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With 2020 in the rearview mirror, Opp Mayor Becky Bracke said she is optimistic about what 2021 will hold.

“It has been a really trying time for all of us,” Bracke said. “The City of Opp has actually done good. We have been fortunate enough to see that our economy held under the circumstances. Our city revenue has actually gone up a little bit and that is because of Internet sales.”

In 2020, Bracke said several businesses came to the city.

“We opened RCA Trucking and Dynes Products from Illinois relocated to Opp,” Bracke said. “We had Teleco here and they expanded, as well. Jack’s Restaurant also began construction this month.”

Another big positive that Bracke saw in 2020 was a positive year for realtors in the city.

“The realtors had a great year,” Bracke said. “It has been unreal this year. We can look back and be proud of what has been going on this year.”

Bracke said there are still plans to redevelop downtown Opp in 2021.

“We are very excited about the renovations downtown,” Bracke said. “We are just looking forward to adding to our community. The city council and I both are preparing for new opportunities. So, hopefully, 2021 will be a better year for all of us.”

Though COVID-19 took the nation by surprise, after several months, Bracke said the city has held on strong.

“I think through all of this, we have seen that our city can hold up,” Bracke said. “By the city changing our services and doing different things and by the people accepting the challenge, we know that we can withstand this. We didn’t lose any retail businesses during this pandemic. I think it shows that we are stronger and we are only going to keep getting stronger.”