By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
Ozark City Councilman Bryan Macario joined municipal leaders from across the state this week during the Alabama League of Municipalities convention in Montgomery, where he participated in workshops, webinars, and roundtable discussions focused on strengthening local communities and improving city government.
The conference, hosted annually by the Alabama League of Municipalities (ALM), provides training and continuing education opportunities for elected officials across Alabama. The organization’s Certified Municipal Official program, first established in 1994, offers municipal leaders training in governance, leadership, civic engagement, and public service. The program has since expanded into advanced and emeritus levels for officials continuing their education and professional development.
Macario said one of the highlights of the week was attending the League’s “Live Locally Alabama” webinar, which focused on civic engagement and community involvement.
“It was a great opportunity to learn more about how we can encourage people to stay informed, support local businesses, and take pride in our community here in Ozark,” Macario said. “I’m always looking for ways to grow as a councilman and bring back ideas that can help move our city forward. Grateful for opportunities like this to continue learning and serving our community better.”
Throughout the convention, Macario attended workshops and networking events with city officials from communities similar in size to Ozark. He also met with vendors and organizations that work alongside municipalities on infrastructure, planning, and community projects.
“Spent the day at events and workshops, met vendors who work closely with cities on all kinds of projects, and learned a lot along the way,” Macario said during the second day of the convention. “Feeling even more motivated and ready to keep it going.”
On the final day of the conference, Macario participated in roundtable discussions with mayors and council members from across Alabama, focusing on challenges and opportunities facing cities of comparable population sizes.
“Day 3 marked the final day of the Alabama League of Municipalities Convention,” Macario said. “Grateful for the mayors and council members from across the state I had the chance to meet and connect with. Looking forward to seeing how these relationships grow over the next four years.”
Following the convention, Macario also attended the ALM’s second “Live Locally Alabama” webinar, where city leaders discussed additional ideas aimed at increasing civic participation and strengthening connections between residents and local government.
“Today I attended the Alabama League of Municipalities’ second ‘Live Locally Alabama’ webinar to hear new ideas on civic engagement, community involvement, and ways cities can better connect with their residents,” Macario said. “It was a great opportunity to learn more about how we can encourage people to stay informed, support local businesses, and take pride in our community here in Ozark.”
Macario said the experience provided valuable insight into new ideas and strategies that could benefit Ozark as city leaders continue working to improve services, strengthen community engagement, and support local growth.
