Mayor Craig Ford

Four years ago, we set out to get Gadsden moving again—and together, we've made tremendous progress.

✅ Completed and launched the GROW Gadsden Plan
✅ Secured more than $25 million in grants and federal appropriations
✅ Recruited major employers like Minth Group and Pencco
✅ Supported the expansion of existing industries and local businesses
✅ Welcomed more than a dozen new retail businesses, restaurants, and service providers
✅ Invested in infrastructure, public safety, recreation, and community development

Because of these efforts, Gadsden is stronger, more vibrant, and better positioned for the future than ever before.

But our work isn't finished.

That's why I'm proud to announce my campaign for re-election as Mayor of Gadsden in 2026. Together, we'll continue building on the momentum we've created, complete key GROW Gadsden initiatives, and ensure every neighborhood benefits from the progress we're making.

As I've said from the beginning: There are no brakes on progress.

Gadsden's best days are still ahead. I would be honored to continue serving as your mayor and working every day to move our city forward. Remember, RESULTS matter!

Thank you to the MINTH Group team for visiting Gadsden again to discuss our next steps in the development process. I’m looking forward to working together as this project progresses and to the opportunities it’s creating for Gadsden. Thank you to William Chin, David Hooks, David Myhall, George King, and my staff for coordinating our time together today.

MINTH Group’s continued commitment to developing the former Republic Steel site and investing in the future of our city is an exciting step forward. We’ll be breaking ground on construction soon!

I was honored to be presented with a signed copy of Greg Cusimano’s new book on the decision-making process. I would encourage everyone to get a copy while they can. Greg is one of the smartest men I know, and his insights on leadership, judgment, and making better decisions are invaluable.

We’re fortunate to have someone of his caliber from Gadsden sharing his knowledge and experience with others. Congratulations, Greg, on this outstanding accomplishment

Art Camp is happening right now at the GMA: Gadsden Museum of Art, and these kids are doing an amazing job!

I want to thank Ray Wetzel, Jill Edwards, and Kayla Harris for all their hard work and care they put into making the museum and programs like this such a success.

There are still a few spots left in the afternoon classes, so be sure to get signed up before they're gone!

Thank you to our Gadsden Parks and Recreation Department for creating fun opportunities for our community to get outside and enjoy the Gadsden Sports Park!

Kickball season has started, and we won our first game in over a year!

I love the updated street signs downtown! Thank you to the Public Works Crew for getting these up, they look great! Gadsden’s got new things coming every day!

Here we grow again! I am excited to share that the City of Gadsden has been awarded a grant to start the design and engineering of a new pedestrian bridge connecting Downtown Gadsden to The Venue. I want to thank Tena King, Ruth Moffat, John Moore, Heath Williamson, and my entire team for securing this grant!

Steel is in the air at the Gadsden Athletic Center! Gadsden is growing, and I couldn’t be more proud of where our city is headed.

This week at City Council, I had the privilege of presenting Ceandra James with a Mayor’s Proclamation recognizing her nonprofit, Saving Our Sons, The Jaden D. James Foundation for Gun Violence Prevention, for the important work they do to serve our community and help eliminate the threat of gun violence.

As part of this proclamation, the City of Gadsden will recognize June 5, 2026, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day. This Friday, I encourage everyone to wear orange in support of the individuals and families whose lives have been impacted by gun violence. Thank you to Ceandra and her board members for never quitting this fight.

This is a special shout out to Howell Mathews, Ty Jackson and David Cooper who are all over the tree crew. Ty Lemons heads up our tree crew and does a great job. We’re currently clearing trees on Knight drive - Browning Circle - North 8th Street and Merit Springs due to the storms today. A VERY big thank you to Public Works!