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Montgomery wins national finance award, opens pickleball complex and pursues FIFA 2026 training camps
Summary
The city received the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for FY2024 reporting, celebrated the opening of a Dean Fane Park pickleball complex, and said Montgomery is pursuing options to host FIFA 2026 training delegations using local sports facilities and Montgomery Regional Airport.
The mayor announced several civic achievements and facility initiatives, from an accounting award to new recreation amenities and outreach related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The city received the Government Finance Officers Association's Certificate of Achievement in Excellence in Financial Reporting for its FY2024 annual comprehensive financial report, the mayor said, calling it the highest recognition in governmental accounting. He thanked Chief Financial Officer Betty Beeville and her team for their work.
The mayor also highlighted the ribbon cutting for the city's new pickleball complex at Dean Fane Park, thanked council members and parks staff for delivering the project, and said residents responded enthusiastically at the opening. He said further phases of recreational development are planned.
On sports tourism, the mayor said Montgomery is pursuing opportunities to serve as a training camp site for FIFA 2026 teams, citing the Emory Farmer Soccer Complex, Alabama State University athletic facilities, and Montgomery Regional Airport as assets that meet or exceed standards for hosting team delegations. "We are really hopeful about the draw that's coming up on Friday, December 5," the mayor said, adding staff have identified three conservative hosting options and will report back.
The mayor also noted recent zoo lighting improvements (approved through an increased zoo budget) and invited residents to the Riverfront Park tree lighting and other holiday programming.
Why it matters: Recognition from the GFOA signals transparent financial reporting; new recreation facilities and a potential FIFA training-camp role could drive tourism and local economic activity. City leaders framed these items as part of a broader strategy to bolster Montgomery's regional and international profile.
