As 2024 draws to a close, Alabama mayors are focusing on their wish lists for 2025. While they can’t control football schedules or Costco traffic, they have ambitious plans for job growth, business development, and public safety.
In Mobile, Mayor Sandy Stimpson, in his final year, aims to finish strong. His priorities include finalizing plans for the Interstate 10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project, maintaining the construction schedule for the new civic center arena, and adding another cruise ship to the city’s offerings. “My resolution would be to finish strong because this is my last year,” Stimpson stated. “So we’re going to push through the finish line to do everything we can to assure that the next mayor is successful.”
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin is prioritizing neighborhood revitalization and public safety. The city council recently approved its largest-ever budget, totaling $582.6 million. This substantial investment includes pay raises for city employees and police officers, neighborhood revitalization projects, and education initiatives. Over $20 million is allocated for street resurfacing, sidewalks, traffic calming measures, and blight reduction. This follows a previous $16 million allocation for police recruitment and retention. Woodfin also hopes to curb gun violence, addressing the city’s record-breaking homicide rate. “What we’re looking forward to in the future is at all levels,” he commented.
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle envisions a healthier city in 2025. Through the “Healthy Huntsville” initiative, the city offers free programs focusing on health and wellness, including the Mayor’s Bike Ride, nutrition classes, and Fitness in the Park events. “A healthier community is a more productive community, and it’s a community that just feels better about itself,” Battle explained.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed is focused on revitalizing neighborhoods, boosting development, and growing the city’s population and economy. He plans to invest in public safety initiatives, including the $3 million “Together We Rise” program aimed at community engagement and violence prevention. Further investments include a new fire department, community centers, and the expansion of the downtown convention center. “These are things that we want to see help revitalize neighborhoods, along with increased development and growing our city’s population and our economy,” Reed said. “I wish for Montgomery to be more prosperous.”