Michael B. French
FOR MAYOR
Turning the Page: Michael's Vision for Building the Future of Leeds
These initiatives reflect a vision for a better Leeds—one step at a time. While each project takes time and funding to bring to life, without a clear vision, progress never begins. This is where it starts. From revitalizing parks and sports facilities to creating new civic spaces, improving public services, and promoting community engagement, each initiative reflects my commitment to building a brighter, more connected future. Explore the vision, purpose, and impact behind these efforts as we work together to create the Leeds we all believe in.
Leeds FastTrack Permitting & Plan Review Initiative
Clearing the Way for Progress—One Permit at a Time.
As a candidate for mayor of Leeds, I’m committed to making our city more efficient, business-friendly, and responsive to the needs of our residents and developers. That’s why I’m proposing the Leeds FastTrack Permitting & Plan Review Initiative—a commonsense solution to reduce unnecessary delays and promote responsible growth.
At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to efficiency and accountability within the city's permitting system. Under the FastTrack policy:
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Building permits will be automatically approved by default if not issued within 5 business days of a completed application submission.
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Plan reviews will be considered approved by default if not formally approved or denied within 15 business days of a complete submission.
This initiative will require city departments to adopt best practices in digital tracking, internal review deadlines, and customer communication while giving applicants peace of mind that their projects will not be held up by procedural bottlenecks.
This policy is about accountability and respect—respect for your time, your investment, and your vision for building in our community. By streamlining the process and setting clear deadlines, we can encourage progress without compromising safety or standards.
As mayor, I will work to ensure that Leeds becomes a place where development can move forward with clarity, confidence, and efficiency.
Leeds Civic Commons Initiative
Where Community, Commerce and Connection Come Together!
As a candidate for mayor of Leeds, I’m excited to propose the Leeds Civic Commons Initiative—a bold and practical plan to create a space where our community can come together, grow stronger, and enjoy more of what makes Leeds special. This initiative will transform a centrally located area of Leeds into a vibrant hub for health, commerce, and community connection.
This initiative calls for the development of a multi-function civic complex that will serve as a central hub for community activity. At the heart of the project is a covered pavilion that would allow us to expand the Leeds Farmers Market into a larger, year-round operation. By giving our local farmers and vendors a weather-protected space, we can support small businesses and offer families greater access to fresh, local goods in a welcoming environment.
In addition, I want this complex to include a modern event center—a flexible space where we can host everything from city events and cultural festivals to weddings, business expos, and community meetings. It’s about creating a place that brings people together and boosts our local economy at the same time.
Health and wellness matter too. That’s why I’m including plans for an indoor or covered walking track as part of this vision. It would provide a safe, accessible place for residents of all ages to stay active, no matter the weather.
The Leeds Civic Commons Initiative reflects my commitment to practical, people-first leadership. It’s a vision that honors our community values while building new opportunities for connection, commerce, and health right here in the heart of Leeds.
Leeds Gold Standard Initiative
Raising the Bar, One Smile at a Time.
As a candidate for mayor of Leeds, I believe that great cities are built on great service. That’s why I’m proposing an initiative I call Leeds Gold Standard—a program designed to boost the customer service experience for everyone who interacts with our city employees.
We all know how much first impressions matter. Whether you’re paying a utility bill, calling about a permit, or asking a question at City Hall, those moments of interaction shape how we feel about our local government. Leeds Gold Standard would empower residents, visitors, and businesses to rate their experience with city employees after every interaction—whether in person, online, or over the phone.
Feedback would be simple to give, using QR codes, online forms, or quick comment cards. Every employee would have the opportunity to be recognized for excellent service. Based on public ratings, a few top performers each month (January through November) would receive cash rewards and public recognition. Then, each December, the highest-rated employee of the year would be honored with a special year-end award and cash incentive. Leeds Gold Standard not only motivates continuous improvement in how employees serve the public, but also empowers residents to have a voice in shaping the city’s service culture.
This initiative isn’t just about recognition—it’s about accountability, consistency, and creating a city culture where every resident feels seen, heard, and respected. Leeds Gold Standard will set the tone for a city government that leads with professionalism, kindness, and pride in serving others.
Together, we can raise the bar for public service in Leeds—one smile at a time.
Leeds Listens Initiative
Because every voice in Leeds matters.
As a candidate for Mayor of Leeds, I believe leadership starts with listening. That’s why I’m proposing Leeds Listens—a simple, yet powerful initiative designed to open the lines of communication between city leadership and the people we serve. It’s time for every voice in Leeds to be heard, respected, and considered.
