After Lithuania regained its statehood in 1990, the Alytus City Municipal Council had to solve new problems. With the beginning of economic reforms, most companies were privatized. Many major industrial companies went bankrupt during the economic crisis. Today, the city is dominated by light industry, wood processing, and food industry companies.
Much attention is paid to the image of the city: streets, parks, care for education, and school renovation. A high non-university school, Alytus College, was established in the city. Youth, social, cultural, and national organizations are active. Today, Alytus is the political, economic, cultural, and educational center of southern Lithuania.