MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Friday, Mayor Steven L. Reed and the Black Economic Alliance (BEA) Foundation convened national and local for the “Architects of Change” Salon as part of an initiative to expand resources and economic prosperity across the black community.

The Foundation says it is partnering with mayors across the country to find ways to advance work, wages and wealth.

Chief Executive Officer Samantha Tweedy says doing so will help grow the entire U.S. economy.

“Like BEA Foundation, Mayor Reed is in the solutions business,” Tweedy said. “By leveraging BEA Foundation’s data-driven solutions and unmatched network of business and philanthropic leaders, we are working together to drive investment in leading solutions to expand economic opportunity in Montgomery and share with other cities around the country.”

This was the second event in BEA Foundation’s Architects of Change Salon Series, which kicked off in Cleveland in April.

“Montgomery’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and bold transformation, and today’s ‘Architects of Change’ Salon was another step in that journey,” said Mayor Reed.

A key topic of discussion was how leaders across the various sectors in the U.S. can support and invest in critical projects to create more affordable housing and revitalize Montgomery neighborhoods.

“We are proud to partner with the Black Economic Alliance Foundation to bring together some of the nation’s foremost leaders to chart a path forward for Black prosperity that uplifts our entire city,” Reed said. “From affordable housing to entrepreneurship, we are investing in ideas and initiatives to ensure Montgomery is not only a hub of history, but a model for inclusive economic growth in the 21st century.”

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