Governor's Priorities                                                                                                     Governor's Strategic Plan

Governor Riley is committed to reforming state government, improving the quality of education for all of Alabama’s children, and working to expand the economy and create jobs.

In an effort to assist state government in reaching these goals, the Governor has identified the following priorities of government with associated expectations. The purpose of this document is to provide state agencies with a list of the Governor’s top priorities to be used as an overarching framework for the development of agency plans. This is not an exhaustive list of the Governor’s goals and objectives.

Priority 1. Create a World Class Education System

"Our education system will be able to prepare all Alabama students for the challenges of a new global economy."

• Provide more support for educators and improve teacher development.
• Improve the quality of school facilities throughout the state.
• Improve student achievement in Reading, Math and Science.
• Reward schools and teachers for exceptional performance.
• Increase the High School graduation rate.
• Expand distance-learning opportunities and offer AP courses in every high school.
• Improve and expand the state’s workforce development programs.
• Expand investment in institutions of higher learning, including strategic investment in research institutions as they create 21st Century jobs.

Priority 2. Reform State Government


"We will be recognized as the most open, honest, and accountable state in the nation."

• Establish and maintain the highest standards of ethical behavior and accountability..
• Improve the services and efficiency of State Government by focusing on Key Goals identified through SMART Governing.
• Ensure a healthy balance of power between the Executive and Legislative branches, foster a citizen legislature and limit special interest influence in Montgomery.

Priority 3. Expand Economic Growth

"We will create a favorable business climate and strong infrastructure that result in a prosperous and growing economy, providing greater opportunities for all Alabamians."

• Decrease taxes for the working people of Alabama.
• Increase the number of new jobs announced by new and existing companies.
• Increase the number of Alabama entrepreneurs and provide assistance to small businesses.
• Expand Alabama’s economic opportunities abroad.
• Improve the skills that Alabamians offer employers, especially in rural counties.
• Encourage businesses to increase their investment in research activities in Alabama.
• Protect and promote the farm economy.
• Improve the quality of infrastructure across the state.

Priority 4. Protect Alabama

"We will improve the safety of people and property through an aggressive focus on preparedness, enforcement, and rehabilitation."

• Reduce the number of traffic fatalities and make Alabama’s highways safer.
• Reduce the occupancy rate of prisons to meet national corrections standards.
• Reduce recidivism rates through an increased investment in community corrections and other alternative rehabilitation programs.
• Strengthen our response capabilities by preparing communities and emergency officials for crisis.

Priority 5. Secure our Quality of Life

"We will initiate programs to enhance our cultural and natural resources, and we will improve the delivery of human services for Alabama’s vulnerable children and adults while promoting self-sufficiency."

• Offer better compensation for foster parents and more resources for Alabamians who adopt children.
• Increase the number of counties with integrated health and human services delivery systems, including both public and private providers.
• Improve access to community-based services to for individuals with mental illness and mental retardation.
• Control growth in spending in the state Medicaid program.
• Provide a plan for veterans’ long-term-care.
• Assist and inform faith-based groups as they seek federal funding to provide services to our citizens.
• Enhance natural resources with a Coastal Enhancement Fund.
• Invest in alternative energy sources in order to decrease the state’s dependency on foreign energy providers.
• Protect and improve the vitality of Alabama’s wildlife population.
• Protect and improve Alabama’s air and water resources.
• Maintain current environmental quality while reviving damaged sites.
• Secure and maintain Alabama’s cultural and historical resources for future generations.