Montgomery leaders take part in Bloomberg program for economic development

City leaders from Montgomery have joined the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard’s Leading Economic Development in Cities program. 

The program is spearheaded by the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative in collaboration with the Growth Lab at Harvard Kennedy School and aims to provide municipal leaders "responsible for economic development policies and programs with the tools, knowledge, and network needed to drive growth," said a press release from the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.

Officials from Montgomery include:

• Jerime Reid, City of Montgomery, Chief of Staff
• Frank Robinson, City of Montgomery, Director of Economic Development
• Stacia Robinson, Montgomery Chamber 2025 Board Chairman
• Sheron Rose, Montgomery Chamber Executive Vice President, Governmental Affairs
• Ron Simmons, Experience Montgomery Chief Destination Officer

“We are thrilled that Montgomery officials are working with the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University to explore innovative approaches and strategies that can help further economic growth, foster inclusivity, and strengthen our community," said Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed.

"We have long benefited from our participation in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, and alongside their experts and those from the Growth Lab at the Harvard Kennedy School, we look forward to putting to work the insights and ideas our officials will bring home to our city, emerging from this collaboration with leading experts and peer cities.” 

It is hoped that the program will help in expanding tourism, supporting local businesses, strengthening the city's logistics hub, and advancing technological innovation and cybersecurity.