Mayor John Higdon on Growth, Challenges, and the Future of Matthews
Release Date: 09/19/2025
Mayor John Higdon on Growth, Challenges, and the Future of Matthews
Inside Matthews
In this episode of Inside Matthews, host Jim Taylor sits down with current mayor John Higdon, the town’s 19th mayor, to reflect on Matthews’ progress, challenges, and future. The conversation explores how the town has transformed from a quiet, small community to a vibrant destination full of energy, events, and pride. Mayor Higdon highlights Matthews’ growing downtown, the award-winning farmers market, and the role of festivals and cultural events in keeping the community lively. At the same time, the discussion addresses pressing challenges: managing traffic from heavy pass-through...
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Back in the Loop: Jim Taylor Relaunches Inside Matthews
Inside Matthews
After a few years away, Inside Matthews is back! In this relaunch episode, host Jim Taylor, former four-term Mayor of Matthews, reunites with producer and co-host Chris Melton to reflect on the show’s history, community impact, and their renewed vision for the podcast. Jim and Chris revisit the origins of Inside Matthews, which began during the COVID years as a way to connect the community and preserve local stories. They recall standout guests, former mayors, civic leaders, nonprofit directors, and community volunteers, who helped document Matthews’ history and highlight the people,...
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Retired Town Manager, Hazen Blodgett
Inside Matthews
Inside Matthews is the podcast about all of the wonderful people, places and organizations that make Matthews, Matthews. Periodically, Former sits down with civic, business and political leaders to have a conversation about what’s happening, . Hazen Blodgett served as the Manager of the Town of Matthews for 18 years and retired from this position in early 2022. During Hazen’s tenure, he worked under four mayors, including Lee Myers, Jim Taylor, Paul Bailey and, current mayor, John Higdon. From the Town of Matthews website, "Hazen has been an extraordinary Manager over the last 18...
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Amy Carr - Matthews Free Medical Clinic
Inside Matthews
Inside Matthews is the podcast about all of the wonderful people, places and organizations that make Matthews, Matthews. Periodically, Former Mayor Jim Taylor sits down with civic, business and political leaders to have a conversation about what’s happening, . In this installment of Inside Matthews, Jim welcomes Amy Carr to the Studios to chat about , a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation that provides free, quality healthcare to low-income, uninsured patients in Mecklenburg and Union Counties. In order to verify the residential and financial requirements are met,...
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Matthews Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department
Inside Matthews
The Town of Matthews has quite a few fantastic parks. From our “premier” event park, Stumptown Park, to small pocket parks like Country Place and KP Parks, there’s a place for everyone. In this episode of Inside Matthews, Jim sits down to talk to the Director of the Town of Matthews Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, Cory King and Scott Rawls, our Parks Manager. Connect with Inside Matthews on the , , and . We’d love to hear from you to. If you have any comments, questions or ideas, please use our .
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Tina Whitley
Inside Matthews
Thanks for listening to the award -winning Inside Matthews podcast, voted by the readers of the as their favorite local podcast. Jim is back in the studio this week having a conversation with an outstanding member of the “Matthews Family”, Tina Whitley. Tina has been instrumental in many of the happenings in Matthews over the years including Artfest and . She’s been active with the , and was Executive Director for the for many years. In this episode, Jim talks with Tina about her initial involvement with the town, why she became so engaged in her community and what she’s up...
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Jim and Chris Talk About Inside Matthews
Inside Matthews
Jim invited Chris back from behind the computer to in front of the microphone to talk about the Inside Matthews podcast and share a few, little know historical facts about the Town of Matthews like, why is so much named Fullwood around here and where the Matthews name originated from. Our two hosts also share with you their proudest moments and long term vision for Inside Matthews. Please listen, like and subscribe to the award-winning Inside Matthews podcast on your favorite podcasting platform. Chosen by the readers of the as their favorite local podcast, Inside Matthews is your opportunity...
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Sarah Baumgardner with Matthews Playhouse
Inside Matthews
Our hometown theater group in Matthews, NC is and since 1995, they’ve “enriched the lives of children, adults and families by inviting them to participate in the world of the performing arts and education”. Earlier, in our 6th episode, we met June Bayless, Howie Labiner and Cassie Prodan of the “Playhouse” and in this new installment of the Inside Matthews podcast, we invited the new Managing Director , Sarah Baumgardner, to stop by the studios and have a conversation with Jim. Sarah catches us up on the current happenings around Fullwood Theater and gives us a little info...
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Stumptown AC
Inside Matthews
For folks in , is our local, hometown soccer team. As a member of the , Stumptown AC plays at the “crown jewel” of the athletic world in Matthews, the Mecklenburg County owned, . Earlier this fall, the team at Inside Matthews was invited to and offered behind the scenes, VIP access to Stumptown AC’s match against . Before, during and after the match, Jim Taylor walked around the pitch with club President, Alex Kantor, chatted with team General Manager, Mike Squire under the Canopy Club and had fun tailgating with fans and supporters our in the parking lot. If you’re a fan of soccer in...
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Matthews Human Services Council and Natisha Rivera-Patrick
Inside Matthews
The , in essence, connects community non-profits in and around Matthews, NC. Their mission is to “enhance the quality of life for the people living in the Matthews area by collaborating and being the driving force with local agencies, organizations and institutions to help resolve community needs”. In this episode of the Inside Matthews podcast, recorded in the , Jim sits down to talk to HSC Board President Bill Helms and Vice President Kathy Shumacher about the history of their organization, it’s impact on Matthews area non-profits and the Nancy Glenn Community Service Award. “The...
info_outlineIn this episode of Inside Matthews, host Jim Taylor sits down with current mayor John Higdon, the town’s 19th mayor, to reflect on Matthews’ progress, challenges, and future. The conversation explores how the town has transformed from a quiet, small community to a vibrant destination full of energy, events, and pride. Mayor Higdon highlights Matthews’ growing downtown, the award-winning farmers market, and the role of festivals and cultural events in keeping the community lively.
At the same time, the discussion addresses pressing challenges: managing traffic from heavy pass-through commuters, balancing growth with the preservation of Matthews’ character, and ensuring the town stays innovative as nearby municipalities adopt similar revitalization strategies. Higdon explains current efforts with NCDOT projects, downtown planning, and the need to safeguard Matthews’ tree canopy and green spaces, while also fostering new economic opportunities.
Key projects shaping the future include the Hendrick Advanced Manufacturing Campus, expected to bring thousands of high-paying jobs; the redevelopment of Purser-Hulsey Park into a major community space; and the creation of a new Discovery Place Kids museum downtown. Higdon also speaks candidly about the uncertainty around regional transit plans, including the stalled Silver Line light rail project, and the importance of planning ahead for future growth.
Listeners also get a glimpse of Matthews’ political culture, from collaborative traditions among elected officials to lessons learned in balancing progress with preservation. Higdon shares his hopes for being remembered as a “tree-save” mayor who expanded parks and trails while steering Matthews through a time of growth and change.
This episode offers both hometown stories and forward-looking insights, perfect for anyone invested in the past, present, and future of Matthews.