Local Mayors Share New Developments at the Etowah Update Mayors Summit

HOKES BLUFF, Ala. — Etowah County's top municipal leaders gathered Thursday for the 2025 Etowah Update: Mayors Summit, painting a vibrant picture of the region's progress and future potential during a wide-ranging discussion at the Hokes Bluff Community Center.

Sponsored by Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc., the event brought together mayors from across the county who highlighted major developments including the transformative Etowah County Megasite project, the implications of the new Challenger Learning Center, and infrastructure improvements that promise to reshape daily life for residents.

"The Megasite is a game changer not just for Etowah County but for all of Alabama and the Southeast," said County Commission President Joey Statum, referencing the massive industrial development tract that could attract major employers to the region.

Key projects discussed during the summit:

• Southside's planned bridge project, expected to significantly improve traffic flow
• The East Gadsden Connector's anticipated impact on surrounding communities
• Rainbow City's distinction as Alabama's safest city, with Glencoe and Hokes Bluff also ranking among the state's safest municipalities
• Gadsden's Coosa Harbor project, creating a new recreational boardwalk

Rainbow City Mayor Joe Taylor emphasized his community's dual focus, stating, "We want to keep improving our infrastructure while continuing to be one of Alabama's safest cities." His sentiment was echoed by Hokes Bluff Mayor Scott Reaves, who urged local support: "We all know it takes tax dollars to stimulate the economy. We ask that you shop locally."

The discussion revealed both the challenges and opportunities facing Etowah County. Southside Mayor Dana Snyder framed the work in generational terms: "We want to leave a good future for our children and grandchildren." Glencoe Mayor Chris Hare struck a balance between preservation and progress, noting, "You have to balance tradition with progress."

Gadsden City Council President Kent Back, representing Mayor Craig Ford, highlighted the power of regional cooperation: "The more we work together, the more good things we can accomplish."

The summit, emceed by Jason Harper of Goodwyn Mills and Cawood, drew business leaders and community members eager to understand how these developments will shape Etowah County's economic and quality-of-life landscape in coming years. With major infrastructure projects underway and significant assets like the Megasite positioning the region for growth, county leaders expressed optimism about building on recent successes while addressing ongoing challenges.

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