Montgomery launches summer program for youth amidst museum governance changes

The Mayor Reed Media Briefing held on June 2, 2025, in Montgomery City, Alabama, focused on several key initiatives and updates relevant to the community. The meeting began with an announcement regarding the launch of the 2025 Summer Program organized by the Department of Parks and Recreation. This program, which runs from June 2 to July 25, offers a variety of activities for children and teens aged 6 to 17 for a fee of just over $40. Parents are encouraged to register their children at funinMontgomery.com, where additional summer options are also available.

Mayor Reed emphasized the importance of local amenities, highlighting attractions such as Montgomery Whitewater and the recently opened Freedom of Sculpture Park. He urged residents to support local businesses and announced that nominations for small business awards are still being accepted at sbossmgm.com.

A significant portion of the briefing addressed the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, which has been the subject of recent public concern. Mayor Reed clarified that the museum is not closing and that the city is not taking over its operations. Instead, the city is working to establish a legally compliant governance structure to ensure the museum's sustainability and adherence to Alabama law. This initiative follows legal challenges that revealed compliance issues with the museum's management.

The proposed governance model includes reestablishing a city-appointed museum board to oversee operations, while the existing museum association will continue to play a supportive role in fundraising and community engagement. Mayor Reed reassured the public that the museum's art collection will remain intact and that efforts are underway to enhance the collection through new acquisitions.

The meeting concluded with Mayor Reed expressing gratitude for community support and emphasizing the importance of transparency and public input as the city navigates these changes. He reiterated the commitment to maintaining a vibrant cultural institution that serves the community's needs. The briefing ended with an invitation for questions from the press, indicating the administration's openness to dialogue regarding these developments.