TIFTON — Through his efforts on the city council, various local governing boards, and his support of the community, M. Jay Hall has worked to carry on the ideals he’s treasured since his youth: serve and support those around you.

Since 2019, Hall has held a position on Tifton’s city council, seeking to make a difference in his community through directly serving the people of District 4 and the Friendly City as a whole. Having been born and raised in Tifton, he cherishes the city and its community, and has expressed his determination to do what he can to ensure they both continue to prosper.

“Tifton is a great town to live in, raise a family,” Hall said. “I was fortunate enough to grow up here and experience the great community spirit here–the community pride and friendliness that’s here and is a hallmark of the community.”

Hall became familiar with the practice of sharing love with his community in his youth through the work of his parents,Larry and Joyce Mims, founders of the nonprofit Mims Kids, an organization dedicated to supporting the youth of Tifton and working to broaden their horizons.

He recounts that much of their work has gone on to inspire his own drive to give back to and support his community, and continues to work with the nonprofit in organizing various programs and events for the people of Tifton.

Among these are a “Stay in School” rally held every summer, which has gathered supplies and resources for the students of Tifton to ensure they have all they need for the upcoming school year for close to ten years, and an annual easter egg hunt for K-5 students of Tift County Schools with special needs.

Hall has also worked to support the community through governmental work beyond his service on the city council: through positions on local boards like the Board of Directors of the Tifton Arts Council and the Urban Redevelopment Agency, making efforts to improve various aspects of the Friendly City bit by bit.

His participation in the latter governing body has helped lead to the revitalization of underdeveloped areas of the community, such as the construction of the Anthony Bateman Youth Center and the Nine Oaks apartment complex.

Throughout all of his service and support, the desire to preserve and uplift the city, its history, and its community remain central to his efforts, and Hall has expressed an intent to continue to serve and support Tifton as a member of the community, a board member, and of course, a city council member.

“There’s pretty much nothing I wouldn’t do to try to better my community, as far as being a councilman, whatever aspect that is,” Hall said. “People voted me in to serve and do what’s right for the people, so that’s what I look to do.”