Hartselle named City of Excellence

By By Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle has been named to an elite list of communities invited to take part in a program designed to assist the city with future planning.
Hartselle has been named one of this year’s Alabama Communities of Excellence. Past Cities of Excellence include Fairhope, Trussville and Anniston. The announcement was made at the opening session of the Alabama League of Municipalities annual convention held this week.
The program involves three phases: assessment, strategic planning and implementation. The first step includes an assessment by ACT Team members, including a report card detailing community assets, challenges faced by the city and recommended strategies.
The second phase includes creation of a Leadership Development Program and development of a strategic plan.
The third phase includes comprehensive planning for city growth, addressing such matters as commercial business development, education, infrastructure, health and human services, retiree retention, tourism, economic development and quality of life.
All the services are provided at no cost to the city.
City leaders will also be attending the Your Town Alabama workshop planned for June 3-5 in Nauvoo. The workshop focuses mainly on planning design and its importance in a community’s growth.