Working Together to Move the Montgomery River Region Forward

Chamber's sold-out City & County Update brings nearly 300 business and community leaders together to discuss regional priorities, shared challenges, and opportunities for continued growth.

The strength of Montgomery is directly connected to the success of the entire River Region. That message took center stage at the Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce's sold-out City & County Update on October 21, where nearly 300 business and community leaders gathered for a candid conversation about the region's progress, challenges, and opportunities ahead.

Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed, Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton, and Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone joined Gary Harrison, the Chamber's 2027 Chairman-Elect, for a discussion focused on economic development, education, healthcare, public safety, infrastructure, military support, and quality of life.

While each leader brought a unique perspective, the conversation reinforced a common message: The Montgomery River Region's greatest opportunities will come from working together, investing strategically and taking shared responsibility for its future.

Building on the Strengths of the River Region
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 80 percent of the jobs fueling the River Region's economy are located in Montgomery, underscoring the importance of a strong capital city to the success of surrounding communities.

Mayor Reed emphasized that one of Montgomery's greatest strengths is its people and the partnerships that continue to move the community forward. "It takes people to really move this community forward and to really drive the type of change and impact that we want to see," Reed said.

Chairman Singleton encouraged attendees to recognize the region's many assets, from its growing economic footprint and cultural amenities to its strong military presence, while focusing less on limitations and more on opportunities.

Mayor Stone reflected on Pike Road's growth from approximately 250 residents to more than 11,000, crediting intentional planning, community engagement, and regional partnerships for its continued progress.

Together, their perspectives highlighted the importance of building on the region's existing strengths while remaining focused on what comes next.

Addressing Challenges Through Shared Solutions
The discussion also addressed several pressing regional priorities, including public safety, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Mayor Reed emphasized continued investments in first responders, stronger community partnerships and educational opportunities, while stressing that economic progress must create meaningful benefits for residents.

Healthcare emerged as a particularly important regional issue. Reed addressed the challenges surrounding Jackson Hospital and the broader healthcare system, emphasizing the need for sustainable, long-term solutions that protect access to care and support continued growth.

Chairman Singleton reinforced the importance of balancing four essential priorities: public safety, public education, healthcare, and quality of life. He noted that each plays a critical role in attracting businesses, supporting military families and strengthening regional competitiveness.

Infrastructure was also central to the conversation, with Singleton and Stone discussing the potential of the Outer Loop and improved transportation connectivity to support future development and economic investment.

Throughout the discussion, leaders emphasized that these challenges do not stop at municipal or county boundaries. Addressing them requires collaboration among public officials, businesses and regional partners.

Investing Today to Create Tomorrow's Opportunities
Looking ahead, leaders challenged the region to think beyond immediate needs and consider the investments required to remain competitive for generations to come.

Mayor Reed discussed the importance of strategic investments in neighborhoods, infrastructure, housing, recreation and tourism. He pointed to Montgomery Whitewater and the Maxwell Capital Gateway as examples of projects requiring vision, persistence, and partnerships to move forward.

Chairman Singleton reflected on previous generations who invested in infrastructure decades before major employers such as Hyundai established operations in Montgomery. Those decisions helped create the foundation for the region's economic growth today, prompting his challenge to consider what investments are being made now for future generations.

Mayor Stone highlighted Pike Road's continued momentum, including a new $125 million high school, transportation improvements, recreational investments, and community development projects.

The message was clear: Long-term growth requires a willingness to invest today in opportunities whose full impact may not be realized for years to come.

Supporting Our Military Community
Montgomery's military presence was another defining strength highlighted throughout the program.

Chairman Singleton referenced the Chamber's recent Washington Brief, which brought together the commanders of the 42nd Air Base Wing, 187th Fighter Wing and 908th Flying Training Wing. "We have three wing commanders in Montgomery, Alabama," Singleton said. "I don't know of any other military city that has three."

The discussion reinforced the importance of supporting the region's military missions through strong community partnerships and continued investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, workforce opportunities, and quality of life.

These efforts strengthen mission readiness while helping ensure the River Region remains a community where military members and their families can thrive.

Raising Expectations for the Entire Region
As the discussion concluded, Harrison challenged each leader to identify what it would take to raise expectations and accelerate regional progress.

For Mayor Stone, the answer centered on recognizing achievements and encouraging residents to become part of the momentum. Chairman Singleton emphasized regional unity, pointing to successful communities that work collectively to compete for projects, investment and resources. "We need to come together as a region and work together," Singleton said.

Mayor Reed challenged the community to move beyond a mindset of limitations and embrace the courage required to pursue transformational opportunities. "With the team and everybody working together, we can raise those expectations," Reed said.

Their collective message emphasized the importance of approaching the region's future with greater confidence, higher expectations and a willingness to act.

Moving the Montgomery River Region Forward, Together
For the Montgomery Regional Chamber, the City & County Update reinforced the importance of bringing public and private partners together to address challenges, identify opportunities, and advance priorities that strengthen the entire region.

"The strength of Montgomery is directly connected to the strength of the entire Montgomery River Region," said Anna B. Buckalew, President and CEO of the Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce. "Today reinforced that moving our region forward is a shared responsibility. It takes our city and county leaders, the Chamber, and a business community willing to engage, invest, and help solve problems. We all have a role in producing results that strengthen Montgomery and position the entire region for the future."

Through targeted economic development, talent and workforce initiatives, tourism, military support, and regional advocacy, the Chamber continues to work alongside its partners to strengthen Montgomery's economic foundation and create opportunities throughout the River Region.

Harrison closed the program by extending the challenge beyond the leaders on stage to those in attendance. "This room is full of leadership," Harrison said. "Our parting challenge is that we work together."

The conversation served as both a reflection of the progress already underway and a reminder that the decisions, partnerships, and investments made today will shape the region for generations to come. The future of the Montgomery River Region will not be defined by any one city, county, organization or leader. It will be defined by what we accomplish together.

View & Download Digital Media Here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD8j7w 
Watch Full City & County Update Here: https://youtu.be/RDE_eyks8Kc?si=YrI1ZPVXixL-_M15