City of Mobile District 2 met for its community meeting Thursday, August 13, 2026, where Councilwoman Samantha Ingram shared general district updates and updates on the Africatown Welcome Center.
Among general updates, Ingram discussed the current budget process, through which she has allocated about $1.4 million to drainage and walkability improvements.
Although, Ingram said, adding additional sidewalks won’t work for the community’s narrow streets, she shared her request for a study to address “walkability outside of the sidewalks.”
She continued encouraging audience members to complete the Drainage and Sidewalk survey she will share in her district newsletter.
Attendees were also reminded of the “Pay As You Go” referendum they can expect to see on the November 3rd ballot, which would fund $82 million to an estimated 39 road improvement projects across 90 miles of roadway.
“Revitalization starts with infrastructure,” Ingram said. “So, make sure you’re out to vote [on] November 3rd.”
The meeting continued with updates on the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Initiative, through which five neighborhoods have been cleaned and 80 hygiene kits have been distributed to unhoused community members.
Regarding the Africatown Welcome Center, Ingram shared updates on the $2 million Requests for Qualifications, which will establish a pool of qualified vendors for the project.
Deputy Executive Director of Public Works and Senior Director of Parks and Recreation Shonnda Smith, who was also in attendance, added that the department does not currently have a plan for the center, as contract completion is underway for both the landscape architect and interior designer.
The department is currently interviewing for the Operations Manager position to bring on support for project planning.
Though contracts are still being discussed, the building is expected to be completed by October, with the center’s opening still planned for December.