As part of the Mobile Chamber’s 2025 Election Guide, we invited each candidate running for Mobile City Council and mayor of Mobile to respond to a series of questions to help inform our members and the public ahead of the August 26 municipal election. 

The Mobile Chamber’s 2025 Election Guide is a nonpartisan resource focused exclusively on the mayoral and city council races that will shape the future of Mobile. These local leaders are instrumental in setting policies that impact economic development, infrastructure, public safety and overall quality of life.

While the Chamber does not endorse candidates, our goal is to provide voters with clear, factual information about those seeking public office, especially those committed to job creation, workforce development and fostering a strong, pro-business climate.

We encourage every voter to be informed and engaged. Your voice and your vote are vital to shaping Mobile’s future.

Meet the Candidates from each district for Mobile City Council:

District 1 | District 2 | District 3 | District 4 | District 5 | District 6 | District 7

Meet the Mayoral Candidates:

Spiro Cheriogotis | Barbara Drummond | Connie Hudson | Paul Prine

The responses from the mayoral candidate are printed in their entirety and have not been edited.

Candidate’s Full Name

Connie Hudson

Campaign Website/Social Media:

https://www.voteconnie.com/

Facebook: VoteConnieHudson

Current Occupation:

Mobile County Commission,  District 2

Previous Public Offices Held (if any):

Why are you running for Mayor of Mobile? What are your top three priorities if elected?

I am running for Mayor of Mobile because my twenty-four years of experience in local government, my strong management skills, my ability to collaborate and build consensus, and my proven track record of accomplishing goals are the leadership characteristics Mobile needs to address challenges and improve the quality of life and the future for all Mobilians.

Top three priorities:

• Improve Public Safety with more police visibility and dedicated patrols in neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces throughout the city.
• Infrastructure-Complete major capital projects currently underway, and address sidewalks, streets, and storm sewer replacements and repairs.
• Continue the focus on job creation, retention and workforce training

What is your long-term vision for Mobile’s economic growth and how will you work with the Chamber and private sector to achieve it?

My vision is for Mobile to achieve sustained economic growth while also retaining and expanding our population to support a well-trained, job-ready workforce. To realize this vision, we must improve housing availability, modernize aging infrastructure, enhance neighborhood safety, eliminate blight, and invest in the overall appearance of our city. A cleaner, safer, and more livable Mobile will not only attract new residents and businesses, but it will also inspire pride and opportunity for those who already call it home.

How will you support economic development initiatives that attract and retain businesses in Mobile?

Throughout my twenty-for years of public service, I have consistently supported economic development efforts in Mobile and worked cohesively with the Mobile Chamber to recruit new industries and create jobs for our community. During my tenure as a Mobile City Councilmember and a Mobile County Commissioner, I was a lead negotiator involved in the recruitment of global industries including Airbus, Austal USA, Thyssen-Krupp (AM/NS Calvert), and Outokumpu as well as warehousing and distribution centers like the South Alabama Logistics Park, the Walmart Distribution Center and Amazon Sortation Center.

Building on my experience as a County Commissioner, I will ensure that the City of Mobile remains a strong and reliable partner in regional economic development by securing funding, championing strategic investments, and actively promoting Mobile as a premier destination for business, locally, nationally, and globally. I will also work to strengthen Team Mobile’s unified approach ton economic growth through collaboration, coordination, and a shared vision for success.

What is your strategy for supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship, particularly those owned by women, veterans, and minorities?

I will pursue a multi-faceted strategy to support businesses owned by women, veterans, and minorities focused on expanding access to capital, resources, and mentorship opportunities. Additionally, I will work with partners such as the Downtown Mobile Alliance, the Mobile Chamber, the Innovation Portal, and others to build a strong network of entrepreneurs. This includes promoting “Buy Local” initiatives, providing cooperative marketing and advertising opportunities, and fostering an inclusive ecosystem where small businesses can start, grow and thrive.

How do you propose to streamline or improve permitting, licensing, and other city processes that affect business operations?

