Frank Robinson’s Vision for Montgomery’s Future

By Jamal Thomas

Frank Robinson does not view Montgomery only through the lens of its celebrated past. As the city’s Director of Economic Development, he spends much of his time thinking about what Montgomery can become.

His vision includes attracting businesses and jobs, creating more housing, strengthening small businesses, expanding entertainment and retail options, improving the airport and making Montgomery more competitive with other cities across the Southeast.

“We love the history, and I am grateful for what happened here,” Robinson said. “But Montgomery has a future and a role in how the future evolves.”

For Robinson, preparing for that future means drawing on lessons he has learned throughout a career that has taken him from banking and nonprofit leadership to entrepreneurship and economic development.

Born and raised in northern New Jersey, Robinson attended North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, where he studied political science. He later moved to Delaware and began his professional career in banking.

While working under a chief risk officer, Robinson learned a lesson that continues to influence his leadership today. “We always want answers, but I learned how to ask the right questions,” he said.

Robinson discovered that solutions are often already within an organization or community. Good leadership, he believes, can help people recognize the resources and abilities they already possess.

His career eventually took him to Philadelphia, where he worked in nonprofit leadership, community development and real estate. He later operated his own company for about 10 years, providing economic development, strategy and planning services along the East Coast.

After the COVID-19 pandemic affected his business, Robinson joined an economics firm and gained additional experience combining data with the real-world needs of communities.

Then came Montgomery.

A recruiter contacted Robinson about the city’s economic development position. He was attracted by Mayor Steven Reed’s vision and Montgomery’s potential. As Robinson researched the city, he discovered a story that went beyond Montgomery’s well-known civil rights and Civil War history. He learned about its connections to innovation, aviation, transportation, music and culture.

“There was innovation here,” Robinson said. “That innovation can happen again. The question is not simply what Montgomery has accomplished before, but what Montgomery is willing to build next.”

Robinson describes economic development as the “lifeline of cities.” While attracting employers and creating jobs are important, he says economic development must also address quality of life, housing, infrastructure, entertainment and the overall competitiveness of a community.

“One of my goals is to position Montgomery as one of the best cities in the Southeast. That includes attracting a major regional corporation, continuing industrial recruitment and developing affordable, workforce and market-rate housing throughout the city—not only downtown.”

Robinson also wants more restaurants, retail, parks, entertainment and neighborhood destinations.

“A lot of times, people tell me they are going to Birmingham, Nashville or Atlanta just to do something,” Robinson said. “We want to reverse that. We want people to come here.”

Bringing people to Montgomery, however, is only part of the equation. Robinson believes growth must also create opportunities for the people and businesses already here. That is where small businesses become especially important. Small businesses matter and Robinson is particularly passionate about Montgomery’s small-business community. As a former entrepreneur, he understands the challenges business owners face. Someone may be excellent at cooking, cutting hair or providing a professional service but struggle with accounting, taxes, financing or business planning.

This is why Montgomery’s Small Business One-Stop Shop was created— to help entrepreneurs address those challenges through coaching, planning assistance and connections to resources.

Access to capital remains one of the biggest obstacles. Robinson believes the city can play an important role in helping entrepreneurs become prepared—or “bankable”—so they can qualify for traditional financing.

“Small businesses do more than provide products and services. They create jobs, pay taxes and support churches, schools, nonprofits and community organizations. They matter,” Robinson said.

Robinson believes local business development must be matched by larger investments capable of moving the entire city forward. One of those investments is the city’s $150 million bond initiative, designed to support major projects and community improvements, including convention and entertainment facilities, public safety, neighborhoods, housing, infrastructure and quality-of-life projects.

Robinson understands that a resident may look at a major downtown project and wonder, “What does that have to do with me?” His answer is that economic activity has a ripple effect. Visitors attending conventions or entertainment events spend money at hotels, restaurants, stores and other businesses. That activity produces tax revenue that can help fund roads, public safety and other services throughout Montgomery.

“You are either growing as a city or you are managing decline,” Robinson said.

In addition to downtown development, another major piece of Montgomery’s economic future is the airport. Robinson believes Montgomery Regional Airport is important even to residents who rarely—or never—fly.

“A stronger airport can help attract companies, connect existing businesses to other markets, increase tourism and make Montgomery more accessible to investors and visitors” Robinson said. “Airport growth can also mean more jobs, businesses and economic activity.’

Outside of work, Robinson enjoys traveling and studying other cities, loves music and has DJ’ed as a hobby for years. He also enjoys presidential history, reading, golf and bringing people together for meaningful conversations.

Robinson especially wants Montgomery’s young professionals to become more involved in determining the city’s direction. He encourages younger residents to attend public meetings, speak before the City Council, support local businesses, become entrepreneurs and make their voices heard about the type of city they want.

For Robinson, attracting young professionals is important, but keeping Montgomery’s existing talent is equally critical. Residents need reasons to build careers, start businesses, raise families and enjoy life here rather than constantly looking toward Birmingham, Atlanta or Nashville.

“If people hold on, advocate and continue to invest in this community, I think this will be a great city,” Robinson said.

Montgomery’s history will always be an important part of its identity. Robinson does not want to replace that story. He wants to build on it.

From supporting the entrepreneur opening a neighborhood business to attracting major employers, improving the airport and investing in quality of life, Robinson sees each effort as part of something larger.

“It is about giving businesses a reason to invest, visitors a reason to come, young professionals a reason to stay and families a reason to believe in Montgomery’s future.”

For Robinson, the Capital City’s next chapter is not simply about remembering what happened here. It is about deciding what happens next.