Foley Main Street, City of Foley receive statewide recognition
Foley Main Street and the City of Foley were recognized for their work in Downtown Foley during Main Street Alabama’s 13th annual Awards of Excellence Banquet, held last month in Enterprise.
The city and Foley Main Street received Awards of Excellence for downtown improvements and business development, while members of the Foley Public Works Department were also recognized for their contributions to the downtown district. The awards were presented locally during the Foley City Council meeting on Sept. 8.
East Jessamine Street project recognized
The City of Foley received the Public Space Improvements Award of Excellence for the East Jessamine Street Improvement Project, a major component of the city’s efforts to improve connectivity and walkability downtown.
The project marked the culmination of a 15-year vision to create a more walkable and connected area. The complete-street design transformed East Jessamine Street into a functional corridor and gateway to the downtown district.
Improvements strengthened connections between Foley City Hall, the Foley Community Library and Riviera Utilities, as well as Heritage Park and the pedestrian bridge over Alabama 59.
The project features symmetrical walkways centered around the Centennial Clock Tower, along with decorative lighting and traditional brick elements. Traffic-calming measures, including mid-block crossings and context-sensitive lane widths, were also incorporated into the design to improve pedestrian safety.
Completed in May 2025, the project was delivered under its total budget of $524,965, even with adjustments made during construction to accommodate downtown businesses.
Foley Main Street earns business development award
Foley Main Street received the Business Development Award of Excellence for its Downtown Forward: Skills for Success program.
The program consisted of three workshops led by Auburn University business faculty and staff and provided Downtown Foley businesses and their employees with small-group training designed to strengthen workplace and leadership skills.
A total of 90 participants attended the workshops, which focused on developing soft skills that can contribute to professional growth, stronger customer relationships and improved business performance.
Sessions were offered in both the morning and evening to make attendance more convenient for downtown employees. Through a partnership with First Baptist Church of Foley, childcare was also made available. Downtown restaurants provided breakfast and dinner for participants.
Attendees received a copy of Drew Dudley’s book, “This Is Day One: A Practical Guide to Leadership That Matters,” which focuses on approaching leadership as a daily practice rather than something limited to those in formal leadership positions.
“The night was a wonderful reminder of why this work matters,” said Main Street Alabama President and State Coordinator Mary Helmer Wirth. “It is an honor for me to present the awards and seeing the pride each community has in its Main Street district was truly inspiring. Our local Main Street programs are doing meaningful work across Alabama, and the Main Street Four-Point Approach continues to help communities build on what makes them special while preserving the places that tell their story.”
Foley Public Works named Main Street Hero
Local Main Street programs also selected Main Street Heroes who made outstanding contributions to their communities. The honorees were recognized during the Toast to Heroes Reception, sponsored by Regions Bank, prior to the awards banquet.
Foley Main Street selected Public Works Director Darrell Russell and the Foley Public Works team for their work and positive impact on Downtown Foley and the community.
The Public Works Department plays an important role in the success of Downtown Foley, partnering with Foley Main Street to help turn ideas and concepts into completed projects.
“What truly sets the Foley Public Works team apart is not just their workmanship, but their character,” Foley Main Street President Wes Abrams said. “Their positive attitude makes them a joy to work with for business owners as well as Foley Main Street. By combining pride with a genuine commitment to public service, the City of Foley Public Works team has earned our Community Leader Award.”
Alabama State Rep. Frances Holk-Jones also presented two Alabama House of Representatives resolutions recognizing Russell and the Foley Public Works Department for their Main Street Hero recognition and Foley Main Street for its national accreditation.
About Main Street Alabama and Foley Main Street
Main Street Alabama is a nonprofit organization that promotes public-private partnerships, community engagement and strategies designed to create jobs, encourage investment, attract visitors and support growth in core commercial districts. The organization builds on the history, culture and unique attributes of communities to encourage sustainable revitalization.
Foley Main Street is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting economic vitality, historic preservation and community development in Downtown Foley. Through partnerships, events and business-support initiatives, the organization works to strengthen the downtown district, promote local businesses and enhance the experience of residents and visitors.