Montgomery Chamber Hosts Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter for Legislative Update Focused on Capital Region's Growth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2025 

Montgomery, AL – The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce hosted Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter for an exclusive Legislative Update Thursday morning, providing a crucial preview of the 2025 legislative session set to begin in three weeks. The event brought together members of Governor Kay Ivey’s cabinet, the city of Montgomery and Montgomery County leadership, state legislators, business leaders, and community stakeholders, with a sharp focus on the capital region’s growth and future priorities.
 
Speaker Ledbetter outlined portions of the 2025 legislative agenda, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation in advancing the capital region and Alabama as a whole. Key topics included investments in local education, mental health resources, workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced public safety initiatives—critical areas for the capital region's prosperity.
 
A significant portion of Ledbetter’s address focused on the success of the Montgomery Crime Task Force, which exemplifies the collaborative efforts between state, city, and county leaders to combat crime in the capital region. This initiative has become a model for other metropolitan areas across the state, and crime and mental health will remain central issues in the upcoming legislative session. Speaker Ledbetter highlighted the need for expanded public safety and mental health services as top priorities for the state.
 
Regarding Alabama’s infrastructure progress, Ledbetter stated, “We've gone from the bottom to now ranking in the top 20 in roads and bridges.” He praised the growing role of public-private partnerships in fueling the state’s success, adding, “We’ve seen unmatched support from companies and communities across the state, and we’re seeing that reflected in the bills we’ve passed—with more to come.”
 
Ledbetter also previewed a new initiative focused on the capital region that will significantly benefit the area's military community and neighboring Black Belt region. “We’re working on something new for the River Region that will have a lasting, positive impact on both,” he said.
 
The Chamber continues to serve as a vital connector between state leadership and the local business community, promoting dialogue and collaboration to support the capital region’s growth. This legislative update highlighted the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to advocacy and its role in advancing progress for the region. “Hearing directly from Speaker Ledbetter allows our elected officials, along with our public and private sector partners, to stay informed and engaged in shaping the policies that will directly impact our region,” said Anna Buckalew, President & CEO of the Montgomery Chamber. “We are grateful for his leadership and unwavering commitment to the ongoing success and growth of the capital region.”
 
 
Link to photos from Alabama Legislative Update: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBYoz3
 
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ABOUT THE MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
With a mission to drive economic prosperity and build a greater life for all in the capital region, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce is a full-spectrum economic development public/private partnership representing 1,600 businesses and organizations with over 90,000 employees throughout Central Alabama.
 
 
Media Contact:
Greta Locke
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
glocke@montgomerychamber.com
(C): 205-862-9307