MONTGOMERY, Ala. – During last week’s meeting of the Alabama Growth Alliance, a 15-member public/private partnership created by the Alabama Legislature and tasked with promoting and creating economic expansion, Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, outlined the “Alabama Rural Roadmap Initiative” that will target improvements in the less developed regions across the state.
“Alabama’s future depends on the strength of all of our communities, and that means taking bold actions to support our rural towns and regions,” Gudger said. “To address deep-rooted challenges like crumbling infrastructure, population loss and health care gaps, rural Alabama needs more than quick fixes — it needs a plan.”
Gudger serves on the panel as president pro tem of the Alabama Senate, along with other elected officials, agency directors and eight prominent business leaders appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey.
Developing the rural road map will initially target five specific areas that the group said inhibit growth and hinder the quality of life for residents in certain portions of Alabama. The five targets for improvement include:
- Infrastructure: Modernizing utilities, broadband, industrial sites and public spaces
- Business Growth: Boosting support for small businesses, startups and access to capital
- Workforce Training: Expanding job skills programs and career education to meet labor needs
- Community and Quality of Life: Investing in the cultural and livability factors that keep people rooted
- Health Care: Delivering sustainable strategies to close rural health gaps
To create the plan for achieving these goals, Gudger said the alliance will work closely with local elected officials, residents and business owners in rural regions along with recognized experts in community development, economic recruitment and other areas.
The Alabama Rural Roadmap is required to be finalized and delivered to the Legislature by the fifth legislative day of the 2026 Regular Session.
