Rainbow City Mayor Joe Taylor Highlights Major Events and Growth Initiatives in Interview with WEIS Radio
Rainbow City is preparing for a summer filled with community events, innovative initiatives, and continued growth, according to Mayor Joe Taylor, who joined WEIS Radio on Wednesday morning to share what’s ahead for the city.
You can listen to that interview here:
Freedom Flight Drone Show Returns
One of the most anticipated events of the summer is the 3rd Annual Freedom Flight Drone Show, set for Saturday, June 28, at the Rainbow City Sports Complex, located at 625 Kinze Lane. Mayor Taylor said the event was developed as a sensory-friendly alternative to traditional fireworks shows, especially for children and adults with sensory sensitivities.
The idea came after conversations with local sensory clinics and inspiration from a drone show Taylor witnessed during the World Games. Despite the higher costs compared to fireworks, the city secured sponsorships to fund the event, which includes the opportunity for sponsors’ logos to be displayed in the sky using drone technology.
This year’s show will feature triple the number of drones used in previous years and is themed around patriotism in celebration of Rainbow City’s 75th anniversary. The visually synchronized performance will be set to music and promises to be a community spectacle.
Gates open at 5 p.m., with pre-show festivities including live music, food vendors, games, and a kid zone. Admission is free. A parking map is available on the Rainbow City Police Department Facebook page and the city’s website, including options for accessibility needs.
Growing Community Events and Markets
Mayor Taylor also highlighted the success and expansion of the Rainbow City Community Market, now open three days a week — Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7 a.m. to noon. The market offers fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade items. A special market will be held during the Freedom Flight Drone Show, and Taylor mentioned additional pop-up markets are being planned for holidays like Mother’s Day.
The Community Market’s expansion was spearheaded by Revenue Officer Andy Hughes and is helping strengthen the local economy while fostering community engagement.
Challenger Learning Center and Education Focus
Taylor gave updates on the upcoming Challenger Learning Center, a STEM-focused educational facility currently under construction in the city. The mayor described it as a game-changing resource that will provide students with immersive, simulation-based learning experiences. The project is a culmination of years of planning, and the roof is currently being installed.
“This is the way we are going to educate our kids from now on,” Taylor said, adding that the center will help guide students toward both college and skilled trades from an early age.
https://www.cfnea.org/challengeral
Recreation and Infrastructure Investment
Rainbow City is making historic investments in its recreational offerings, with between $23 and $24 million being directed toward facilities like a new recreational complex and aquatics center featuring a splash pad and amphitheater. Additionally, the city is converting its baseball and softball fields to artificial turf to accommodate greater year-round use.
Taylor emphasized that these upgrades go hand-in-hand with other economic developments, including progress at the Northeast Alabama Mega Site.
Infrastructure and Traffic Technology
As Rainbow City experiences rapid growth — becoming the fastest-growing city in Etowah County in both population and revenue — infrastructure has remained a priority. Taylor pointed out that the intersection of Highway 77 and Rainbow Drive is one of the busiest in the region. To address traffic concerns, the city is looking to implement artificial intelligence to improve traffic flow.
“We are ahead of the growth right now with our infrastructure,” Taylor said, noting efforts to remain prepared for continued expansion.
Public Safety and Community Policing
Rainbow City has consistently ranked as the safest city in Alabama over the last five years, based on FBI data from independent sources. Taylor credits this to the leadership of the police department and their philosophy of proactive, community-based policing.
Strong relationships between School Resource Officers and the community have increased trust and encouraged residents to report suspicious activity, helping law enforcement maintain public safety.
“If you come into our city to do ill will, we will put you in jail,” Taylor stated firmly. He also emphasized the city’s use of biometric and advanced camera systems to help law enforcement keep residents safe.
https://weisradio.com/2025/02/17/rainbow-city-fire-department-highest-certified-in-alabama/
A City on the Move
As the city looks to the future, Mayor Taylor said Rainbow City is a “Smart City” and on track to become a “Gig City,” referring to investments in technology and internet infrastructure. He pointed to the city’s growing diversity and high median income as indicators of its upward trajectory.
“It has been a pleasure serving the people of Rainbow City,” Taylor said, praising city leadership and the citizens who help drive its success. He encouraged both current and future residents to “come grow with us.”
With a combination of safety, innovation, and community spirit, Rainbow City continues to build on its reputation as one of Alabama’s most promising places to live and thrive.
