A group made up of the mayors from Alabama’s 10 largest cities released its legislative agenda for 2023. Major focuses in that agenda include growing Alabama’s economy and improving the state’s public safety.

The Big 10 Mayors, as they are known, discussed the significant impact that their efforts can have.

“Policy decisions made in Montgomery have a direct impact on our cities. And with nearly three out of four Alabamians living either in or around our state’s 10 biggest cities, legislation that creates jobs and improves public safety in our communities benefits the vast majority of Alabamians,” said the group. “That’s why we have joined together to collectively advocate for important, common-sense legislation that will make our state a better place to live, work and raise a family.

“We look forward to working with our state’s dedicated elected lawmakers to make Alabama a safer, more prosperous state.”

When it comes to growing the state’s economy, the group wants to do a few things.

It wants to renew and expand the Alabama Jobs Act and the Growing Alabama Act, increase online sales tax transparency, and revitalize neighborhoods and reduce blight by clearing red tape.

The mayors want to increase the safety of Alabamians in two ways. First, through implementing state penalties on illegal firearms devices and, second, by banning “exhibition driving”.

The Alabama Big 10 Mayors include Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling, Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.