Campaign Website:
https://www.voteconnie.com/
As part of PEP’s commitment to informed civic engagement, we invited City of Mobile mayoral candidates to share their positions on key issues impacting Mobile’s economy and environment. Below are Connie Hudson’s unedited responses, shared with PEP members, their employees, and the community.
Note: Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
PEP has supported environmentally responsible businesses for 25 years. In your view, is the Mobile community healthy environmentally? What specific environmental improvements or changes are still needed in the Mobile area? Which groups—such as government agencies, businesses, or community organizations—should take the lead in addressing these issues?
RESPONSE: Mobile’s environmental health reflects both meaningful progress and ongoing challenges. I have seen firsthand how collaborative efforts—like those with Partners for Environmental Progress (PEP)—have helped improve stormwater management, restore wetlands, and expand recycling in our community. My work as a county elected official has supported conservation and recycling, shoreline restoration and creation of saltmarsh habitats, stormwater management, water quality monitoring, securing grants for vital wetland restoration projects, land conservation, and education. While these initiatives have strengthened the protection of our natural resources throughout Mobile County, areas of our region remain especially vulnerable to pollution and flooding, reminding us that our work is unfinished.
To ensure a healthier future, we must continue to address several key issues. I have championed the modernization of our aging wastewater infrastructure, supported river cleanup campaigns and shoreline restoration projects, and advocated for the reduction of runoff into our waterways. I have also promoted resilience by supporting green infrastructure projects—like permeable pavements, supported the expansion of recycling programs through county-wide education campaigns and partnerships with local businesses and schools, and working with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, supported the preservation of conservation lands.
Real progress depends on strong partnerships among government agencies, environmental groups, businesses, community organizations, and residents. My office spearheaded the development of the County’s Love your Community litter abatement program working in conjunction with Keep Mobile Beautiful and the Coastal Alabama Partnership. By empowering residents through education, cleanups, and public engagement, I believe we can continue building a cleaner, safer, and more resilient Mobile for everyone.
Mobile Bay is one of our region’s most valuable natural and economic assets. How will your administration improve water quality, stormwater management, flood resilience, and habitat restoration, such as living shorelines and oyster reefs, while also supporting ongoing industrial and port development? What existing city efforts in this area would you continue, strengthen, or change?
RESPONSE: Mobile Bay is at the heart of our region’s environmental and economic vitality, and as mayor, I will ensure that our approach to its stewardship is both comprehensive and balanced. Improving water quality will begin with accelerating the modernization of the city’s wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. I am committed to upgrading aging sewer lines and treatment facilities, while also advocating for advance stormwater filtration in both new developments and retrofits. By expanding green infrastructure—such as bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable pavements—we can reduce pollutants and sedimentation before they reach the Bay, protecting its health for future generations.
As we address water quality, we must also strengthen our city’s ability to manage flooding. Flood resilience will be woven into all city planning and permitting, with a focus on mapping flood-prone areas and investing in natural solutions like wetland restoration and the preservation of floodplains. Projects that incorporate living shorelines will be prioritized, as these natural buffers absorb storm surge and reduce erosion, providing critical protection for both vulnerable neighborhoods and port infrastructure. Integrating climate resilience into industrial and port development will ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of our community’s safety or the Bay’s long-term health.
Habitat restoration is another pillar of my vision for Mobile Bay. My administration will support ongoing efforts to restore living shorelines and oyster reefs, leveraging state and federal grants and working closely with environmental organizations, and the port authority. Oyster reef restoration in particular has proven benefits for water quality and local fisheries. Public-private partnerships can be encouraged to accelerate these projects and ensure their long-term success.
Mobile’s port and industrial sectors are vital to our economy, and I believe that environmental stewardship and economic growth can and must go hand in hand. My administration will continue to collaborate with industry leaders on sustainability initiatives, such as reducing runoff, adopting clean technologies, and piloting zero-waste practices. We will encourage new developments to incorporate green infrastructure and habitat protection from the outset.
In moving forward, as Mayor, I will continue the city’s investment in green infrastructure, water quality monitoring, and partnerships with environmental organizations and the port authority. I will strengthen efforts by continuing support for living shoreline and oyster reef restoration, enhancing flood resilience planning, and increasing public engagement through transparent data sharing and education. By uniting city agencies, industry, scientists, and the broader community, we can ensure that Mobile Bay remains a vibrant, resilient asset—protecting our natural heritage while supporting sustainable economic growth.
PEP businesses have expressed a strong interest in better recycling options locally. How would you expand and modernize recycling access in a way that is financially sustainable and attractive to the business community?
