HUNTSVILLE — The Alabama League of Municipalities is celebrating its 90th anniversary this week with a major milestone: nine decades of supporting and advocating for the state’s 465 cities and towns.
Founded in 1935, the nonpartisan membership organization represents over 450 incorporated municipalities across Alabama, offering legal guidance, legislative advocacy, and resources to build strong, resilient communities.
“We provide them with services, legal advice, advocacy, making sure that they have the resources and tools they need to build vibrant communities,” said Executive Director Greg Cochran.
The organization is commemorating its anniversary at the annual Convention and Expo, hosted this week in Huntsville at the Von Braun Center. Nearly 800 municipal officials and 200 partner organizations are attending, showcasing innovations in public safety, water infrastructure, and city planning.
“So we have about 800 municipal officials with us this week in Huntsville, along with 200 partners and exhibitors showcasing fire trucks, water infrastructure programs, all sorts of things that apply to municipal government,” Cochran said.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 60% of Alabamians live in municipalities, and many more work in them. Local governments provide essential daily services like safe streets, sidewalks, zoning, police, and fire protection.
“From the moment you get up till the moment you go to bed, it touches you a million times,” Cochran said. “The streets that you drive on, the sidewalks that you use when you go down to your local grocery store and having that zoned and it be safe, law enforcement, firefighters, all these things are important to our communities.”
(Office of Gov. Kay Ivey)
In conjunction with the anniversary, Gov. Kay Ivey signed a proclamation this Municipal Government Week in Alabama. The proclamation aims to emphasize the critical role local governments play in quality of life.
“I encourage all Alabamians to be involved in their local municipal government while also recognizing the importance of good government at every level, but especially on the local level,” said Ivey.
Beyond providing member services, ALM advocates for municipalities at the state and federal levels. This includes efforts to protect local control over taxation, business licensing, and zoning decisions.
“We help cities on the advocacy side ensuring that the legislature isn’t looking at hindering their local authority to impose taxes or to administer business licenses,” Cochran said. “Planning and zoning is important to our cities ensuring that a liquor store is not being placed by a church or a school.”
Cochran also emphasized the financial challenges municipalities face, especially when it comes to infrastructure.
“Building one mile of a two-lane road costs a million dollars,” he said, noting the importance of state and federal grants to fund critical needs like roads and water systems.
As ALM looks ahead to the future, Cochran said the organization is emphasizing the importance of leadership and bringing people together.
“Ensuring that people are coming together, that you’re building consensus on how you want your community to grow,” he said. “And with 465 municipalities, they all have their own personality. They all have their own dreams.
“It’s people coming together, though, and ensuring that they are building that community of their dreams that are vibrant.”
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
