WATCH: Mayor Steven Reed outlines city progress so far in 2026
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed says the city is experiencing positive momentum in public safety, emergency response, infrastructure investment, housing affordability and downtown development.
In a media briefing, he outlined several areas showing improvement in 2026.
Here are the statistics he presented, showing how some crime categories compare from January 2026 to January 2024:
Homicides: Down approximately 78%
Non-fatal Shootings: Down nearly 40%
Violent Crime: Down about 57%
Nonviolent Part I Crimes: Down roughly 56%
“The trend is moving in the right direction,” Mayor Reed said. “We’re building sustained momentum for a safer Montgomery —one powered by prevention, partnership and accountability.”
As for other issues, Mayor Reed said the City responded quickly to the recent subfreezing temperatures, opening the warming center for several nights, while Public Works crews responded to more than 100 calls related to downed trees and blocked roads, reducing that number to just a dozen within 12 hours after severe storms pushed through.
He says the City is allowing an unlimited amount of storm debris to be put curbside for at least the next week.
Mayor Reed said last year, the City secured approximately $50 million in grants, including funding for electric buses, clean transit workforce development, and HUD PRO Housing initiatives. He says the City continues to push for the restoration of the previously rescinded $36.6 million Neighborhood Access and Equity grant.
Reed says the City recently purchased 425 and 475 Molton Street properties for $5.5 million for redevelopment into more convention center and riverfront space. That is the area where the Montgomery Advertiser building currently sits.
He says the City is also exploring professional soccer opportunities after productive discussions with the United Soccer League, viewing sports-led development as a catalyst for downtown vitality, family-friendly entertainment and visitor-driven revenue.
Reed says Montgomery was recently ranked the most affordable city in America for home buyers by WalletHub, underscoring the City’s commitment to inclusive growth.
As Black History Month begins, Mayor Reed encouraged residents and visitors to engage with Montgomery’s historic sites, including The Legacy Museum, the Rosa Parks Museum, Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and other landmarks that tell the city’s civil rights story.
“In Montgomery, Black history is not just a month — it’s part of who we are,” Reed said. “Our progress is powered by memory, and that memory is alive here.”
The public is invited to attend Mayor Reed’s annual “State of the City Address.” It will be held Tuesday, February 10, at Vaughn Forest Church. Doors open at 5PM.
— Information from the City of Montgomery