RESPONSE: Expanding and modernizing recycling access in Mobile is both a pressing need and a tremendous opportunity for our business community. Drawing from my experience working alongside local partners and advocating for sustainable solutions, I believe we can build on the city’s recent momentum— such as the opening of single-stream recycling drop-off centers and the launch of innovative curbside programs—to create a system that is both financially sustainable and attractive to businesses. My approach would be to expand single-stream drop-off locations, partner with regional facilities to process a wider range of materials, and pilot business-focused recycling services that offer convenience and cost savings.
Within the first two years, I would prioritize securing additional grant funding and public-private partnerships to support infrastructure upgrades and education campaigns. This includes expanding access to free recycling bins, increasing the number of collection sites, and working with organizations like The Recycling Partnership to ensure ongoing support and technical expertise. To make recycling more attractive to businesses, I would consider introducing scalable, subscription-based curbside pickup options for commercial entities and explore incentives for companies that adopt zero-waste practices or invest in recycling innovation. By collaborating with regional hubs—such as the Mobile County Recycling Center, we can achieve economies of scale that lower costs for everyone and allow Mobile to process more types of recyclables, including hard-to-recycle materials.
With a committed, phased approach, Mobile can become a regional leader in recycling within the next five years. By bringing together city agencies, local businesses, and community partners, we can create a modern recycling system that not only meets the needs of PEP businesses but also strengthens our local economy and protects our environment for the future.
What specific measures would you take to reduce litter, marine debris, and landfill waste in Mobile? How would you expand and modernize recycling access in a financially sustainable way, and how would you engage the public? What programs from the current administration would you retain or revise?
RESPONSE: Reducing litter, marine debris, and landfill waste in Mobile requires a comprehensive approach that combines community action, stronger partnerships, and smarter infrastructure. I would expand successful initiatives like the Love Your Community program and Cleaner, Greener LoDa Mardi Gras initiative empowering neighborhoods and volunteers to lead regular cleanups and providing them with the tools and support they need. Working closely with organizations such as Keep Mobile Beautiful, Mobile Baykeeper, and Dog River Clearwater Revival, I would target marine debris by deploying litter barriers during high-traffic events and increasing recycling bins in public spaces, especially during Mardi Gras and other festivals. Additionally, I would support efforts to promote recycling electronics through partnerships with local businesses.
Modernizing recycling access is essential for both environmental and economic reasons. I will continue the city’s recent expansion of single-stream recycling centers and work to add more drop-off locations in underserved areas. Leveraging grants and regional partnerships, particularly with the Mobile County Recycling Center and the new advanced Materials Recovery Facility in Baldwin County, will help us process a wider range of recyclables and keep costs manageable. I also support expanding the curbside recycling pilot—including glass and electronics collection—and introducing scalable, subscription-based options for businesses and multi-family residences to make recycling more accessible and attractive.
Public engagement is at the heart of lasting change. My administration will build on the city’s “Litter-Free Mobile” campaign and recycling education efforts to ensure residents understand what can be recycled and the impact of their choices. Programs that combine social impact with environmental progress, like employing members of the unhoused community in litter abatement and recycling through organizations like Ransom Ministries, will be expanded. I will also increase opportunities for schools, faith groups, and neighborhood associations to participate in cleanups, recycling drives, and creative public art projects that raise awareness about litter and marine debris.
Quality of life is a key criteria for talent attraction and that includes outdoor recreation. How will you support the development and maintenance of green spaces, trails, blue-ways, and sustainable zoning practices to improve quality of life and encourage economic growth? Which current and/or new initiatives or planning efforts would you continue or adjust?
RESPONSE: Quality of life in Mobile is closely tied to our green spaces, trails, blue-ways, and sustainable planning. As someone who has long advocated for outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship, I am committed to ensuring that all residents and visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities our city offers. Building on Mobile’s progress—like the Three Mile Creek Greenway Trail and the city’s expanding Greenway Initiative—I will push for completion of these networks, ensuring new trailheads, bike lanes, and pedestrian bridges are accessible and well maintained. Projects like Brookley by the Bay and the Government Plaza Pocket Park, also show how we can transform underused spaces into vibrant community hubs.
I strongly support the continued development of blue-ways, including the Africatown Connections Blueway and the county-wide Blueway Master Plan, which opens up our waterways for kayaking, paddling, and eco- tourism while highlighting Mobile’s unique history and ecology. These efforts not only promote recreation but also drive tourism and support local businesses.
