BEAUMONT, Texas — Beaumont Mayor Roy West describes his first year in office as an "incredible journey."
The Beaumont business man, who defeated incumbent mayor Robin Mouton in 2023 with 52% of the vote, sat down with 12News this week to talk about his first year as mayor. He was sworn in as mayor in May 2023.
"It's an incredible privilege to be mayor here in Beaumont," West told 12News.
Looking back on his first year West said it had been a "great learning experience"
"When I ran, I wanted to understand the needs across the city," West said.
Along with the important title of mayor there have also been challenges according to West.
"This past year, we had a drought, which is not something that Beaumont, Texas, is accustomed to having," West explained.
West sought to reassure residents that water worries, including water line breaks and water restrictions, were being dealt with.
"We're repairing lots of water lines every day," he said.
Watch our full interview with Beaumont's mayor
In September the city announced its 5-year community investment plan. Part of the plan aims to use more than $123 million to upgrade the city's water infrastructure.
When demolition began on the AT&T building, West was excited when he spoke to 12News about the city's plans.
"We're going to have that whole fresh piece of land there, which is where we're proposing our convention center hotel," he said at the time.
The development plan, which called for the demolition of the AT&T building, has been a hot topic for several years.
Renderings of the city's downtown redevelopment detailed a robust plan that officials hope will breathe life back into downtown.
The plans also include a proposal to add a riverwalk on Crockett Street which West sees as an opportunity to put Beaumont on the map.
"I see it as transformational for Beaumont and Southeast Texas," West said of the downtown plans.
West say he believes in a better Beaumont, and he "beau-lieves" he can make it happen.
After talking about his achievements during the year West said he's excited for the future of the city.
"I'm super pleased with the progress that we made this first year," West said. "I know we have lots more progress to make and I intend on helping shepherd us through that process with a great council and a great management team."
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.