Mayor highlights West Montgomery grants, infrastructure projects and homelessness efforts

The mayor said Montgomery received a $36,600,000 federal grant for West Montgomery and described multiple local infrastructure and community projects that will continue into 2025, including a $19,000,000 fire station, a $3,000,000-plus farmers market renovation, and $10,000,000 for infrastructure work on Fab View Avenue between Court Street and I‑65.

The mayor said those public investments — combined with private sector interest — amount to roughly $65,000,000 in government spending focused in the West Fairview corridor. He said the investments aim to support small-business recovery, housing return, green space, data and tech infrastructure, bike lanes and other quality-of-life projects.

On education, the mayor said the renewal of a school tax in 2024 ensures ongoing resources for students, teachers and parents but did not give a dollar figure for the tax. The mayor also said a small-business “one-stop shop” is now open in the CREST building to provide services to entrepreneurs.

The mayor addressed homelessness and winter shelter operations, saying the city maintained a warming center but was seeking a more sustainable long-term solution and could not remain a permanent operator. He said the Salvation Army is prepared to resume services but currently faces difficulty finding a suitable facility and will need community support to reestablish a permanent presence.

The mayor noted that the city council approved the creation of a housing department in its most recent budget — the first in the city's history — and that staff are exploring options including tiny homes and other short-term housing solutions. He said short-term steps may be discussed with the city council while longer-term housing plans are developed.

No formal votes or ordinances were announced during the remarks; the mayor framed many items as ongoing projects or requests for partnership and funding.