Sustainable zoning is critical for lasting quality of life and environmental health. I will continue to support the protection of green spaces, mixed-use growth, and preserving neighborhood character. Moving forward, my office will support partnerships for greenway and blue-way projects, prioritize the maintenance and enhancement of parks with new amenities, and strengthen public engagement to ensure community voices shape future investments. By building on these initiatives and introducing new partnerships, we can make Mobile a leader in outdoor recreation, attract top talent, and create a healthier, more vibrant city for all.
What is your strategy for ensuring that Mobile remains both economically competitive and environmentally resilient amid climate-related challenges, including extreme weather and sea level rise? How would you support energy efficiency and renewable energy investment? What current or new climate or energy initiatives will you continue or implement?
RESPONSE: Mobile’s future depends on our ability to balance economic competitiveness with environmental resilience, especially as we face more frequent extreme weather and rising sea levels. My strategy is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to Mobile’s regional leadership in both climate adaptation and economic opportunity.
I will build on the city’s new resilience plan, which sets a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening infrastructure, safeguarding natural resources, and supporting economic development in the face of climate change. This means accelerating upgrades to our stormwater and wastewater systems, expanding green infrastructure like rain gardens and permeable pavements, and integrating resilience into every aspect of city planning—from zoning to permitting new developments. I will ensure that flood-prone areas receive priority investments and that living shorelines and wetland restoration projects are expanded to protect our coastlines and communities.
To keep Mobile economically competitive, I will work closely with local businesses and industry to support innovation and job growth in climate-resilient sectors. This includes championing public-private partnerships to attract new climate-smart industries and ensure that our workforce is trained for the jobs of the future.
Supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy is central to my vision. I will continue the city’s energy efficiency and conservation strategies and encourage local businesses and homeowners to upgrade to more efficient systems including the installation of solar or renewable energy technologies. I will also advocate for expanded electric vehicle charging infrastructure and work with state and federal partners to position Mobile at the forefront of the clean energy transition.
Key initiatives I will continue or implement include:
By weaving resilience and sustainability into every decision, and by working hand-in-hand with business, community, and scientific partners, I am confident that Mobile can thrive economically while leading the way in climate adaptation and clean energy innovation. These efforts will not only protect our city from future climate risks but also create new opportunities for growth, jobs, and a healthier environment for all.
Businesses and industry are challenged with recruiting and retaining workers wh have the appropriate amount of training and experience. What will you do as mayor to both train locally and attract work force from other regions?
RESPONSE: As mayor, I will make workforce development a top priority by building on Mobile’s strengths and introducing new strategies to ensure our businesses and industries have access to a highly skilled, reliable workforce.
Mobile already has a strong foundation with programs like AIDT, Bishop State Community College, and Coastal Alabama Community College, which offer industry-specific training, apprenticeships, and advanced manufacturing facilities tailored to local employer needs. My administration will support partnerships between these institutions, K-12 schools, and employers to create clear career pathways, including more dual-enrollment and internship opportunities for high school students. By working closely with the Mobile Area Workforce Alliance and the Chamber of Commerce, we can ensure our training programs are aligned with the rapidly changing needs of sectors like aviation, shipbuilding, logistics, and healthcare.
To attract and retain talent from other regions, I will promote Mobile as a destination for skilled workers by highlighting our region’s economic growth, quality of life, and competitive wages. I will support targeted recruitment campaigns focused on young professionals, military veterans, and workers in high-demand fields. Additionally, I will advocate for incentives to include relocation assistance and streamlined credential recognition for newcomers. To address barriers to employment, my administration will support transportation solutions like on-demand micro transit and wraparound support services to help new and existing residents access training and job opportunities.
Please share any other environmental, economic, or quality-of-life priorities not covered above.
RESPONSE: In addition to the priorities already discussed, I am deeply committed to strengthening community connectivity and inclusion by expanding public transportation, supporting affordable housing in resilient neighborhoods, and ensuring equitable access to city resources. I believe that investing in education and workforce development—through stronger partnerships with schools, colleges, and local training programs—will prepare our residents for the jobs of tomorrow and foster lifelong learning. Public health and wellbeing are also central to my vision, which is why I will continue to improve access to parks, recreation centers, and wellness initiatives, while addressing environmental justice in neighborhoods most affected by pollution or lacking green space.
Beautification and civic pride are essential for a vibrant city, so I plan to launch citywide beautification campaigns, support neighborhood revitalization, and expand successful litter prevention programs. Economic diversification remains a priority; I will encourage entrepreneurialism, the growth of technology, healthcare, and creative industries, as well as support small businesses and sustainable tourism. Finally, I am dedicated to civic engagement and transparency, increasing opportunities for public input and making city data more accessible. By advancing these additional priorities, we can ensure Mobile grows as a city where every resident enjoys opportunity, health, and a strong sense of community.
Note: Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.