Jasper Earns Statewide Leadership Honors, Secures Place in Economic Development Academy

JASPER, AL - Jasper earned statewide recognition for municipal leadership and secured a place in the Alabama League of Municipalities’ Economic Development Academy during the 2026 Municipal Leadership Institute on Tuesday, October 20. Mayor Josh Gates was named Alabama’s Outstanding ACE Mayor, and District 4 Councilmember Jennifer Williams Smith received the statewide Outstanding ACE Leadership Award.

The Alabama League of Municipalities (ALM) supports cities and towns through advocacy, training, and leadership development. Its Alabama Communities of Excellence (ACE) program helps communities strengthen planning, develop leaders, and engage residents in building long-term economic success. Together, the ACE Star Awards and Academy selection highlight Jasper’s commitment to strong leadership, community partnerships, and preparation for continued economic growth.

Gates’ award recognizes his vision for Jasper and his commitment to bringing people and organizations together to achieve community goals. His leadership has emphasized infrastructure, economic development, public safety, education, recreation, and effective municipal government. He championed FOCUS 2030, Jasper’s five-year strategic plan, developed with extensive public input to guide measurable progress throughout the City.

“This recognition belongs to a community that believes in its future and is willing to work together to build it,” Gates said. “Our Council, City employees, schools, businesses, and community partners are helping turn shared priorities into progress. We will continue building those partnerships and pursuing opportunities that make Jasper stronger for everyone who calls it home.”

Smith’s award recognizes more than a decade of municipal service and a record of turning community priorities into lasting programs. Now serving her fourth term, she championed the revival of the Foothills Festival, which draws tens of thousands of attendees, and founded dreamFit, an adaptive dance program that expands opportunities for students with special needs. Her leadership also includes literacy advocacy, support for youth leadership development, and service with state and national municipal organizations.

“Strong communities are built through relationships, shared purpose, and a willingness to follow through,” Smith said. “I am honored to receive this recognition and grateful to the many people who have helped transform ideas into programs that continue to serve Jasper. Creating opportunities for people to participate, learn, and contribute remains at the heart of my service.”

Jasper’s Economic Development Academy team includes Gates; Smith; District 2 Councilmember Lincoln Moody; Tana Collins-Allred, Community & Economic Development Director; and David Knight, Executive Director of the Walker County Economic Development Authority.

Developed by ALM in conjunction with the Alabama Community College System, the Academy combines training and a local project to help participating communities prepare for economic growth. Jasper’s team will focus on coordinating economic development efforts, improving readiness for investment, supporting existing businesses, and pursuing opportunities for commercial and industrial growth.

Gates and Smith were also recognized for completing additional municipal leadership training. Gates graduated from ALM’s Certified Municipal Official program and will continue his training in the Advanced program. Smith earned the Certified Municipal Official Emeritus Tier II designation.

For more information about the City of Jasper, visit jaspercity.com(opens in a new tab).

For media inquiries, please contact Tana Collins-Allred, Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Jasper, at 904.383.2082(opens in a new tab) or tcollins@jaspercity.com(opens in a new tab).