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Montgomery investing in community centers with tech upgrades, studios and new programming, mayor says
Summary
Mayor Steven L. Reed told the Mayor's Take podcast that Montgomery has invested "millions of dollars" to update community centers, adding Wi‑Fi, technology, sound‑engineering studios and expanded programming for seniors, youth and families.
Mayor Steven L. Reed said the city has invested in major upgrades to community centers and is reprogramming them for contemporary uses including technology, sound engineering and expanded services for all ages.
"We have invested, millions of dollars in our community center. These are not just paint jobs and put lipstick on a pig. We've gone in to update the WiFi, update the technology, and to make sure that the spaces are contemporary spaces for people and what they do now, both as adults, as well as young people," Reed said on the podcast.
Reed said the city plans updated programming beyond traditional recreation, including gaming spaces, sound‑engineering training and studio space at centers such as Chisholm and at locations near Floyd, North Montgomery and Sheridan Heights. He also mentioned the Crump Center as a site for seniors' events. The mayor described the upgrades as funded with "taxpayers' dollars that have been spent very wisely" but did not provide a specific dollar figure or a budget line item on the episode.
Why it matters: Modernized community centers are intended to serve a wide age range and to provide workforce‑oriented and creative opportunities (sound engineering, studio work), which the mayor framed as investments to meet contemporary community needs.
Details and limits: Reed named several neighborhoods and facilities slated for improvement and emphasized technology upgrades and reprogramming toward 2025 needs. He did not specify the exact dollar amount beyond the phrase "millions of dollars," nor did he identify contract vendors, timelines for completion or the specific funding source breakdown on the podcast.
Context: Reed contrasted these investments with superficial cosmetic renovations, stressing deeper technological and programmatic changes. He described the centers as serving both youth and adults and suggested programming such as financial‑literacy and health‑and‑wellness classes in addition to recreational uses.
Looking ahead: Reed said residents will "see, hear, and feel the difference" as centers reopen with new equipment and programs; no council vote or procurement announcement was made during the interview.
