Mobile Announces Projects, Partners For Economic Inclusion Initiative

MOBILE, Ala. — Mayor Sandy Stimpson is seeking to transfer $16.3 million from the City of Mobile’s general fund budget surplus to fund multiple local infrastructure, recreation and public safety projects, the city announced. The Mobile City Council is considering a pair of resolutions that would transfer $11.3 million to various city projects, as well as allocate another $5 million to support the continued development of the Mobile County Soccer Complex. Funds would be moved from the city’s general fund surplus to its capital improvements fund. As of last month, the city’s total general fund budget surplus was approximately $145 million. Proposed projects include improvements along St. Louis Street; development of the 3 Mile Creek Greenway Trail; design work for a new public safety training complex and animal shelter; median, sidewalk and drainage improvements; traffic signal synchronization at Grelot and Schillinger roads; and design work for a new fishing pier in District 3 and boathouse in Langan Park.
Stimpson and the Mobile Chamber announced the city will participate in a new initiative led by the National League of Cities. As one of 16 cities across the Southeast participating in the Southern Cities Economic Inclusion initiative, Mobile received $25,000 in grant funding to implement strategies intended to help close racial and economic equity gaps, and expand economic opportunities for residents and businesses of color. In addition to working on inclusion internally, the city will set up community seminars to assist—particularly minority—small business owners with launching and expanding their operations in Mobile.