MOBILE — The 2025 State of the City and County in Mobile was held Thursday morning at the Mobile Convention Center.
Mobile Chamber CEO Bradley Byrne moderated the conversation with Mobile County Commissioners Connie Hudson, Randall Dueitt and Merceria Ludgood and Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson.
After nearly 12 years as mayor, Stimpson said he decided not to run for re-election so he could efficiently help with the transition to the next mayor.
For the remainder of his time in office, Stimpson said he will continue focusing on construction projects, ordinances and laws to facilitate the city and everyday operations. He said it will be important for the next mayor to carry the torch.
"A brand new mayor is going to be overwhelmed with creating a team and trying to decide what are their priorities," Stimpson said. "And so, things that we can get done so that they don't have to worry about, you know, to complete and it's just going to make the best start with everything and that very important and that's really a part of the handoff."
Stimpson announced Amtrak service to and from New Orleans will now likely begin in mid-2025, as opposed to early 2025, as first projected. Other ongoing projects he is hoping to tee up for the next mayor are the new arena, along with a parking deck to support surrounding businesses, the Mobile Bayway, completion of the airport, which is expected in early 2026 and the Hall of Fame Walk, which should be completed sometime after Mardi Gras.
Stimpson said as far as public safety, violent crime is down 11% this year, and he credits retention of first responders and technology.
Affordable housing has been one of Stimpson's biggest challenges during his time as mayor. While there have been new housing developments, the City is still working on about five more. Stimpson hopes the City can consider new ordinances to address vacant downtown buildings.
Overall, Stimpson said the quality of life in Mobile continues to improve with parks, playgrounds and new recreational facilities.
On a state level, Stimpson said he plans to continue to work with lawmakers to support laws regarding shooting into occupied buildings and the use of trigger activators, such as Glock switches.
Further, he said the biggest threat to the state of Alabama and Mobile is internet sales tax distribution.
"In the nine years that you've had the Internet sales tax, the City of Mobile has lost $200 million in revenue," he explained.
"The long-term impact of that revenue is probably the greatest threat to the city of Mobile," the mayor continued. "It's great for the general fund. It's great for the counties. But if you believe, and I do believe, that the economic engines of the state of Alabama, all the large cities, that's where the jobs are."
"And if you continue to allow this to happen, what you're doing is cutting off the flow of blood to them," Stimpson added. "You will see services cut. You will see structural change. So our hope is, is that we can get working with the Big Ten mayors, we can get the attention of the citizens, as well as the leadership in Montgomery, to say, 'Something has got to be done about that."
As he wraps up his time in Mobile's top seat, Stimpson said he isn't done yet.
"It's been an honor to be the mayor," he said. "It's the milestone of my life."
County commissioners also spoke about development, opportunities for residents and new projects.
Ludgood thanked county partners, including municipalities within the county that work with the commission to create opportunities.
Hudson addressed mental health services, saying the commission is focusing attention on the inadequate system locally and statewide. She said the county has invested millions of American Rescue Plan Act funds to make improvements and sign on for a partnership with AltaPointe.
She also highlighted some recent improvements and additions throughout the county.
Dueitt updated on several projects, including the Dauphin Island Causeway shoreline restoration and the new Bayfront Park.
He said most projects in west Mobile County cost around $50 million. Projects within a four-mile radius were all paid for with BP Oil Spill settlement funds.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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