Growth, public safety and the future of development in Athens were front and center as Mayor Ronnie Marks delivered his 2026 State of the City address Tuesday morning.

Speaking to a sold-out crowd over breakfast at the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives, Marks reflected on the city’s progress over the past year while also outlining challenges tied to Athens’ rapid growth.

The annual event, hosted by the Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce, brought together local and state officials, community leaders and business representatives, including neighboring mayors Ranae Bartlett of Madison and Kent Lawrence of Decatur.

Annexation and protecting the tax base

Annexation remains one of the biggest issues facing cities across Limestone County as communities compete for growth areas and future tax revenue.

Marks described the process in simple terms.

“It’s the biggest Monopoly game I’ve ever played,” he said.

“Anytime another city kind of encroaches next to you in your territory, they have the opportunity to cut sales tax away,” Marks said.

He even encouraged property owners in unincorporated parts of the county to consider joining the city.

“So if there’s anybody here that’s got any property that lies next to the city limits of Athens, see me after here and we’ll talk about it,” he said.

Public safety and growth

Public safety, growth and quality of life were recurring themes throughout the discussion as Marks answered questions about the city’s future.

Athens currently averages about 2.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, a rate Marks said is roughly half the national average of about five incidents per 1,000 residents.

“For when you consider our growth, that’s a pretty impressive number,” Marks said.

He credited the city’s police officers, firefighters and other first responders, along with community involvement, for helping maintain that level of safety.

“Our officers are out in the community. They’re known in the community,” Marks said. “Public safety will and will continue to be the top priority we have.”

The city has also approved five additional police officer positions and is in the process of hiring them.

Athens continues to grow rapidly, with the mayor estimating the city’s population at about 33,500 residents, up from roughly 26,000 during the last census.

That growth brings both opportunities and challenges, particularly when it comes to infrastructure and traffic.

U.S. 72 remains one of the city’s biggest concerns, especially near Cambridge Lane and other busy intersections. Marks said the city continues to work with the Alabama Department of Transportation to address safety and traffic issues along the corridor.

“We can talk about the great things that are going on, but you also have a lot of challenges,” Marks said. “Growth is not always fun.”

Athens is also preparing to invest heavily in sewer infrastructure. The city estimates about $38 million in improvements are needed at its wastewater treatment facility and may pursue a bond issue to help fund the project, while also enabling a fee on new developments.  

Quality of life and parks

Improving quality of life remains another major focus for the city, particularly through parks and public spaces.

One of the most significant projects underway is Sunrise Park, a new park being built on the site of a former chicken processing plant that once sat abandoned for years.

The city acquired the 32-acre property for about $500,000 and has since worked with Limestone County to clean and redevelop the site.

Plans for the park include splash pads and green space designed to serve residents for decades.

“We’re building parks for 50 years from now,” Marks said.

Other park improvements include upgrades at Swan Creek Park, which is expected to feature new pickleball courts, and improvements at Lincoln-Bridgeforth Park.

Marks also highlighted the importance of community events such as Fridays After Five and other downtown activities that support small businesses and help create a vibrant atmosphere.

“These events are important for the mom-and-pop stores that are the foundation of our city,” he said.

Economic development ahead

Marks also hinted at additional economic development opportunities near the busy Interstate 65 corridor, including projects near the Buc-ee’s area.

“There’s some other projects being worked down close to Buc-ee’s and some other places that right now I can’t talk about,” Marks said. “But we’ll release it as soon as we can.”

Marks closed by encouraging newcomers moving into the region to explore everything Athens has to offer.