From safer neighborhoods and stronger infrastructure to economic investment and community amenities, the City of Montgomery is continuing to deliver measurable results for residents in 2026.

The first half of the year has brought meaningful progress across nearly every department in city government, demonstrating the City's continued commitment to improving quality of life while investing in Montgomery's future.

While much of the work happens behind the scenes, the impact can be seen every day-in safer streets, cleaner neighborhoods, improved infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities, and enhanced community spaces.

"Our goal has always been to build a stronger Montgomery through consistent, measurable progress," said Mayor Steven L. Reed. "Every department plays an important role in serving our residents, and these accomplishments reflect the dedication of the public servants who come to work every day committed to moving our city forward."

Public Safety Continues Making Progress

Public safety remains one of the City's highest priorities, and Montgomery continues to see encouraging trends through the first six months of 2026.

Compared to the same period last year, violent crime has declined by 14.5 percent, while overall Part I crime has fallen by 20.5 percent. Homicides have decreased from 32 to 26, and Montgomery Police officers have made more than 3,700 arrests, representing a 44.5 percent increase over the previous year.

The department has also continued investing in investigative technology. More than 1,050 firearms have been processed through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), generating nearly 200 investigative leads that help solve violent crimes.

Technology partnerships continue to expand through the STAR Center, which now includes 2,875 registered security cameras and 965 integrated cameras supporting criminal investigations across the city.

Meanwhile, recruiting efforts remain strong as Montgomery Police continues preparing future academy classes and expanding its hiring pipeline.

Montgomery Fire Rescue has also remained busy, responding to nearly 29,000 emergency incidents during the first half of the year while maintaining an average emergency response time of 4.29 minutes.

The department continues to hold its prestigious ISO Class 1, CFAI, and CAAS accreditations-recognition earned by only a select number of fire departments worldwide-and continues investing in firefighter training and emergency response capabilities.

Investing in Infrastructure

Across Montgomery, Public Works crews continue improving the infrastructure residents rely on every day.

During the first half of the year, crews paved more than six miles of streets, repaired nearly 6,000 potholes, completed more than 4,100 feet of sidewalk repairs, cleaned nearly 2,000 stormwater inlets, and maintained more than 311 miles of roadside ditches to improve drainage and reduce flooding concerns.

Street Maintenance crews have also completed more than 5.2 miles of paving, repaired 3,490 feet of sidewalks, repaired 2,828 potholes, and conducted mosquito spraying across more than 148 square miles.

Sanitation crews processed more than 100,000 tons of municipal solid waste while removing over 34 tons of roadside litter as part of the City's continued neighborhood beautification efforts.

The City's Inspections Department also remains focused on protecting neighborhoods by addressing blight and code violations. So far this year, staff have investigated 9,755 nuisance cases, addressed 148 open and vacant property violations, completed 48 demolitions, and continue moving forward with 58 additional demolition projects.

Building Montgomery's Future

Economic development efforts continue positioning Montgomery for long-term growth.

Work is moving forward on significant improvements to the Riverfront Stage near Red Bluff. Supported through grants from Alabama Tourism, the Alabama State Council on the Arts, and AARP, the project will add a new stage, improved seating, expanded landscaping, and enhanced accessibility to create a stronger destination for residents and visitors alike.

The City and Montgomery County continue finalizing awards through the Montgomery Thriving Program after receiving more than 300 applications requesting over $13 million in assistance through the American Rescue Plan Act partnership.

Major planning efforts are also nearing completion for the Floyd Campus, Carter Hill Streetscape, and East Fairview Streetscape. Together, these projects represent more than $30 million in potential investment designed to strengthen neighborhoods, improve walkability, and encourage private development.

Additional investments include a new infill housing grant program offering up to $15,000 per lot to encourage residential development in neighborhoods throughout Montgomery, particularly in West and North Montgomery.

Downtown continues benefiting from the work of the Montgomery Ambassadors, who have collected more than 3,600 bags of litter, cleaned over 1,100 blocks, maintained hundreds of landscaped areas, and provided more than 600 hours of hospitality assistance during the first half of the year.

Looking ahead, the City is pursuing a $29 million Choice Neighborhoods Initiative grant in partnership with Alabama State University and the Montgomery Housing Authority to transform Centennial Hill, while also advancing plans for a new 100,000-square-foot convention center expected to generate significant regional economic impact and leverage more than $500 million in future investment.

Enhancing Quality of Life

Montgomery's quality-of-life amenities continue attracting residents and visitors alike.

The Montgomery Zoo has sold more than 1,300 memberships, welcomed approximately 300 field trip groups, added 21 new animals, created 20 new viewing opportunities, introduced five behind-the-scenes experiences, and hosted 20 special events during the first half of the year.

The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts continues serving as one of the region's premier cultural destinations. More than 15,000 visitors explored exhibitions outside of organized tours, while more than 1,800 students participated in educational tours. Signature programming included nationally recognized America 250 exhibitions, the annual Flimp Festival, and expanded educational opportunities connecting students and families with American history, art, and Alabama's cultural heritage.

These accomplishments represent only a portion of the work taking place every day across Montgomery city government.

Residents are encouraged to visit MGMWins.com to explore department-by-department updates, major projects, service improvements, infrastructure investments, public safety initiatives, and the ongoing work that is helping move Montgomery forward.

The site is regularly updated to provide residents with a transparent look at how City departments are serving the community and delivering results throughout the year.