City of Montgomery and Urban League Announce New Partnership to Expand Services

MONTGOMERY, AL — Mayor Steven L. Reed and William A. Barnes, President and CEO of the Urban League of Alabama,  today announced a major expansion of Urban League programs into Montgomery. The initiative will strengthen opportunities for residents in workforce development, housing, education, small business support, health, and community empowerment.

For more than 50 years, the Urban League has worked across Alabama to advance equity and improve quality of life. In 2024 alone, the Urban League served more than 9,500 men, women, and children through housing counseling, financial stability programs, youth mentorship, and health resources .

By expanding its reach in Montgomery, the Urban League aims to:

• Bridge workforce gaps by equipping residents with skills for today’s economy.
• Promote financial empowerment through housing counseling, credit building, and entrepreneurship support.
• Support youth and families with mentoring, education, and violence prevention initiatives.
• Advance equity and inclusion by ensuring underserved communities have a voice and access to resources.

Mayor Steven L. Reed said:

“Montgomery’s strength has always come from our people — their resilience, talent, and determination. By welcoming the Urban League’s expanded presence in our city, we are building new pathways to opportunity for families, entrepreneurs, and young people. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to equity and empowerment for every resident of Montgomery.”

William A. Barnes, President & CEO of the Urban League of Alabama, said:

“For more than five decades, the Urban League has been dedicated to empowering communities and changing lives across Alabama. Expanding in Montgomery allows us to bring proven programs in housing, workforce development, education, and health directly to residents who can benefit most. We are honored to partner with Mayor Reed and the City of Montgomery to strengthen opportunity, equity, and prosperity in this historic city.”

Both Mayor Reed and CEO Barnes will address the media at a press conference today at 2:30 p.m. in Montgomery City Hall.

About the City of Montgomery

Montgomery, Alabama’s capital city, is known globally as the Birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and continues to build on its legacy of progress and justice. Under the leadership of Mayor Steven L. Reed, Montgomery has advanced key initiatives in education, public safety, economic development, and innovation — earning recognition as one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing hubs for technology, culture, and commerce. The City remains committed to creating a more equitable, sustainable, and compassionate community for all residents.

About the Urban League of Alabama

The Urban League of Alabama is a nonprofit, community-based organization committed to empowering communities and changing lives through programs that promote equity, opportunity, and prosperity. For more than five decades, the League has advanced workforce development, housing counseling, financial literacy, small business support, youth mentoring, and health initiatives across the state. In 2024 alone, the Urban League served more than 9,500 Alabamians through direct services in housing, education, financial stability, and health . As an affiliate of the National Urban League, the Urban League of Alabama continues to strengthen families, support economic mobility, and ensure that underserved communities have a voice and access to resources.