City of Talladega Blog

(Talladega, AL) Extensive cosmetic upgrades are underway at Talladega City Hall, where the council chamber, lobby and offices throughout the building have been completely transformed. 

“The feedback has been phenomenal. When people walk into city hall, the atmosphere is so much more welcoming now. It looks brighter, more professional and more attractive,” said City Manager Derrick Swanson. 

Highlights of the transformation include a refreshing coat of gray and white paint in the lobby, where framed portraits of city leaders now adorn the walls. Outside the council chamber, where flyers announcing meeting dates and other information once hung, a greeting and messages are now displayed on television screens.   Attractive new flooring has replaced stained carpeting in offices throughout city hall, and the city manager announced that plans are underway to add braille signage.  

Talladega resident Jackie Smith noted that the improvements have been well received by deaf residents who view Talladega City Council meetings online. 

Smith stated, ”Deaf residents said the lighter walls and the seated desk furniture made it brighter and easier to view the interpreter! We truly appreciate the improvement in serving the deaf community!”

Swanson said, “There should be no doubt when you enter a city-owned facility that we are ready to do business.  Just as we want community members to maintain their properties, it is imperative that we maintain our properties.  The transformation at city hall is only the beginning. We are bringing all of our buildings up to par. It won’t happen overnight, but positive changes are coming quickly.”   

“In addition to the many employees who contributed to the transformation, volunteers from the community have also provided invaluable assistance. Heritage Hall Museum Director Valerie White helped hang portraits in the lobby and Tena Turner of TB Turner Interior Design provided excellent advice,” said Swanson. 

Community members and employees alike are excited about the changes, which are making city hall a better place to visit and work.   

“I love where I work.  I love my coworkers, the city manager, the mayor and the changes in city hall,” said city employee Nicole McClurkin.  “Having fuller, more beautiful flowers out front makes the entryway so much more pleasant, and the lighter colors inside are beautiful. The council chamber, lobby and offices used to be dull, dark and boring. Now everything is so beautiful.” 

McClurkin believes the uplifting changes reflect the city’s commitment to its We Love Talladega campaign.