City of Talladega Blog

(Talladega, AL) City Manager Derrick Swanson, Mayor Ashton Hall and Finance Director Shaneeka Phillips provided an update on city activities and plans during the State of the City Address at Talladega City Hall on March 5, 2025. 

In a presentation titled "Building our Boat: Leadership and Team Building," Swanson discussed the extensive weekly employee develop program he created.  

“Our weekly meetings ensure that directors fully comprehend policy and procedures; have a clear understanding of their goals; develop new leadership skills; and work together to provide outstanding service to our community," Swanson said.

Swanson believes well-trained employees with a sense of purpose and a commitment to excellence are better equipped to help the city realize its goal of enhancing the overall quality of life for Talladega residents.

Drawing from an array of proven leadership development methods, he includes interactive team building activities, analysis of diverse leadership philosophies and a wealth of practical advice on goal setting, productivity, and career advancement in his training sessions. 

During the State of the City Address, Mayor Ashton Hall showed off Talladega's new swag bag, discussed the Key to the City, and expressed his excitement about promoting Talladega at diverse events.  He also shared highlights from the annual Mayoral Scholarship Ball, which he created to raise funds for local students.

Phillips provided a financial update, and reported that the city has sustained a two-million-dollar surplus in the annual budget for the last two years.

Following the presentation, residents and community leaders expressed their excitement about the city's plan for growth and improvement.

 PHOTO: City Manager Derrick Swanson, Finance Director Shaneeka Phillips and Mayor Ashton Hall are pictured left to right at the State of the City Address.