Good government is about one thing: serving people well. It means ensuring our institutions are fair, our services are reliable, and our community is prepared for whatever comes next. That was my guiding principle as a district judge, and it should be our guiding principle as a city. Living up to that standard today means embracing new tools that help us meet people where they are and solve problems more effectively.
Across the country, local governments are using emerging technologies to reduce service backlogs, prepare for flooding and severe weather, and make better, faster decisions for their communities. These tools are not theoretical or out of reach, they are already making a difference in cities like ours.
Artificial intelligence is one example. Used responsibly, it can help staff respond more efficiently to residents’ questions, identify properties that need attention, and track infrastructure maintenance like streetlights and signage. It can also support public safety by giving first responders and city workers better information when time matters most.
These are not expensive solutions. Across Alabama and Georgia, cities are already using emerging technologies to improve stormwater planning, streamline 311 systems, and support small business permitting. In Montgomery, for example, the city adopted a data-driven platform to assess road conditions, helping prioritize repairs and reduce long-term maintenance costs. The project was recognized nationally by Smart Cities Connect for its innovation and impact. Simple shifts like these save time, reduce costs, and improve quality of life.
But how we use these tools matters. I look forward to working with other local leaders and organizations to make sure we adopt new technologies in a way that is transparent, community-driven, and aligned with our values. That means setting clear guardrails, listening to residents, and keeping the focus where it belongs—on public service.
Technology should never replace people, but it can help us serve them better. That is the kind of government our city deserves.
Over the coming months, I will be talking with many of you about where we go next as a city. I hope part of that conversation is about this: how to take practical, common-sense steps that make Mobile stronger, more effective, and ready for the future.
We do not need to chase every trend or turn Mobile into something it is not. But we do need to act. The world is changing fast, and our city should be ready—with the right tools, the right partnerships, and a commitment to doing what’s right for the people we serve.
