Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford invites residents and stakeholders to join him for a public conversation about the state of the city of Gadsden on the first anniversary of his inauguration. On Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m., at The Venue at Coosa Landing, the mayor will discuss the past 12 months in office and look ahead to what’s next for the city’s new administration.
“We have accomplished a lot, but we are just getting started,” said Ford. “One thing I’ve realized is things can move slowly in city government, and patience is a skill I am still working on for anyone who knows me. So, now that we’re approaching the one-year mark, I am getting a better idea of what will be possible in the next 12 months and beyond. Working with the city council, we are on an upward trajectory to grow Gadsden together!”
In addition to highlighting the past year's accomplishments, Mayor Ford intends to discuss some of the challenges he has experienced as chief executive officer of the city. The address will be delivered conversationally with local radio personality and civic leader J. Holland to facilitate the discussion with the mayor.
Next Tuesday’s event is intended to become an annual community gathering where residents and stakeholders can hear first-hand the mayor's and council's vision. Mayor Ford says this type of event is about transparency, accountability, and feedback – adding he wants to make sure residents are on board with the administration’s vision throughout his time in office.
Some items expected to be “on the table” for discussion include industrial development, the city’s master plan, commercial development, special events, cleaning up the city, animal control, community relations, housing, transportation, and riverfront development, in addition to questions submitted by the audience.
The event begins promptly at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at The Venue at Coosa Landing, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.
About Mayor Ford
Craig Ford was elected mayor of Gadsden in September 2022 and took office on Nov. 7, 2022. He is a local business owner and previously represented Etowah County in the Alabama Legislature for 18 years.
He was born and raised in Gadsden and is a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in marketing and research. He is a major in the U.S. Army and currently commands the Fort McClellan Training Center in Anniston.
Mayor Ford serves on the board of directors for the Alabama League of Municipalities and is a founding member of Etowah C.A.R.E.S. He is married to Gwen, a postsecondary educator. They have two children, Wells (Alex) Dhionis and Jonathan (Erin) Ford. They also have two spoiled dogs, Dollar and Volley.
