The Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a “City & County Update” that brought together three elected officials for a live discussion on the region’s future. The event, held at the RSA Activity Center, was sold out, underscoring strong community interest in the topics of economic growth, public safety and infrastructure.

Panel participants

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed opened the conversation by outlining the city’s priorities for job creation and business attraction. County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton followed with a focus on county‑wide initiatives that support the same goals, emphasizing the importance of coordination between city and county agencies. Representing the neighboring town of Pike Road, Mayor Gordon Stone added his perspective on how smaller municipalities can partner with larger partners to benefit the entire region.

Key discussion points

All three leaders agreed that a collaborative approach is essential for sustained progress. They highlighted three core areas:

• Economic growth: Leveraging the chamber’s network of 1,400 businesses and organizations, which collectively employ more than 90,000 workers across Central Alabama, to attract new investment and expand existing enterprises.
• Public safety: Coordinating resources between city police, county sheriff’s offices and local fire departments to ensure a safe environment for residents and businesses.
• Infrastructure investments: Prioritizing projects that improve transportation, utilities and broadband access, thereby creating a stronger foundation for future development.

Organizers stressed that having the mayor, the county commission chair and a neighboring mayor speak together on the same stage is a key factor in fostering communication and partnership throughout the region.

Chamber’s role

The Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce serves as a hub for the local business community. By representing a broad cross‑section of employers, the chamber provides a platform for dialogue between public officials and private sector leaders. The “City & County Update” is one of several initiatives designed to keep members informed about policy directions and investment opportunities.

Attendees were invited to watch the full panel discussion video, which offers additional insight into the leaders’ visions for Montgomery and the surrounding area.

Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.