Mayor Steven L. Reed used his August media availability to reflect on a strong summer in Montgomery, highlight recent investments in neighborhoods and community infrastructure, and preview what’s ahead as the fall season begins.

“We’ve had a great summer,” said Reed, “and we’re not slowing down.”

A Summer of Reconnection

Reed began by celebrating the reopening of several community centers across Montgomery, noting how meaningful it was to see children and families once again enjoying safe, welcoming spaces.

“Our summer programs were in full swing — and well attended,” Reed said. “It brought us real joy to see kids playing, learning, and building friendships.”

The city also hosted its first-ever Esports tournament, which was met with enthusiasm by participants and families alike. Reed said it's one of many new ways the city is connecting with the next generation and expanding opportunities for youth.

With students returning to classrooms this week, the mayor wished them a productive and inspiring school year. He reminded parents that Parks and Recreation back-to-school programs are available at community centers year-round, and encouraged families to visit funinmontgomery.com to register.

“Even if a program is full, the doors are still open,” said Reed. “These centers belong to the people.”

Public Safety and Traffic Progress

Shifting to public safety, Reed acknowledged a recent surge in violent crime but reinforced that the overall trend remains positive.

“Violent crime, non-violent crime, and overall crime are all down compared to this time last year,” he said.

Reed commended the hard work of Montgomery Police Department officers and thanked the city’s public safety partners, including the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and ALEA.

“We are saving lives, taking illegal guns off our streets, and solving more homicide cases than the national average,” he said.

Traffic safety was another area of focus. Reed shared that the city has issued more than 50,000 citations this year — including over 7,800 moving violations and 43,000 red-light camera tickets. As a result, the number of crashes is down by more than 200 compared to this time last year.

“That’s progress,” Reed said, “but with over 4,000 crashes to date, we know there’s still more work to do.”

Community Events: National Night Out and Football Season

Mayor Reed also invited residents to attend National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6, describing it as a chance to build stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community. Event locations are available on montgomeryal.gov.

He then shifted to one of the city’s biggest seasonal draws: football.

Montgomery will host a full lineup of games at the Cramton Bowl, starting with the FCS Kickoff on August 23. On August 31, the city will welcome back the Red Tails Classic, a game that honors the heroic legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. A Red Tails Pep Rally will be held downtown on August 30, open to the public.

For the first time ever, Montgomery will also host the Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic on October 4. The game will cap off the city’s new HBCU Classic Weekend, a multi-day celebration featuring events, entertainment, and community pride.

“Great football, great food, great fans — that’s the experience we’re building,” Reed said. “And it brings real economic benefit to our city.”

Montgomery Forward: Results You Can See

Reed concluded by updating residents on the city’s ongoing capital improvement strategy, known as the Montgomery Forward Initiative.

To date, more than $50 million has been invested in infrastructure, neighborhood revitalization, and quality-of-life improvements — including new or upgraded fire stations and community centers in areas like Chisholm, Crump, Sheridan Heights, and the brand-new Fire Station 10.

“This isn’t just about new buildings or fresh paint,” Reed said. “These are strategic investments that create long-term value for our community.”

He pointed to Lagoon Park as an example of that return, where a $2.4 million investment is already generating revenue and attracting regional tournaments.

“We’re not done,” Reed concluded. “And we’re not slowing down. These improvements belong to the people — and we’re going to keep pushing forward.”