Alabama Communities of Excellence

The Alabama Communities of Excellence (ACE) program uses a comprehensive, three-phase approach to assist participating communities in planning and preparing for a more vibrant future.

ACE Application 2021 (Section 1)

Sorry, online applications are currently closed.

Watch the Training video about Applying

The instructions below relate to the 2021 Application Process. Updated applications will be provided prior to opening the program up to new applicants.

2021 Application Process and Selection Criteria Overview

  • Applications are disseminated to mayors of all eligible municipalities in Alabama (cities between 2,000 and 18,000 in population). Please do not apply if your municipality does not fall within this population size.
  • The application form consists of questions designed to determine a community’s commitment and capacity to support ACE. Information is requested about: community planning, organization for community and economic development, leadership development, education, infrastructure, health care, and quality of life. The application will also require a City Council resolution authorizing the filling of the application, and letters of support from local leaders (local governing body, chamber of commerce, and other community organizations)
  • The ACE Selection Committee reviews each application and selects communities as candidates for participation.
  • The ACE Board of Directors reviews candidate communities and approves/disapproves as participants in ACE. Communities not selected will be notified and receive appropriate feedback on their application.
  • Selection decisions will be guided by the criteria of commitment and capacity, but will entail some subjectivity. Consideration will be given to issues such as serving diverse populations and ensuring regional balance.
  • The number of communities selected for ACE participation is based on available resources.
  • Applications may be submitted on-line (preferred method) below OR via mail. ALL applications must be received or postmarked by: July 31, 2021 see instructions on application form. Please TYPE inside the “gray” boxes and click on the “yes”/”no” boxes – Save your final document as a .PDF file.
  • The application process is extremely competitive, to be considered, applications MUST be completed in its entirety with ALL attachments included in .PDF format ONLY.

SUBMIT BY: July 31, 2021 (must be postmarked by 7/31/2021)

PREFERRED METHOD is via on-line submission:

OR Mail to the address below. All applications must be postmarked by July 31, 2021:

Please direct questions to:

Mary Jackson, MJackson@almonline.org

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