Summerdale Mayor David Wilson has announced he will seek reelection with a campaign goal to emphasize "steady leadership, strong community values and a continued commitment to growth without sacrificing the town's small-town character."

Since first taking office in 1992, the town has grown from fewer than 500 residents to more than 1,600, and the annual budget has increased from $500,000 to over $6 million — reflecting expanded services, improved infrastructure and careful long-term planning, he wrote in his emailed announcement, highlighting collaboration with town officials, other local municipalities, county, state and federal partners, to help "guide Summerdale through thoughtful, well-planned growth."

"Summerdale isn't just where I live — it's the community that shaped me," Wilson said. "I care deeply about this town and the people who call it home, and I'm committed to continuing the work we've started together."

Wilson noted several accomplishments during his most recent tenure, including:

• Construction of a $5 million fire station on County Road 32;

• A new water storage tank, well and treatment plant with more than 5 miles of expanded water lines;

• Resurfacing streets across town and adding over 2,000 feet of new sidewalks;

• Park upgrades, including tennis courts, new playground at the splash pad, dog park and future pickleball and basketball courts;

• New fire truck, police vehicles and equipment to enhance public safety; and

• Launching a Community Development Department in 2023 to help manage growth.

Looking ahead, Wilson says he would like to see the town continue that momentum by hiring a full-time sports director and working toward the development of a multi-purpose event center to serve as a gymnasium and community gathering space. He said he is excited to partner with the Miracle League of Coastal Alabama for the completion of the new Miracle League Park — an inclusive facility designed for athletes with special needs, a first of its kind in Baldwin County.

A lifelong resident of Summerdale, Wilson has dedicated his career to serving the town he calls home, his announcement says. After graduating from Foley High School, he attended Faulkner State Community College and Southeastern Bible College before launching a masonry business in 1979. He and his wife, Faith, have six children and are grandparents to 16. Wilson is an active member of Summerdale Assembly of God Church and has served on multiple local boards and commissions. He holds more than 600 hours as a private pilot with a multi-engine rating and has flown search and rescue missions as a 1st lieutenant with the Civil Air Patrol.

"I'm excited about the progress made in Summerdale, and I believe the best is yet to come," Wilson said. "I'm running for re-election to help Summerdale continue to experience harmonious growth — strong, planned, connected and true to its roots."

Municipal elections across Baldwin County and the state will be held Aug. 26. Lawmakers voted in 2021 to postpone city elections, extending the terms of those elected in 2020 by one year.

Officials said the move was made to be able to hold municipal elections on an off-year from the presidential election, citing poll worker fatigue, voter confusion over voting venues and equipment shortages as reasons for the shift.