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The Gadsden City Council is set to transform the community with a $2.76 million investment in the Sports Park and significant infrastructure upgrades!

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Gadsden council approves Sports Park Phase 5, water‑main relocation and multiple contract changes
Council approved a $2.76 million award for Phase 5 of the Gadsden Sports Park, several change orders and an agreement amendment to relocate a 10‑inch water main on South 11th Street; most items were adopted by unanimous voice votes under new business.
citizenportal.ai
February 8, 2026 at 9:50 PM
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Mayor Ford revealed shocking inspections at Coosa Bend Apartments, where residents were left without heat and living in unsafe conditions, prompting immediate city action.

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Mayor Ford says inspections found inhumane conditions at Coosa Bend Apartments; city arranges temporary help
Mayor Ford reported inspections at HUD-subsidized Coosa Bend Apartments found unacceptable living conditions; the city condemned some units, pressed the owner, and arranged temporary hotel placements and referrals through the local housing authority and charities.
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February 8, 2026 at 9:17 PM
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Gadsden City Council takes a stand against House Bill 349, warning it could jeopardize property rights and vital emergency services for residents!

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Gadsden City Council adopts resolution opposing state House Bill 349 over Hortons Bend concerns
The Gadsden City Council voted to oppose House Bill 349, saying the proposed Hortons Bend Agricultural Protection Act could restrict property owners, block future annexations and interfere with shared municipal services; the measure passed with one abstention.
citizenportal.ai
February 8, 2026 at 6:45 PM
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Gadsden City is set to receive a major boost with $5–$6 million in federal funds for a significant drainage project, alongside exciting developments for a new athletic center and bridge renovations!

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Gadsden City announces federal funds, contracts and timelines for drainage, sports park and bridge work
Mayor Craig Ford said the city secured $5–$6 million toward a $20 million South Gadsden drainage project, awarded a shell contract for the new Gadsden Athletic Center, and received an appropriation for Broad Street Bridge rehabilitation that will take about 18 months to process.
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February 6, 2026 at 5:47 AM
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Gadsden State Community College is slashing tuition by 50% for local students through its new "Cardinal Promise," making higher education more accessible than ever!

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Gadsden State launches 'Cardinal Promise' discount, highlights local workforce and dual-enrollment programs
Gadsden State Community College told the Gadsden City Council it enrolls hundreds of local students through dual-enrollment, provides workforce training to city employees and is offering a "Cardinal Promise" tuition discount (50% off through March 1) to expand access for area residents.
citizenportal.ai
January 23, 2026 at 1:28 AM
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Get ready, Gadsden! The new GAC Athletic Center is set to transform our community with an indoor pool, eight gyms, and discounts for residents.

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Gadsden details bonded GAC Athletic Center: pool, eight gyms and resident discounts
Mayor Craig Ford outlined the bonded GAC Athletic Center project, describing an indoor pool with a vortex feature, youth amenities, eight convertible gyms, a large track and weight room, and membership pricing that will include discounts for Gadsden residents.
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 12:37 AM
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Gadsden City is gearing up for an exciting 2026 with major infrastructure improvements, new athletic complexes, and revitalized parks that promise to enhance community life!

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Mayor Craig Ford outlines 2026 projects including athletic center, trails and major paving
In a mayor's minute, Gadsden City Mayor Craig Ford reviewed 2025 accomplishments and announced planned 2026 projects: a bonded athletic complex, trail and boardwalk expansions with federal grant support, commercial developments, park and pool bids, and prioritized street paving.
citizenportal.ai
January 13, 2026 at 8:47 PM
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Gadsden City Council just passed a bold new zoning ordinance, modernizing decades-old regulations to align with the community's vision!

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Gadsden council adopts comprehensive zoning ordinance updating decades-old code
The Gadsden City Council adopted an ordinance repealing city code chapter 130 and replacing it with comprehensive zoning regulations tied to the city master plan after a roughly two-year review; council members said existing variance and rezoning processes remain available.
citizenportal.ai
January 8, 2026 at 12:15 PM
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Gadsden's digital city hall is at risk of becoming inaccessible, and local tech expert John Burnett warns that action is crucial to avoid costly compliance issues and ensure everyone can engage with their city services.