My administration will conduct a comprehensive review of the permitting and licensing process to eliminate inefficiencies and improve existing technologies to create a customer-service-oriented culture.

What role should the Mayor’s office play in working with major industry sectors such as aerospace, maritime, manufacturing, logistics, and technology?

The Mayor’s Office should serve as a catalyst for collaboration between local government and key industry sectors such as aerospace, maritime, manufacturing, logistics, and technology to drive economic development, innovation, and strategic public-private partnerships. This means actively representing the City’s interests, advocating for critical resources, and ensuring that municipal policies are aligned with the evolving needs of the business community to support long-term growth and competitiveness.

How will your administration support workforce development and ensure Mobile’s talent pipeline meets the needs of employers?

My administration will align Mobile’s talent pipelines with the needs of local employers by fostering strong partnerships, investing in workforce training and education, and ensuring equitable access to career opportunities. We will work collaboratively with local businesses, Bishop State, the University of South Alabama, Spring Hill College, the University of Mobile, and community organizations to identify skill gaps, develop targeted training programs, and promote career pathways that will prepare residents for high-demand, high-quality jobs. Our goal is to create a workforce that drives economic growth and provides meaningful opportunities for all Mobilians.

How do you plan to collaborate with K-12 education, community colleges and universities to align education with business needs?

My administration will partner with the Mobile County Public School System, USA, Spring Hill College, Bishop State, UM, and other higher-ed institutions to align curriculum and employer needs. We will launch an industry Advisory Council to ensure skill development matches job demand.

Infrastructure improvement is critical for business growth. What are your top 3 infrastructure priorities for Mobile, and how do they support economic development?

Infrastructure priorities:

• The City’s major capital infrastructure projects currently under construction or in planning and design are priorities to be completed. These include:

The new Civic Center Arena, Brookley by the Bay, The Three Mile Creek Greenway Project, a new animal shelter and collaborative partnerships in support of the Mobile International Airport, the I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project, Riverwalk Plaza and Hotel, Africatown Redevelopment, the Mobile County Sportsplex, a performing arts theatre, and affordable housing development and revitalization

• Address repairs and improvements to roads, sidewalks, and drainage infrastructure
• Revitalization and expansion of parks, sports, and recreational facilities to include the Langan Park restoration project

These infrastructure improvement projects support economic development in Mobile by improving quality of life through safer roads and transportation, housing redevelopment and access to affordable housing, improved property values, more options for recreation, sports and entertainment, increased arts and cultural amenities, and improved waterfront access. These infrastructure initiatives will make our city a more attractive and desirable community for potential investors to live, work, and to raise their families.

Downtown Mobile is experiencing unprecedented momentum with transformative projects underway including the new Mobile Arena, Walk of Fame plaza, the Amtrak downtown station, the  I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project and the River Walk Plaza and Hotel. How would you build upon this momentum, and what is your vision for leveraging these investments to create a thriving downtown ecosystem that benefits the entire city?

First and foremost, the successful completion of these transformative projects is essential. That begins with securing all funding, and I am fully committed to pursuing the resources necessary to move each initiative across the finish line. To build on this momentum and ensure a thriving, cohesive downtown. I will convene a coalition of key stakeholders including the Mobile Chamber, the Downtown Mobile Alliance, local developers and property owners, Visit Mobile, and the Government Street Collaborative. Together, we will shape a bold, forward-looking vision for downtown Mobile that supports economic growth and tourism, and long-term community vitality.

What is your position on the I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project, and how will you work to ensure it moves forward efficiently?

The Mobile Bridge and Bayway Project is critical for the movement of commerce in Mobile, the region, state, and our nation. Without this project, the impact on our port operations, including the Container Terminal, could be severe, threatening efficiency, growth, and long-term competitiveness. The offloading and distribution of cargo at and around the Port of Mobile depends heavily on I-10 as a primary trucking corridor for moving goods and services. Disruptions or delays in mobility along this route directly affect our local industry base, particularly when a significant portion of the workforce cannot efficiently commute between Mobile and Baldwin Counties. Timely construction and completion of the Bridge and Bayway are essential to sustaining the Port’s operations and supporting the broader economic success of our region and its citizens.

