Chris Dunn, a long-time resident of the Town of Pike Road and local businessman, is seeking reelection to Town Council Place 1. For the past two decades, he has dedicated himself to serving Pike Road through the water board, planning commission, and town council.
Dunn’s connection to Pike Road began in 1997 when he and his wife purchased property intending to build his family’s forever home. Since moving in 2000, his involvement in local governance has been continuous, spanning roles on the East Montgomery Water and Sewer Board, the Planning Commission since 2003, and the Town Council since 2004.
“I have always seen the potential in Pike Road to grow while maintaining its historic charm,” Dunn stated. “Serving the community is about more than governance; it’s about nurturing a place where families grow and thrive.”
During the interview, Dunn highlighted key initiatives and development projects in the Town of Pike Road, including the upcoming roundabout at the intersection of Meriwether, Wallahatchie, and Pike Road, designed with innovative code development to encourage commercial growth. Additionally, the infrastructure around the new high school and the necessity to help with the water and sewage expansions reflect the town’s strategic approach to balanced growth.
He shared, “We’ve had such vision from the very beginning of our town centers to help meet our rural crossroads, which would have been normal town centers had they existed 100 years ago…” Dunn stresses the balance between embracing growth and maintaining Pike Road’s rural crossroads and historic town centers Cecil, Mount Meigs, Waugh, and Meriwether.
Addressing community concerns, Dunn emphasized Pike Road’s exceptional public safety record. “We have one of the lowest crime rates in Alabama. We’re in the top 3% and have top-tier response times through our partnership with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department,” he said, as he countered claims that safety is an issue in the Town of Pike Road.
When it comes to growth, Dunn described the growth rate as “steady and sustainable,” noting that much of the development was built on land pre-zoned by the City of Montgomery. During the interview, he warned that limiting growth could affect school bond payments, which are based on a predictable population increase.
Over the years, Dunn has collaborated with the Mayor and town councils to achieve what they believed best served the community, all while adhering to the comprehensive plan. He shared, “Mayor Stone and I have debated and discussed on almost every issue that comes up before the council. We work out our differences, we work out our compromise and our understanding of one another before we get into a public forum.”
Dunn’s leadership on the Planning Commission has been instrumental in updating Pike Road’s land use plan, incorporating extensive public input to ensure that development respects the town’s rural roots while supporting new commerce and residential needs. He spoke of the unique challenge Pike Road faces, being one of the more spread-out towns, a result of annexations driven by residents seeking better zoning and services.
Transparency and community engagement remain priorities for Dunn. Although previous attempts to stream meetings ended due to misuse of the footage, Dunn encourages residents to attend meetings and contact him directly. “My cell phone and email are always available for constituents. I respond by directing concerns to the right contacts quickly,” he shared.
Supporting local businesses also features prominently in Dunn’s agenda. He shared, “I understand what it takes to run a small business, and I understand a P&L.” He said that the town’s role is to “build the rooftops to support that business and do whatever we can to push and support the local businesses and maintain an environment where small businesses want to come.” The town is developing a “Gold Star Business” program aimed at recognizing and encouraging businesses that maintain high standards in cleanliness, landscaping, and lighting, promoting a welcoming environment for shoppers and residents alike.
On a personal note, he shared that his family is his greatest pride and joy. He said, “I’ve been married to Lynn Oliver for 38 years, and I’ve been working on my 39th year.” They have two grown children, Rachel and Joshua, who have families of their own. Rachel, their oldest daughter, is a successful MIS professional working for a consulting firm in Houston, Texas, and is expecting Chris’s first granddaughter in December. Joshua is a civil engineer for the Alabama Bridge Construction Bureau at DOT, and he and his wife recently had Chris’s first grandson, Daniel. He mentioned he is looking forward to spoiling his grandchildren.
His life motto, inspired by Luke 12:35—”Be dressed, ready for service, and keep your lamp burning”—reflects his lifelong commitment to servant leadership.
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