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Local technologist warns Gadsden of looming web‑accessibility deadline, urges city action
John Burnett told the Gadsden City Council digital services must meet WCAG standards and warned of Department of Justice enforcement timelines for larger cities; he urged an inventory of city web pages, contracting accessibility requirements, and a centralized design language to reduce future costs and litigation risk.
citizenportal.ai
January 8, 2026 at 12:13 PM
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Gadsden City Council's narrow vote to expand the construction-and-demolition landfill has ignited fierce debate over health risks and neighborhood impacts.

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Gadsden council approves expansion of C&D landfill after heated debate, 4–3
The Gadsden City Council voted 4–3 to adopt a resolution expanding the service area for the city'owned construction-and-demolition landfill, ending weeks of public comment and sparking councilwide debate over health risks, buffers and racial optics.
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December 25, 2025 at 10:13 AM
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Mayor Craig Ford praised the heroic efforts of volunteer firefighters who saved the old Goodyear plant from a devastating fire while warning residents against believing social media rumors about its cause.

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Gadsden mayor credits volunteer firefighters after plant fire, warns against social-media rumors
Mayor Craig Ford said a fire at the former Goodyear plant, now occupied by Tachyon/Phoenix Industries, was contained by volunteer departments and mutual aid; he cautioned residents not to trust social-media speculation (including arson claims) and urged people to seek verified updates from the mayor's office.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 12:39 AM
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Gadsden residents are raising their voices against a proposed landfill expansion, fearing it could threaten their health, property values, and quality of life.

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Gadsden Council Hears Strong Local Opposition to Proposed C&D Landfill Expansion; Vote Tabled
Residents from the Green Pastures area urged the council to deny a proposed expansion of the citys construction-and-demolition (C&D) landfill, citing health, property-value and environmental-justice concerns; an engineering consultant said the design follows ADEM criteria and the council voted to table action until next week so more public comments can be reviewed.
citizenportal.ai
December 16, 2025 at 5:42 PM
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Gadsden City is set to unveil Alabama’s largest Christmas tree at Riverside Park on Nov. 26, complete with a spectacular lighting ceremony and exciting new holiday attractions!

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#GadsdenCityEtowahCounty #AL #PublicParticipation #GadsdenCity #HolidayCelebrations
Gadsden City organizers say they'll unveil Alabama’s largest Christmas tree at Riverside Park on Nov. 26
Organizers for Gadsden City’s Christmas on the Coosa announced a plan to install what they described as the state’s largest Christmas tree at Riverside Park, alongside an upgraded frozen rink with a Zamboni and a new 'bumper cars on ice' attraction; the event is scheduled for Nov. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 6:42 AM
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Gadsden City Council is making a splash by securing a $4.5 million HUD loan to build a long-awaited outdoor pool, revitalizing community recreation for the youth!

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Gadsden council authorizes $4.5 million HUD Section 108 loan application for East Gadsden pool
Council voted to submit a Section 108 loan application to HUD for $4,501,000 to build an outdoor pool at the East Gadsden Community Center, to be repaid from future annual CDBG allocations for up to 20 years; councilmembers framed the loan as a way to lock 2026 construction costs and serve East Gadsden youth.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 11:04 PM
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The Gadsden City Council made bold moves by rezoning key properties, revising hiring policies, and approving crucial funding for local projects—all in a single meeting!

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Gadsden City Council approves two rezoning ordinances, hires-policy change, museum repairs and other measures
At its Nov. 4 meeting the Gadsden City Council adopted two rezoning ordinances, a resolution shortening the rehiring wait after a substance-abuse policy violation, awarded a contract for museum structural repairs, authorized an ALDOT grant application for a Highway 431/College Parkway project, and approved raising the city's capital-asset threshold
citizenportal.ai
November 9, 2025 at 11:04 PM
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Mayor Ford announced a major drug bust in Gadsden, with nearly 100 pounds of marijuana seized and arrests in progress—what's next for the task force?

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Gadsden mayor says drug task force seized nearly 100 pounds of marijuana; arrests underway
Mayor Ford told the Gadsden City Council that the city's drug task force seized nearly 100 pounds of marijuana with a street value of about $115,000 and that arrests and follow-up leads were in progress.
citizenportal.ai
November 9, 2025 at 11:02 PM
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Gadsden is on the brink of transformation as Mayor Craig Ford announces progress on major bond projects, including a new reverse osmosis water plant and the much-anticipated Gadsden Athletic Center!

