Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling said he feels fortunate to serve at a time of economic expansion in north Alabama.

Shortly after his election to office in the River City in 2016, the area landed the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing facility in nearby Greenbrier, which he calls a “game changer” bringing 4,000 jobs and tier suppliers.

“I’m the last guy in my graduating class they would have thought to have this opportunity,” he said of leading one of Alabama’s 10 largest cities.

Bowling’s time in office has included expansion of General Electric, Daikin America and Bungee operations in the city as well as the expansion of the United Launch Alliance’s rocket facility along the Tennessee River, and the return of longtime employer Wolverine Industries.

He also mentioned economic development in Huntsville having an impact on Decatur, including the expansion of the FBI’s presence at Redstone Arsenal.