[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6218496,"mediaKeyId","3628400-552c7a1e0cfbf6da625af07bf564b7ea","parentId",3628400,"title","Montgomery opens summer program for youth and continues small‑business nominations","audioSeconds",263,"startMs",513000,"endMs",776000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3628400-552c7a1e0cfbf6da625af07bf564b7ea&start=513&end=776","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3628400-552c7a1e0cfbf6da625af07bf564b7ea/thumbnail_513000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6218496/Montgomery-City/Montgomery-County/Alabama/Montgomery-opens-summer-program-for-youth-and-continues-smallbusiness-nominations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218496-d1fb9b3e2ce94bdd74bc9336b5ddd277/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145896&Signature=VGrtsXXtGPh5vquiw45HVHGbAl9rJJ3VKoFgSln2CNBkQtMoTQKadj1AHvyH0ltm39UGlEPTU~BjisPAtk1elgLT3FGMDpap1tOi5xC0mmEkYHcXXzdfQ7pc8mSNWb8QjRTn5vhroOhFb3avGnKIAdsz1wjeThL8LKrSvQtGWX~f-SUxRZtNx2FKSl6dXGoq9SqiynPb0CbS03Y9hl56S0JC6SqxzltOUJuuVhQUftQqyik~-2tBwDq5sQyd28FRCZGoJOYPjYTr5hcpw5S8f3fZ~RY00vrYMSAJgu0nweickS2izXUQ8GU5lYVO7Tgz9BctS-S26jKGx6thyG13yQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montgomery City, AL","date","2025-06-03T08:57:49Z","article","Montgomery’s Department of Parks and Recreation opened its 2025 summer program on the day of the press conference; the program runs through July 25 and serves children ages 6 to 17 for just over $40 per participant, the Mayor, Montgomery City, said.

The mayor described Goodwin Community Center as a site focused on teens ages 13 to 17 and said community pools, parks and centers are open across the city. Residents can register while spots remain at funinMontgomery.com, he said. The mayor framed the programming as part of the Montgomery Ford initiative, which reinvests taxpayer dollars into community spaces and amenities.

The mayor also urged residents to shop local and noted that nominations remain open for a city small‑business awards program at sbossmgm.com. He highlighted local attractions such as Montgomery Whitewater, trail networks, the Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the recently opened Freedom of Sculpture Park as reasons for residents and visitors to engage locally.

No new funding allocations or changes to program fees were announced beyond the registration details provided; availability was noted as limited by existing spots.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Mayor Reed Media Briefing (June 2, 2025)","oneSentenceSummary","The city’s Department of Parks and Recreation launched its 2025 summer program that runs through July 25 for children ages 6–17, and the mayor urged support for local small businesses and reminded the public that nominations for small business awards remain open.","taxTitle","Montgomery City, Montgomery County, Alabama","taxId",3930,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6218500,"Montgomery reports overall crime down 19% and violent crime down 30%; mayor highlights $3 million ‘Together We Rise’ effort",237,344000,581000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3628400-552c7a1e0cfbf6da625af07bf564b7ea&start=344&end=581","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3628400-552c7a1e0cfbf6da625af07bf564b7ea/thumbnail_344000.jpg","/articles/6218500/Montgomery-City/Montgomery-County/Alabama/Montgomery-reports-overall-crime-down-19-and-violent-crime-down-30-mayor-highlights-3-million-Together-We-Rise-effort","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218500-9c7c7110abab7f114b432cca97fdefa8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145896&Signature=ivCyBDnzXAVujFnmXP~GGcZmxbPVkpdx-rRXOBEHmUW5V47SIxBOZ~TfrwSIVFat5h1xkFr~5mHHNVFgX~9EqEJPdLOyJYY6fK5O6qqIjDaZCOHaRxvJQ~axAOQ510QxV8Cm2JCO8AHJclqdfFuLRtI315Wjg8d7K3qTCh0Xb1mKf8lq098lzq3z0iMVa4L9AwoppC-uc~HlFJ5qXdkyRbi4S35JgyhigCqFIk7tcmM3v3TO25VeRLYzE4KWgLfDjrJNhJDIFEAXCwVr3zrgJEKHdI4LBxIQLdU-LlXcuBKGuuR61ZcCh9uOcP~Qt4BGyuHpWEC-pzlIJlrYutVDKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Overall crime in Montgomery was down 19% and violent crime down 30% in the first half of the year, Mayor, Montgomery City, told reporters, though he cautioned that homicide figures have not fallen by the same margins.