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#GadsdenCityEtowahCounty #AL #WaterSustainability #GadsdenCity #CommunityGrowth
Gadsden advances bond projects, athletic center and water plant as growth accelerates
Mayor Craig Ford said Gadsden City’s voter-backed bond program is nearly administratively complete and projects drawn from the city’s Grow master plan are moving into architectural and engineering work. He said the water board is building a reverse osmosis plant, bids for the Gadsden Athletic Center demolition and construction are complete, and the
citizenportal.ai
October 31, 2025 at 1:23 AM
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The Gadsden City Council made significant strides by approving a key street design amendment and securing a consultant for the new Athletic Center, all while appointing fresh faces to vital local boards.

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Gadsden City Council approves street design amendment, athletic center consultant contract, airport authority appointment and historic board reappointments
At its meeting the Gadsden City Council adopted multiple resolutions: an amendment to the South Eleventh Street design contract with 3 Notch Group; an agreement with Sports Facilities Development LLC for services related to the Gadsden Athletic Center; appointment of Tina Gregersen to the Gadsden Airport Authority; and reappointments to theHistoric
citizenportal.ai
October 26, 2025 at 1:24 PM
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The Gadsden City Council just approved a major bridge replacement project and a series of initiatives that could reshape local services and dining!

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#GadsdenCityEtowahCounty #AL #PublicSafety #CommunityEngagement #GadsdenCity #InfrastructureDevelopment
Gadsden City Council adopts bridge agreement, 911 transition bonus, liquor license and REPT renewal
On Oct. 21 the Gadsden City Council approved a package of resolutions and agreements including an Alabama Department of Transportation bridge project for Hickory Street, a transition bonus for dispatchers moving to Etowah County 911, acceptance of a $3,000 traffic-control grant, an alcoholic-beverage license for a new restaurant, and renewal of a $
citizenportal.ai
October 25, 2025 at 5:26 AM
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Gadsden City Council is making waves with a $2.3 million revamp of the city hall and a new park dedication, all while prioritizing safer streets!

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Gadsden City Council Adopts Budget Amendments and Truck Route Ordinance
Council adopts budget amendments for city hall and park improvements while revising truck routes.
citizenportal.ai
August 3, 2025 at 3:42 AM
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Mayor Ford's recent council meeting celebrated the success of the "Tacos and Tequila" event, which not only thrilled attendees with a salsa contest but also raised vital funds for local charities!

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Mayor Ford Celebrates Tacos and Tequila Event with Charity Donations in Gadsden
Mayor Ford acknowledges Tacos and Tequila event success and donates to local charities.
citizenportal.ai
August 3, 2025 at 3:41 AM
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The Gadsden City Council just approved a $125,000 grant to revamp the Mortglosser Amphitheater, paving the way for exciting community events while enhancing local infrastructure!

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Gadsden City Council Approves Key Resolutions and Appointments During Meeting
Council adopts resolutions for board appointments and budgets during Gadsden city council meeting.
citizenportal.ai
July 20, 2025 at 8:05 PM
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Gadsden City Council is set to transform the community with a bold $115 million investment in infrastructure and services, paving the way for a vibrant future!

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#GadsdenCityEtowahCounty #AL #PublicServices #InfrastructureImprovement #GadsdenCity #CommunityGrowth
Gadsden City Council approves $115M debt resolution for capital improvements
Council authorizes mayor to negotiate $115M in debt for infrastructure and community projects.
citizenportal.ai
July 20, 2025 at 8:04 PM
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The Gadsden City Council just approved a liquor license for Moe's Original Barbecue and awarded crucial bids for traffic signs—what does this mean for local services?

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Gadsden City Council approves liquor license for Moe's Barbecue and traffic sign bids
Council ratifies payment and approves liquor license and traffic sign resolutions.
citizenportal.ai
July 12, 2025 at 4:04 AM
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The Gadsden Public Library is revolutionizing access to literature with its new Lib Cabinet, a vending machine that brings books and movies right to your neighborhood!

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#GadsdenCityEtowahCounty #AL #CommunityOutreach #LiteracyInitiatives #YouthEngagement #GadsdenLibrary
Gadsden Public Library launches Lib Cabinet outreach at Carver Community Center
Library introduces innovative vending machines to provide books and movies to local residents.
citizenportal.ai
July 10, 2025 at 5:10 PM