Alabama mayors share best budgeting practices at two-day retreat

Jun 9th, 2014

MOBILE, Ala. - Mayors from Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa completed a two-day retreat today in Clarke County in which the leaders of Alabama's five major cities shared ideas about managing municipal finances in tough economic times.

Participants included Mayor William Bell of Birmingham, Mayor Tommy Battle of Huntsville, Mayor Sandy Stimpson of Mobile, Mayor Todd Strange of Montgomery and Mayor Walt Maddox of Tuscaloosa.

Also participating were the chiefs of staff and finance directors from each of the cities.

The retreat was hosted by Stimpson at his family lodge near Jackson, Ala. The retreat opened at 3 p.m. Sunday and concluded at 11 a.m. today.

"From balancing budgets in the era of flat-line revenues to growing our local economies, mayors of Alabama's major cities are implementing innovative solutions," said Mayor Maddox. "It is essential to share these best practices as we improve the quality of life for our respective communities."

The retreat followed an initial meeting of the five mayors at the same location in January. A third retreat is tentatively planned for September in Montgomery.

"Moving Alabama forward requires teamwork, and we need leaders who are willing to work together and focus on the big picture," said Mayor Battle. "Mayors are on the front lines for their citizens. At the end of the day, we face similar trials in providing infrastructure improvements, jobs and high quality education along with the amenities that make a city unique and a great place to live."

Participants also shared policy ideas on administrative issues including recycling.

Stimpson said the meeting was a valuable use of time.

"Sharing workable solutions to challenges we all face is extremely helpful," Mayor Stimpson said. "Also, building relationships with the leadership in the other big cities in Alabama will prove fruitful as we go forward."

Other participants included Chief of Staff Anita Archie and Finance Director Barry Crabb from Montgomery; City Administrator John S. Hamilton and Business Relations Officer Harrison Diamond from Huntsville; City Clerk Tracy Croom and Finance Director Mike Wright from Tuscaloosa; Chief of Staff Colby Cooper and Finance Director Paul Wesch from Mobile; and Chief of Staff Chuck Faush from Birmingham.

The participants paid their own travel expenses to attend the retreat, which was held consistent with Alabama ethics guidelines for municipal officials.

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Contact:
George Talbot
Director of Communications and External Affairs
City of Mobile
251-209-7590
george.talbot@cityofmobile.org