DOTHAN | RICKEY STOKES NEWS
Mark Saliba and Brandon Shoupe shared their visions for 2026 and the years ahead during a visit to the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighting ongoing development projects while acknowledging key challenges facing the community.
For the City of Dothan, Saliba pointed to momentum on several major initiatives. Construction is underway on a new community center at the Wiregrass Public Safety Center, while the long-anticipated Wiregrass Innovation Center is nearing completion.
“It’s great when you have the ideas, but it’s even greater when you see them come to fruition,” Saliba said. “All of these projects point to growth—smart growth—that enhances quality of life for everyone in our community.”
At the county level, Shoupe emphasized investments in recreation funded through the lodging tax, noting improvements already visible in communities like Rehobeth.
“In today’s world, we have to be a place where people want to live,” Shoupe said. “Education and healthcare matter, but so do quality-of-life amenities and recreational opportunities. The decisions we make now set the stage for future generations.”
Despite progress, both leaders acknowledged pressing concerns. Chief among them for Houston County is persistent overcrowding at the Houston County Jail, which Shoupe said is operating well beyond capacity.
“On an average day, we’re about 100 inmates over capacity,” he said. “Expansion is no longer optional. If we don’t act, a judge will eventually mandate it—and the cost would be far greater.”
Saliba also stressed the importance of neighborhood revitalization as Dothan continues to grow.
“We cannot allow parts of our community to deteriorate,” he said. “Building value in every neighborhood has to be a priority if we want sustainable growth for the future.”
Local leaders say collaboration between city, county, and community partners will be essential as Dothan and Houston County work to balance growth, infrastructure needs, and quality of life in the years ahead.
