Montgomery leaders are considering a proposal to borrow up to $375 million for capital improvements across the city, including a $200 million convention center expansion, under what officials say would be the city’s first major citywide investment initiative in more than 20 years.
Mayor Steven L. Reed introduced the proposal, known as Momentum 2040, to the Montgomery City Council. If approved, the bond package would authorize up to $375 million in financing, with about $350 million dedicated to projects designed to strengthen neighborhoods, improve public facilities and support long-term economic development. The remaining approximately $25 million would cover bond issuance costs.
According to the city’s presentation, the proposed project funding would include:
• $200 million for a convention center expansion.
• $15 million for housing infrastructure.
• $45 million for a sports complex and amphitheater.
• $50 million for facility and service enhancements.
• $40 million for neighborhood projects.
City officials said the proposal represents Montgomery’s first major citywide capital investment initiative in more than two decades. They say the package is intended to help the city’s infrastructure keep pace with continued economic growth, private investment and the expanding role of Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base.
“Montgomery has experienced tremendous momentum over the past several years,” Reed said. “We’ve seen significant public and private investment, strengthened public safety, expanded recreational opportunities and continued economic growth. Momentum 2040 is about ensuring our infrastructure, facilities and neighborhoods continue to keep pace with that progress.”
The convention center expansion accounts for more than half of the proposed project funding. City officials say modernizing and expanding the facility would support tourism, conferences and the hospitality industry while creating jobs, increasing hotel stays and visitor spending, and strengthening retail and restaurant development.
The presentation also says the proposal would support downtown revitalization by encouraging business growth, expanding economic opportunity, improving walkability and helping Montgomery compete with other cities for employers, talent and tourism.
Beyond downtown, the city says bond funding would be used to improve public safety facilities, infrastructure, parks, transportation corridors and essential city services. Officials said district-specific projects would be developed with input from City Council members and are intended to support continued community development.
The proposal builds on the city’s earlier Montgomery Forward initiative, which funded improvements to parks, community centers, public safety facilities and neighborhood infrastructure. According to the city, Momentum 2040 is intended to advance the goals outlined in the Envision Montgomery 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
“Great cities don’t simply maintain what they have—they prepare for what’s next,” Reed said. “This proposal is designed to help Montgomery remain competitive while making meaningful investments that benefit residents in every part of our city.”
Momentum 2040 will now move through the Montgomery City Council review process before any bond financing can be approved. City officials have made the proposal and presentation materials available for public review as the process moves forward.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