Three Mile Creek, Brookley by the Bay, and a new performing arts theater represent significant opportunities to enhance Mobile’s quality of life and economic development. As mayor, would you prioritize these initiatives, and what specific actions would you take to ensure their integration into Mobile’s broader growth strategy?

These projects are all equally important and collectively represent transformative opportunities for Mobile’s future.

• Three Mile Creek flows through various neighborhoods of west Mobile, Spring Hill, Crichton, Midtown, Toulminville, and the historic MLK communities. Revitalizing this corridor will breathe new life into these areas by creating safe, healthy, and accessible outdoor recreational spaces that improve quality of life and community connectivity.
• The Brookley by the Bay Project will reconnect our citizens to Mobile Bay’s waterfront and natural ecosystem. By lining with existing and planned greenways like Broad Street, the Crepe Myrtle Trail, and the Mobile County Blueway, it will create a seamless network of open space between downtown and communities along Dog River.
• A new performing arts theater, while not yet funded, is an essential piece of our cultural infrastructure. I fully support this project as a critical investment in Mobile’s arts community and as a key driver of downtown vibrancy and quality of life.

If we as a community expect to cultivate a thriving quality of life in the City of Mobile, we must make meaningful investments in the cultural infrastructure that sustains and enriches it. Supporting the arts, public spaces, and community institutions are essential to creating a vibrant, inclusive city where people want to live, work, and visit.

Small businesses represent the backbone of our economy. What specific policies would you implement to support small business formation and growth in Mobile?

To support small business formation, my administration will focus on simplifying the regulatory environment, expanding access to capital, and investing in education and training for aspiring entrepreneurs. I am committed to streamlining the City’s permitting processes, broadening access to grants and low-interest loans, and offering targeted incentives for businesses that address critical community needs. I will also work closely with the Chamber and other business organizations to strengthen and expand business incubation programs that nurture innovation and local talent.

What is your approach to new and affordable housing in Mobile, and will you support policies that encourage diverse housing options to meet the needs of the workforce and growing population?

The lack of attainable housing is one of the primary barriers to Mobile’s population growth and economic competitiveness. I plan to implement bold and innovative strategies to address Mobile’s housing challenges. This includes offering targeted incentives to encourage private investment in the development of much-needed housing. While these measures may not represent a solution, they can help bridge the current gap as we pursue more comprehensive, long-term plans. I will also partner with local developers to revitalize existing neighborhoods and expand diverse housing options across the city.

How will your administration improve public safety and how do you see its connection to economic growth and talent retention?

Retaining talent and attracting new residents and businesses depends on one fundamental priority – public safety. People and families must feel safe, or they will choose to leave or never come at all. My administration will ensure strong leadership at the helm of our public safety efforts, and we will prioritize hiring additional public safety personnel to address current staffing shortages. I will work closely with our Public Safety Department to increase police presence in neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas reinforcing both real and perceived safety across the city.

What specific strategies will you implement to enhance Mobile’s quality of life to attract businesses, workers and visitors?

• The foundation of any community’s quality of life is safety for all residents and guests. My administration will address both the perception and the reality of public safety in Mobile by hiring and training adequate police personnel to address staffing needs and increasing police visibility in neighborhoods and public areas throughout the city. People must feel secure in Mobile, or they will choose to live and work elsewhere.
• I will work closely with our Mobile County Public Schools to ensure that every school has resource officers available to help protect our students and staff. This commitment to school safety will send a clear message to current and prospective residents that Mobile is a community that prioritizes the well-being of its children and families.
• Mobile must do better when it comes to cleanliness and appearance – our city should reflect the pride we have in it. I am committed to ensuring that our streets are clean and well maintained, with a particular focus on high-traffic and tourist areas. The city will lead by example, and I will reestablish a collaborative partnerships with Keep Mobile Beautiful and Love Your Community to foster community involvement in beautification efforts.
• I will also implement a coordinated strategy to address panhandling in our business districts, while also working closely with faith-based and non-profit organizations to provide meaningful support and services to our homeless population. This issue requires a compassionate but comprehensive approach, one that balances enforcement with outreach and ensures stakeholders are working toward a unified goal of dignity, order, and opportunity for all residents.

