Millbrook Leaders Credit 17 Springs for Renewed Downtown Investment

City officials in Millbrook are framing the start of 2026 around economic momentum seeded in 2025, with local leaders pointing to the new 17 Springs sports complex and renewed downtown investment as primary catalysts for growth. Mayor Al Kelley credited the complex with bringing new attention and visitors to the city and said its opening helped catalyze private development that expanded commercial interest in Millbrook.

The city has also pursued targeted property acquisitions in the downtown core aimed at making space for new businesses, with officials identifying restaurants and coffee shops as likely tenants for those parcels. Leadership described those purchases as part of a coordinated push to revive the downtown retail and service mix, broaden dining options and extend evening activity that can increase local sales tax revenue and employment opportunities.

Traffic and infrastructure remain immediate concerns tied to that growth. Residents requested a traffic signal near the 17 Springs complex to handle increased vehicle and pedestrian flows, and city leaders say a signal had been approved previously. The city is continuing to push the state for installation, highlighting the jurisdictional reality that state transportation agencies control signals on state routes. That interplay underscores a common governance challenge: cities can prioritize local access and safety but must secure state action and funding to alter state-controlled corridors.

Officials say 2026 will emphasize projects to sustain private-sector momentum while addressing quality-of-life needs identified by residents. While the city has not released a detailed project list, the priorities described include supporting downtown business growth through property activation and infrastructure improvements that facilitate customer access and walkability. Those steps are intended to make Millbrook more competitive for small businesses and to leverage the visitor draw created by the sports complex.

For residents of Autauga County, the developments mean more local commerce and potential job creation, but also increased demand on roads, parking and public services. The outcome will depend on how quickly the state acts on traffic-signal requests and how the city sequences investments in public infrastructure with its business-attraction efforts. As Millbrook moves into 2026, the city’s ability to coordinate with state agencies, manage property assets, and sustain civic engagement will determine whether last year’s momentum translates into durable economic and community benefits.