The Central Alabama area is blessed with several strong communities that share a vision of prosperity for the entire region. In short, we’re better together.
But, each city has a distinct character and its own specific goals. We asked each city\’s mayor to sound off on what went right in 2022, hurdles their cities surmounted and what 2023 holds.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed
What are Montgomery’s top accomplishments from 2022?
My administration increased the participation of minority-owned businesses in municipal contracts by more than 300 percent. Over the next several years, we will see this drive new growth, job creation and development. This is a strategy we implemented to not only bridge the racial wealth gap but to boost Montgomery’s tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem as a whole.
What are you most excited about for your city in the coming year?
When we think about all the work and collaboration that went into this billion-dollar banner year for economic development, we have to think about the tangible impact these investments will have in our community. They will change lives. They will uplift families. I’m excited to see the fruits of this labor and to see how these new opportunities can truly transform Montgomery.
Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie, Jr.
What are Prattville’s top accomplishments from 2022?
James Hardie announced the expansion of its U.S. manufacturing facility in our South Industrial Park. This additional $400 million investment expansion provides 200 additional quality jobs to make the Prattville facility the largest James Hardie plant worldwide. The city completed Mac Gray 2.0, which is a five-field softball complex and the new home to the Prattville Girls Softball League. And not only did Central Alabama Community College open its permanent campus in 2022, but the Autauga County Board of Education broke ground on its new Early Learning Center.
What are you most excited about in the coming year?
We are looking forward to the completion of the first phase of \”The Mill\” the loft apartments that are redeveloping the iconic Daniel Pratt Gin Company. The renovation of Stanley Jensen Stadium should begin in 2023, but the stadium already received new lighting in 2022. We are also working on an overall master plan for our newly acquired Spillway Park in Historic Downtown.
Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis
What are the Wetumpka’s top accomplishments from 2022?
One accomplishment is the expansion of the Sports Complex. The tennis courts are nearing completion, and the Splash Pad is set for construction this winter. We also have the expansion to Hohenberg Complex with additional fields to be added and parking. Another accomplishment is the addition of so many events. The enthusiasm surrounding the City has driven not only other organizations but private businesses to sponsor community events like Oktoberfest, the Art Walk and Farmer’s Market.
What’s the No. 1 challenge Wetumpka faced in 2022, and how did you, your team and Wetumpka residents overcome it?
A major challenge was sustaining the momentum that “Home Town Takeover” provided us in tourism. We wanted to make sure Wetumpka stayed on the map. To do that we launched an advertising campaign throughout the state. We also found it important to have the necessary tools available once the tourists arrived. We have partnered with the Chamber and Main Street to make sure everyone was prepared.
Tallassee Mayor Sarah Hill
What are Tallassee’s top accomplishments from 2022?
The downtown water tank has been completely rehabilitated and painted. We have completed the downtown utility relocation project, which will lead to the streetscape project to make our downtown area pop. And of course, having an investment firm come in with plans to develop the site of the Mt. Vernon Mill is the most exciting!
What are you most excited about for your city in the coming year?
The Mill project will help clean up the old burned mill site. ALDOT is finalizing plans to repaint the Benjamin Fitzpatrick bridge. And our downtown streetscape project will help us continue to attract businesses and tourism downtown. We\’ve had a lot of new businesses open in the downtown area, and we want to make sure they thrive by increasing foot traffic.
Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley
What are Millbrook’s top accomplishments from 2022?
Last year saw the completion of Phase I of 17 Springs, which includes tennis courts, pickleball courts and multi-purpose fields. It is our “catalyst” project that we anticipate will transform the city by bringing in visitors and new retail and commercial opportunities. Also, Publix will be locating a store in Millbrook. And, the City created a new Cultural Arts & Special Events Director position.
What are you most excited about for your city in the coming year?
I look forward to maximizing our beautiful Village Green Park by bringing in more great events and programming.
Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone
What are Pike Road’s top accomplishments from 2022?
The Town has continued to experience growth, which has been and will continue to be guided by a team of planning professionals and our comprehensive plan. The Town has also seen the results of economic development efforts as new businesses are opening and inquiries are trending upward.
What are you most excited about for your city in the coming year?
The Town anticipates increasing the size and scope of its community outreach. New transportation projects are on the horizon and new investments are being made in the public safety arena.