What steps will you take to ensure transparency, efficiency and accountability in city government operations?

To ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability in city government, I will implement performance-based budgeting, launch a user friendly transparency portal for public access to city data and expenditures, and require regular departmental reporting tied to measurable outcomes. I will also strengthen internal audits, streamline operations through technology, and foster a culture of responsiveness and ethical service across all departments. My goal is to build public trust through clear communication, fiscal responsibility, and results-driven leadership.

How will you promote collaboration between the City of Mobile and surrounding municipalities, counties and regional organizations?

My office will strengthen collaboration with neighboring municipalities, counties, and regional organizations by hosting regularly scheduled meetings focused on shared priorities and regional challenges. Constructive dialogue will enhance our collective ability to respond quickly to emerging issues and develop coordinated solutions to long-standing concerns affecting the entire Gulf Coast. Consistent collaboration will make our region more resilient, competitive, and united in purpose.

How do you plan to maintain an open line of communication and cooperation with the Mobile Chamber and the broader business community?

To maintain open consistent communication with the Mobile Chamber and broader business community, I will hold regular meetings with key Chamber leadership. These meetings will ensure that the city’s policies and initiatives remain aligned with the needs of our local economy. I also plan to engage with business leaders through roundtables, industry forums, and open-door sessions to foster collaboration, transparency, and a shared vision for Mobile’s growth.

If elected, will you commit to regular dialogue with business leaders and to participating in Chamber-led initiatives and advocacy efforts?

Absolutely. For twenty-four years as a Mobile City Councilmember and as a Mobile County Commissioner, I have maintained a strong and consistent relationship with the Chamber and the business community. I have actively participated in Chamber meetings, Forums, served on Team Mobile, and participated in the Leader’s Exchange program and have supported the Chamber’s economic development initiatives. As Mayor, I will continue that commitment through regular engagement with business leaders and full participation in Chamber-led initiatives that drive Mobile’s economic success.

Looking ahead 10 years, what do you envision as Mobile’s signature industries and economic drivers, and what steps wold you take to position the city for success in these areas?

In ten years, I envision Mobile as a natural leader in maritime logistics, aerospace manufacturing, and advanced technology development. We will support this vision through targeted infrastructure investment, aggressive business recruitment strategies, and education-to-industry workforce alignment.

Is there anything else you would like Mobile’s business community to know about your candidacy or leadership philosophy?

Throughout my twenty-four years in public service, I ‘ve approached leadership with a deep commitment to collaboration, accountability, and results. I believe in listening first, acting strategically, and delivering on promises. My track record reflects a strong partnership with the business community – supporting job creation, championing infrastructure investment, and advancing policies that position Mobile for sustainable growth. As Mayor, I will bring that same level of dedication and responsiveness to city government, ensuring that Mobile remains a place where businesses can thrive, families want to live, and opportunity is within reach for all.

Mobile Chamber’s 2025 Election Guide: Mayoral and City Council Races

The Mobile Chamber’s 2025 Election Guide is a nonpartisan resource designed to help voters prepare for the upcoming August 26 municipal election. This guide focuses exclusively on the mayoral and city council races that will shape the future of Mobile.

View the Mobile Chamber’s 2025 Election Guide.

Click the name of the mayoral candidate to learn about their positions and priorities:

Spiro Cheriogotis | Barbara Drummond | Connie Hudson | Paul Prine

Click the district to view the candidates for Mobile City Council to learn their positions and priorities:

District 1 | District 2 | District 3 | District 4 | District 5 | District 6 | District 7