The mayor credited Montgomery Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and federal partners for the positive trends but said residents’ perceptions of safety remain a priority. “While we're seeing positive numbers… we know there's still more work to do around conflict resolution and de escalation strategies,” he said.

To address persistent violence and provide alternatives, the mayor said the city has invested more than $3,000,000 in the Together We Rise initiative to partner with faith leaders, Crime Stoppers and community‑based organizations. The program aims to reach youth at risk and provide pathways out of criminal activity through outreach, mentoring and services, the mayor said.

In a question about crimes targeting Hispanic‑owned businesses following a triple homicide last year, the mayor said cooperative community reporting and police work produced an important arrest and that stronger connections between law enforcement and affected communities remain a priority.

The mayor cautioned against complacency despite the year‑to‑date declines and said the city will continue community policing, prevention, and outreach efforts. No new budget ordinance or specific program expansions were detailed at the press conference.","The mayor reported drops in overall and violent crime in the first half of the year but said homicides have not fallen at the same rate; the city is investing more than $3 million in its 'Together We Rise' initiative to support community outreach, faith partners and de‑escalation strategies.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6218507,"Montgomery Fire Chief Mitford Jordan to retire after 40 years; city cites investments and accreditations",483,35000,518000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3628400-552c7a1e0cfbf6da625af07bf564b7ea&start=35&end=518","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3628400-552c7a1e0cfbf6da625af07bf564b7ea/thumbnail_35000.jpg","/articles/6218507/Montgomery-City/Montgomery-County/Alabama/Montgomery-Fire-Chief-Mitford-Jordan-to-retire-after-40-years-city-cites-investments-and-accreditations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218507-18ce75b9f6f7eed22fddeeba3da57783/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145896&Signature=h8lYLdWr8KbqYB21HvYOuwWjp3Za8GpCHryHjG4gEd-ZQ77ancC1Dkm4DHvp7G3znMpRvFIKLmjU2-VkB0RhSHfMF8MPG8wyo7y~jHTq0y-rZ6oiWEYdKxo0TpRV5EGFSzU6gqpmoXIiudX7jilXMGCLUhmeYoej8ya1zTn2cnrtrj11LeCVndmHIra6cavMQJFGqBIgpuBYfx6LVAAVW5xFXCc-6mXjOvAyTrjXVublf9-hTLqLIf9r~0oG7sBFe4xIMIOEz5uFDZw8uNUCkM6HxmE7IxRMV5FYRkQCxU9VQK~UDMC4e5GXtlOhAJLkp~OEJjKNUQWtX45U9Ilf5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mitford Jordan, chief of Montgomery Fire and Rescue, will retire after a 40‑year career that included 19 years as fire chief, the Mayor, Montgomery City, announced at a press conference.

The mayor said Jordan became the first Black deputy chief and soon after the first Black fire chief in the city’s roughly 200‑year history. “He is known again for his leadership,” the mayor said, adding that Jordan’s tenure helped the department earn an ISO 1 rating and accreditations the city described as CFAI and CASS.

City officials credited Jordan with modernizing emergency medical services equipment, expanding the fleet with new fire and medic trucks, and overseeing recent capital investments including the $19,000,000 Fire Station No. 10. The mayor said the administration invested more than $40,000,000 in Montgomery Fire and Rescue during his term and increased department pay by over 32 percent since he was elected.

The mayor also singled out a recent policy to compensate Montgomery Fire and Rescue for patient transportation, which he said has begun returning revenue to the city’s general fund. He praised Jordan for championing pay increases and equipment upgrades and described Jordan’s leadership as influential at the state and national level.

