The City of Ashville has been awarded the prestigious Alabama Communities of Excellence designation, joining only 45 other communities across the State of Alabama. The recognition was presented at the 2024 graduation ceremony hosted by the Alabama League of Municipalities, celebrating Ashville’s commitment to sustainable growth, economic development and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
“Receiving this designation is a tremendous honor for our city and a testament to the dedication of our residents, city staff and local leaders who have all worked tirelessly to make Ashville a great place to live, work and visit,” Ashville Mayor Derrick Mostella said. “We are proud to be recognized by the League of Municipalities and will continue to prioritize the needs of our community as we look to the future.”

According to a press release, the Alabama Communities of Excellence designation “highlights Ashville’s strategic efforts in community planning, fostering local business development, and prioritizing initiatives that make Ashville a vibrant, welcoming and resilient place to live. This honor underscores Ashville’s dedication to maintaining high standards in community excellence and its proactive approach to ensuring a prosperous future for the city’s residents.”
“This designation is a well-deserved recognition of the hard work and vision demonstrated by the city of Ashville’s leadership,” St. Clair County Economic Development Council Director, Don Smith, said. “By earning the Alabama Communities of Excellence title, Ashville has positioned itself as a model for sustainable growth and community development across Alabama.”
The Alabama League of Municipalities’ program, which awards the Communities of Excellence designation, identifies municipalities that are proactive in creating and implementing projects that positively impact their communities and align with the League’s vision of excellence in local government.
In addition to the Ashville’s designation, Candice Hill, St. Clair County EDC’s Grants and Leadership Director, received the ACE Star Ambassador Award. The award honors her dedication and leadership in guiding Ashville through the process to reach the designation.
In a statement, the EDC said it, “looks forward to seeing the positive impact this designation will have on Ashville and commends the city for its dedication to fostering a thriving and supportive community environment. This achievement is a reflection of Ashville’s commitment to ensuring that future generations benefit from the city’s progress, infrastructure improvements, and economic opportunities.”