Driving Regional Progress: City and County leaders share collaborative vision for the Capital Region

Montgomery, AL – Leaders from Montgomery, Montgomery County, and Pike Road gathered at the RSA Activity Center on October 9 for the City and County Update, where they shared key updates on the region’s progress.

Mayor Steven L. Reed, Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton, and Town of Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone, provided insights into how collaborative efforts are driving economic growth, advancing infrastructure projects, and enhancing public safety across the area.

Mayor Steven L. Reed kicked off the event by highlighting Montgomery’s economic progress and commitment to becoming a premier destination. “Montgomery is experiencing strong financial growth and stability, driven by strategic planning and investments,” said Reed. “We are proud to have been named one of the World’s Greatest Places to Visit, which reflects our city’s ongoing transformation.”

Mayor Reed also highlighted the success of Montgomery Whitewater, which hosted the Olympic trials earlier this year, and discussed the significant impact of the Montgomery Tourism Improvement District (TID). “The TID is revolutionary for our hospitality and tourism sectors, generating revenue that helps support local businesses and promote Montgomery as a top destination,” Reed noted.

Following Mayor Reed, Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton, addressed the county’s infrastructure improvements and commitment to public safety. “We are proud to announce that 52 county roads have been repaved this year,” said Singleton. “This investment not only improves travel for residents and visitors but also ensures the long-term safety of our roads.”

Singleton emphasized public safety as a top priority, announcing upgrades to ambulance services and praising the Sheriff’s Department under Sheriff Cunningham. “For the first time in 25 years, we have zero openings in the Sheriff’s Department, thanks to outstanding leadership and community support,” said Singleton. Chairman Singleton also recognized Officer Lt. LyTonya Haywood, who is the recent winner of the National Sheriff’s Association 2024 Outstanding Law Enforcement Post Advisor award.

Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone, shared exciting updates for Pike Road, beginning with the approval of a significant investment in infrastructure. “Our city council has approved $38 million for capital improvements in Pike Road,” said Stone. He also announced the forthcoming opening of the town’s first economic development park. “We’ll be opening five slots for businesses to locate in our new development park, and we’re thrilled to be working with the Montgomery Chamber on this initiative.”

Mayor Stone also praised the region’s collaborative efforts, especially in public safety. “I applaud what Montgomery is doing, what our county is doing, and I join them in recognizing the excellence of our Sheriff Department. Sheriff Cunningham, thank you for ensuring Pike Road has the best response time and finest safety record,” he said.

The City & County Update reinforced the strong partnership between local governments, the business community, and public safety agencies. Leaders stressed the importance of collaboration in addressing challenges, supporting economic growth, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.

The event was made possible by Presenting Sponsor, Baptist Health, along with Gold Sponsors Alabama League of Municipalities, Montgomery Regional Airport, and Warren Averett, LLC, and Silver Sponsors Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LLC, Jackson Thornton, Montgomery Area Association of Realtors, PowerSouth Energy, Southeast Gas, and Stifel Public Finance.

ABOUT THE MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
With a mission to drive economic prosperity and build a greater life for all in the capital region, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce is a full-spectrum economic development public/private partnership representing 1,600 businesses and organizations with over 90,000 employees throughout Central Alabama.

If you have exciting news to share with the Central Alabama business community, send your press releases (and high-quality images) to [email protected].