In a series of strategic engagements, Montgomery Mayor Stephen L. Reed last week put the city's agenda at the center of the Biden administration, securing private talks with key U.S. cabinet members. This unusual series of one-on-one meetings with leaders such as U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and U.S. Education Secretary Miguel A. Cardona underscores Montgomery's proactive approach to addressing critical needs and opportunities. He emphasized his attitude. For growth.
During his visit to Washington, D.C., for the U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Conference, Mr. Reed used these high-level meetings to provide a first-hand, on-the-ground assessment of Montgomery's challenges and the effectiveness of current federal policies. His discussion ranged from infrastructure investment and community development to education and workforce training, and emphasized the city's role in national initiatives such as repositioning global supply chains.
“It's a rare honor for a mayor to have a personal audience with the president's chief of staff, much less four in such a short period of time,” Reed said. “I am grateful for the opportunity these leaders have given us to share Montgomery’s story, our hopes, and our needs to grow. We conducted a first-hand, on-the-ground assessment of which policies could be improved. More importantly, we informed them about the challenges facing our region and ensured that the voices of government agencies were most needed. “As a result of these discussions, we hope to continue working to improve access to benefits for all members of our community.”
In her meeting with Secretary of State Yellen, Reid emphasized the need to strengthen water, wastewater and broadband infrastructure and thanked the administration for its significant investment in the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund. He also proposed creating a Community Development Corporation to revitalize Montgomery's core neighborhoods and received immediate support for the federal certification process.
In the education area, Mayor Reed, along with Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, briefed Secretary Cardona on local efforts to expand early childhood education and workforce readiness programs. The mayor advocated for increased federal support for initiatives such as the collaboration between Trenholm State Community College and Montgomery Public Schools, aimed at providing students with the skills to land in-demand jobs.
The transportation discussion with Secretary Buttigieg centered around the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the positive impact that RAISE grants have on local communities. Mayor Reed called for federal assistance to strengthen Montgomery's public transportation system and invited Buttigieg to witness the city's transportation challenges firsthand.
Back in Montgomery, Mr. Reed and Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su discussed labor issues, emphasizing the importance of fair wages, safe working conditions, and combating illegal child labor practices. Mr Reid called for federal support to foster small business growth and entrepreneurship in the city.
These discussions mark an important step in Montgomery's journey toward revitalization and growth and demonstrate Mayor Reed's commitment to leveraging partnerships with the federal government to address the city's needs and aspirations. I am.
