facility.

Memorials

Franklin took a moment to share a deeply personal story with the crowd.

“My focus is the business of this county, which it should be. But today, like every year at this event, since I have you captive, I want to share another glimpse into a part of my heart,” Franklin said. “I want to share some of my family history with you. It was painful, but we were willing and able to share our story with others. Through collaboration, something very special evolved.”

Franklin recalled the tragic loss of his nephew, Holt, in 1993. On a spring day, Holt was riding bikes with a friend when he was struck by a neighbor’s truck. Despite efforts to get him to the hospital, Holt did not survive.

He also remembered the loss of his niece, Mary Elena, in 1997. While on vacation, his brother’s family was in a car accident. His brother, a physician, held his daughter in his arms but could not save her.

The death of Elena sparked the creation of a park in Dallas to honor children who have passed away. More than 500 families, corporations and foundations helped build the park.

In 1999, Franklin learned about Jennifer and Billy Dan Carson’s loss of their son, Braden, who passed away just hours before birth. Inspired by Elena’s park, Jennifer and her community created the Children’s Park of Tyler.

Franklin encouraged the community to visit the park, especially Franklin Falls, a waterfall dedicated to his father, Owen J. Franklin, and his lost family members.

“This park isn’t just a destination — it’s a place for healing,” Franklin said.

He concluded by offering some advice: “Don’t let a day go by without hugging your loved ones, if possible, and please let them know just how much they mean to you. Life is short. Smile more, laugh more, focus on the positive,” he said. “If you’ve noticed lately, our community rocks. Take a moment to sit back and recognize just how incredibly special life is here in Smith County.”