Moody’s Future Is Bright — Let’s Keep It That Way
Nick Rutledge has proudly served on the Moody City Council since 2016, helping lead our city through a time of historic growth and transformation. Now, he's ready to take the next step – and lead Moody as your next mayor. With a proven track record, deep roots in the community, and a commitment to responsible growth, public safety, and family values, Nick is focused on protecting what makes Moody special while preparing for the opportunities ahead.
Meet Nick:
Nick Rutledge isn’t your typical politician – he’s a public servant in every sense of the word. A longtime Moody resident, Nick drives a school bus for St. Clair County Schools, serves on the Moody Miracle League Board, and has been actively involved in youth sports throughout the community. Since being elected to the City Council in 2016, Nick has helped take Moody from being financially challenged to a $12.5 million surplus, proving he knows how to lead responsibly.
More than anything, Nick believes in putting people first. Whether it’s pushing for safer roads, supporting our police and fire departments, or raising the standard for new development, Nick doesn’t just talk about progress – he works for it. And he’s ready to keep showing up for Moody, every single day.
Nick's Top Priorities for Moody::
Public Safety: “Backing Our First Responders, Always”
No one – and I mean no one – deserves our appreciation, respect, and support more than our Moody first responders. We’re fortunate to have some of the most hard-working, dedicated individuals serving our city every single day, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they have what they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.
Since my time on the City Council, I’ve made it a priority to support our police, fire, and emergency personnel. We've worked to make sure they have access to proper training, state-of-the-art equipment, and functional facilities. But there’s still more we can do – and as your next mayor, I’ll continue to fight for them at every opportunity.
One of my top goals is to push harder than ever to give our city employees the raise they deserve – and that extends beyond just our first responders. No amount of money could ever fully compensate them for the sacrifices they make, but we owe it to them to explore every possible avenue to improve their careers and quality of life here in Moody.
I’ll stay in regular contact with department leaders to make sure our first responders always have a direct line to City Hall. Open communication is essential if we want to stay ahead of challenges, respond quickly to their needs, and ensure Moody remains a safe place for everyone.
Public safety will always be a top priority – not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because a safer Moody benefits every single person who lives, works, and raises a family here.
We take care of those who take care of us. That’s my promise.
Infrastructure: “Laying the Foundation for Moody’s Future”
When I first ran for City Council, I thought projects like widening Highway 411 would be much simpler to get done. I quickly realized how complicated infrastructure really is – especially when you're one of 19,502 incorporated cities in the U.S. and 461 in Alabama, all trying to secure the same outside funding.
Since day one, I’ve worked closely with our mayor, fellow council members, and other stakeholders to push forward on Highway 411 and other critical projects. While there’s been plenty of political commentary, don’t be misled – we’ve stayed laser-focused on feasible solutions that move Moody forward.
But our infrastructure needs go far beyond one road.
We’ve got work to do across the board. From maintaining streets across the city to preparing for future flood risks. And for the first time in our city’s history, we now have a representative on the Birmingham Water Board, finally giving us a seat at the table to advocate for Moody’s water infrastructure.
As your next mayor, I won’t just continue these conversations – I’ll lead them. I’ll use the relationships I’ve built at the local, state, and federal levels to push for the funding and support we need. I’ll work with our partners to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses our infrastructure needs, supports our economy, and improves the daily lives of our residents.
Infrastructure might not always be seen, but it touches everything. It’s the bedrock of a safe, healthy, and thriving community – and I’m committed to doing whatever it takes to put Moody first.
Education: “Lifting Up the Next Generation of Moody”
As a school bus driver, I don’t just see the Moody school system from a distance – I see it every single day. I see the students, the staff, and the families who count on our schools to do more than educate – they count on them to uplift, support, and prepare our next generation.
I’ve spent years involved in youth sports here in Moody – from watching my own daughters grow up on the softball field to coaching and supporting countless other kids along the way. I’ve also had the honor of serving on the Moody Miracle League Board, where we work to ensure every child – regardless of ability – has the opportunity to play, grow, and be part of a team.
Our schools are part of the St. Clair County system, and while the city doesn’t directly control the school board, we play a vital role in supporting and partnering with them. We’ve never turned down a request or opportunity to aid our schools through city funding – because while some might argue it’s not the city’s responsibility to support our schools, I believe it absolutely is. Our students, teachers, and school staff deserve our unwavering support.
Great schools are the backbone of a strong, growing community – and Moody is proof of that. Families are moving here from all over because of the quality of life and the quality of our schools. If we want that growth to continue in the right direction, then we have to keep investing in the people and programs that make it all possible.
As mayor, I’ll continue to be an advocate for our students, teachers, and parents by making sure city resources and planning align with the needs of our school community.
That means:
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Working closely with school leadership to plan for safe traffic and infrastructure around campuses
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Supporting after-school programs, youth athletics, and community learning spaces
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Encouraging business and nonprofit partnerships that create real opportunities for students of all abilities
Every child in Moody deserves the chance to succeed – in the classroom, on the field, and in life. I’ll keep showing up, advocating, and doing the work to make sure those opportunities are available to every family who calls Moody home – and not just around election time.
Because when we invest in our kids, we invest in the future of this city – and that’s a responsibility I’ll never take lightly.
Managing Growth: “Protecting Moody’s Character”
Moody has seen steady growth in recent years — with our population rising approximately 4.6% since 2020 and reaching nearly 13,839 residents in 2025. That growth reflects what so many of us already know: families are choosing Moody because of our safety, our sense of community, and the strong quality of life we’ve built together.
We’ve also consistently ranked among the top 10 safest cities in Alabama, and that’s a distinction every Moody resident can be proud of – and one we must work hard to preserve.
As mayor, I’ll work closely with our Planning & Zoning Board to ensure that future development reflects the values and needs of our community.
That means:
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Enforcing stricter building codes so homes are built to last and complement the character of our city
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Aligning zoning regulations with our long-term vision – preserving green space, managing density, and making sure infrastructure keeps up with development
Some of this growth is a result of overflow from Birmingham, but much of it is because Moody is a destination in its own right. The key now is managing that growth in a way that’s smart, intentional, and community-focused.
Growth can be an asset – but only if it’s planned, balanced, and beneficial to everyone. I’m committed to protecting the safety, charm, and small-town feel that brought people to Moody in the first place, while still planning for the future we deserve.
Nick On The Issues 🎙️
Learn how Nick has addressed Moody’s past challenges – and how he’s preparing for our future.