No retirement date, succession plan, or formal personnel action was detailed at the press conference. The mayor said the announcement would be followed by further information in the coming months.","Mayor announced the retirement of Montgomery Fire and Rescue Chief Mitford Jordan after 40 years of service, highlighted the department's ISO 1 rating, accreditations, new equipment and recent investments including a $19 million station.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6218511,"Mayor says Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts will stay open; proposes city-appointed board after lawsuit",432,691000,1123000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3628400-552c7a1e0cfbf6da625af07bf564b7ea&start=691&end=1123","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3628400-552c7a1e0cfbf6da625af07bf564b7ea/thumbnail_691000.jpg","/articles/6218511/Montgomery-City/Montgomery-County/Alabama/Mayor-says-Montgomery-Museum-of-Fine-Arts-will-stay-open-proposes-city-appointed-board-after-lawsuit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218511-7e13f7cb37a860515ec04c02df3962c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145896&Signature=JagHgnQ4dBDW4HXMNUBcF4LGqvFeyxPWTKmFcX965UBY9cQK3gBAyRbVxzMD2VTudcwQkhZ8g6WwUjP0OJ34XTZnGL7k9FdRaHXV4yRQeeiy-hg1I1ctiYqWrSl04PSmXpK3jz7Om~fuVElWMuXqH53VFsufkUSsceHL~WAHWDAMjXYBnY1-x3EY6nEGO2JBf1cOyNmPtxx85g-MeuQrA77xFF-1p2oPW3jdcg6IVDj1unB~D2yiIQd24rqFQ2QW-A9YS6wPLsn~qfTjvT1vIlqXHFAnZRTRSlMKsi2CWsqn2ssHWLLtSMi0P1h9G4w-cMef21jMZE4dF5d0QGynjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts will remain open, and the city is proposing a new city‑appointed governance structure after the museum and its management raised legal concerns, Mayor, Montgomery City, said at a press conference.

The mayor said the museum occupies city‑owned land and a city‑owned building but for years was managed under arrangements that now may conflict with Section 94 of the Alabama Constitution. “The museum is not closing,” the mayor said. “The city is not looking to take over, the Montgomery Museum. We’re preserving and strengthening this institution for future generations.”

City officials say a lawsuit naming the city revealed risks in existing memorandums of understanding and contracting practices that lacked clear public oversight. The mayor said insurance and contract language created complications because contracts and an insurance policy in question referenced the museum association rather than the city. That discrepancy, he said, highlighted the need to align governance with current state law.

Under the proposal the mayor described, the city council would consider an ordinance to reestablish a 15‑member city‑appointed museum board; the draft the mayor described would reserve six seats for members recommended by the museum association while making the museum director a city employee accountable to the board. The mayor said the association would remain a supporting partner responsible for fundraising, events, and advisory work, not for day‑to‑day governance.

The mayor framed the changes as corrective and protective: to reduce legal risk, clarify employee reporting and contracts, and ensure the city can accept and manage donated art in a standard public‑museum model. He said the city attorney and city council leadership are working with his office to craft the ordinance and that officials welcome public input as the process moves forward. “Montgomery deserves a museum that’s legally sound, publicly accountable, and built for sustainability,” he said.

No formal council vote or board appointment had been reported at the press conference. The mayor said the city was acting after being named in litigation and reviewing long‑standing agreements; he urged patience as officials update governance to comply with state law.

More detailed steps — including the exact ordinance language, schedule for council consideration, and whether the museum association will formally accept the new role — were not specified at the press conference.","The mayor told reporters the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is not closing and that the city will move to a legally compliant governance model after being named in a lawsuit; the city council will consider an ordinance to reestablish a city‑appointed museum board.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Montgomery opens summer program for youth and continues small‑business nominations

Montgomery reports overall crime down 19% and violent crime down 30%; mayor highlights $3 million ‘Together We Rise’ effort

Montgomery Fire Chief Mitford Jordan to retire after 40 years; city cites investments and accreditations

Mayor says Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts will stay open; proposes city-appointed board after lawsuit