Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Alabama Communities of Excellence program has recognized Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich as one of the state's shining stars in government. The program named Hellmich its 2026 Outstanding ACE Mayor Star Award recipient, one of several categories presented through the ACE Star Awards. The award recognizes program participants who have gone above and beyond their duties as public officials. Hellmich is serving as mayor during one of the most significant periods of growth in Foley's history.

The award was presented on Oct. 20, 2026, at the 2026 ACE Graduation and Award Ceremony. The Alabama League of Municipalities hosted the event at the Arthur J. Outlaw Convention Center in Mobile. Foley City Council President Wayne Trawick, Councilman Roddy Burkle, Councilman Larry Engel, Alabama League of Municipalities Executive Director Greg Cochran, and Jo Hellmich were among those present at the ceremony.

The Outstanding ACE Mayor category honors a mayor who has demonstrated exceptional leadership while participating in the program. Hellmich's connection to ACE dates back more than a decade. As a member of the Foley City Council, he worked with community leaders to help Foley earn its ACE designation in 2012. He continues to apply the program's core principles of leadership, planning, economic development, community engagement, and quality of life.

According to the city, recent U.S. Census estimates rank Foley as the 14th-fastest-growing municipality in the nation among cities with populations of at least 20,000. The city grew nearly 8 percent from July 2024 to July 2025 and has added more than 10,000 residents since the 2020 Census.

Under Hellmich's leadership and in partnership with the City Council, Foley adopted its first five-year strategic plan in 2024 after extensive public input. The city has committed about $1 million a year to sidewalk construction and has completed nearly four miles of sidewalk along Alabama 59. Infrastructure investments have also included roads and drainage improvements.

Education has been another priority, according to the city. Through the Foley Education Advisory Committee, established in 2022, the city contributes $300,000 a year to schools in the Foley feeder pattern. Baldwin County Public Schools matches that contribution. Foley High School has also been recognized as a statewide School of Excellence.

"I'm honored to receive this award, but it truly belongs to everyone who has worked to make Foley the community it is today," Hellmich said. "Our City Council, our employees, our schools, our businesses, and our residents have all played a part. The ACE program helped us build a strong foundation years ago, and those same principles continue to guide us as we plan for Foley's future and work to make sure our growth improves the quality of life for everyone who calls Foley home."

More information about the Alabama Communities of Excellence program is available at alabamacommunitiesofexcellence.org.