Under Leeds Listens, I plan to host a Monthly Mayor’s Meetup—a come-as-you-are coffee and snacks gathering held at rotating local restaurants or City Hall. These casual conversations will give anyone in our community the chance to hear updates, ask questions, and share what’s on their heart in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
In addition, I will implement a Mayor’s Open Door Hour every week—set office hours where no appointment is needed. Whether it’s a concern, an idea, or a conversation you’d like to have face-to-face, I want to make sure you have that opportunity.
To make communication even easier, I’ll establish a dedicated hotline and email address so that reaching the mayor’s office is always simple, direct, and responsive.
Together, through Leeds Listens, we can build a culture of connection, trust, and progress—one conversation at a time.
Leeds Rising Athletics Initiative
Revitalizing Sports Facilities, Empowering the Next Generation
As a candidate for mayor of Leeds, I believe that strong youth programs are the foundation of a thriving community. That’s why I’m proposing the Leeds Rising Athletics Initiative—a focused effort to revitalize and renovate our city’s sports facilities, starting with the park near the Moton Community Center - a historic part of the Leeds' community.
This initiative is about more than just new paint and turf. It’s about creating safe, modern, and accessible spaces where our young people can grow—not just as athletes, but as leaders, teammates, and members of our community. I want to see our parks filled with activity, our fields well-lit and maintained, and our youth programs equipped with the tools they need to succeed.
If elected, I’ll prioritize:
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Upgrading fields, courts, and facilities to meet current safety and performance standards
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Enhancing lighting, seating, restrooms, and concessions for families and spectators
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Partnering with local schools, leagues, and businesses to expand programming
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Making sure every child—regardless of background—has access to quality sports opportunities
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Fostering a sense of community pride through clean, welcoming public spaces
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Partnering with local organizations and businesses to support long-term sustainability.
The Moton Community Center sports area will be a flagship project of this plan—honoring its history while creating a bright future for the next generation of Leeds athletes.
Our kids deserve the best, and I’m committed to helping Leeds rise through the power of community, teamwork, and opportunity.
Leeds Leash-Free Park Initiative
Bringing Paws and People Together in Leeds, Alabama
As a candidate for mayor, one of the ideas I’m excited to share is the Leeds Leash-Free Park Initiative—a plan to create a vibrant, thoughtfully designed dog park that brings people and pets together while enhancing the quality of life in our city.
This park would provide a safe, clean, and welcoming space for dogs to run, play, and socialize off-leash, while giving pet owners a chance to connect with neighbors and enjoy the outdoors. The design will include separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, ensuring every pet can play safely. It will comfortably accommodate multiple dogs at the same time, with plenty of space for exercise and interaction.
To keep the park enjoyable for everyone, I’m proposing features like:
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Pet clean-up stations stocked with waste bags and disposal bins
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Watering stations for both pets and people
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Shaded seating and benches for owners to relax and socialize
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Perimeter fencing and secure double-gated entryways
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Natural and synthetic play surfaces, along with open running areas and agility elements
This initiative is about more than just pets—it's about building community. A dedicated dog park will encourage active lifestyles, create opportunities for neighbors to connect, and reflect the kind of thoughtful, family- and pet-friendly environment I want to foster as your mayor. It’s a simple, meaningful way we can invest in the health, happiness, and togetherness of our city.
Creative Leeds Initiative
Where Imagination Takes Center Stage!
As a candidate for mayor, I believe that a vibrant arts culture is essential to a thriving community. That’s why I’m proposing Creative Leeds — an initiative dedicated to supporting, enhancing, and expanding the city’s commitment to the arts in all its forms. Whether it's music echoing through a downtown performance, brushstrokes bringing color to local murals, the power of live theater, or the written word capturing the heart of our community, Creative Leeds will champion the many expressions of creativity that make our city unique.
This initiative will work to provide increased access to arts education and creative opportunities for residents of all ages. From establishing youth-focused workshops in schools and libraries to encouraging public art installations across neighborhoods, the goal is to bring art into the everyday lives of our citizens. Partnerships with local artists, performers, and educators will be key in offering regular community showcases, seasonal arts festivals, and rotating exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent.
Creative Leeds also envisions the development of multipurpose creative spaces (ultimately utilizing the multi-function Leeds civic complex) that can host theatrical productions, writing seminars, music performances, and visual arts exhibits. By integrating the arts into economic development and tourism strategies, we will attract visitors, inspire entrepreneurship, and build pride in our local culture.
Together, we can build a city where creativity is celebrated, where every voice can find expression, and where the arts are a cornerstone of community life. Let’s bring Leeds to life — one brushstroke, note, and story at a time.