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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

CALERA – Jon Graham has announced his bid for reelection as mayor of the city of Calera for the Tuesday, Aug. 26 municipal election.

On Monday, June 2, Graham took to social media to announce that he is seeking reelection as the Calera’s mayor. Graham has served successive terms in the role since his initial election in 2008 and start in the role in 2009.

“After 16 incredible years of serving as your mayor, I am proud to announce that I will be seeking reelection in 2025,” Graham said.

In his announcement, Graham reflected on the progress the city has made over the past four terms he’s served as mayor.

Graham highlighted Calera’s expanded city services over the past few years.

“We’ve grown our police and fire departments, ensuring faster response times and safer neighborhoods,” Graham said.

The city has also introduced various infrastructural improvements over the last 16 years.

“From widening key roads to modernizing water and sewer systems, we’ve laid the groundwork for future growth,” Graham said.

Graham said the city has made progress its economic development and has attracted new businesses and industries while supporting local entrepreneurs. The city has also made investments into its recreation and community spaces.

“Calera is now home to a thriving downtown and one of the fastest growing populations in Alabama,” Graham said. “We’ve invested in parks, athletic fields and community spaces to bring families and neighbors together.”

While working through its various projects, Graham said the city has worked to be financially responsible through conservative budgeting and smart investments to be fiscally strong without burdening taxpayers.

“While I am proud of what we’ve accomplished, there is still work to do,” Graham said. “I’m running for re-election to continue advocating for smart growth, enhanced public safety, improved infrastructure and maintaining the values that make Calera feel like home.”

In addition to the mayor and City Council seats being up for reelection, the city of Calera’s form of government will change after the next municipal election. The Calera City Council approved a resolution to make the mayor a non-voting member of the council during a meeting on Aug. 19, 2024.

After cities in Alabama surpass a population of 12,000, the mayor no longer sits on the council or has voting power on the council and instead has veto power. In the 2020 decennial federal census, Calera had 16,494 inhabitants. Most of Calera’s surrounding municipalities have already moved on to this form of government, including Alabaster, Pelham and Helena.

Following the next election, a presiding officer, such as a city council president, will take on several of the responsibilities the mayor currently handles. The Calera City Council has also discussed the possibility of pursuing a council-manager government which would require approval of Calera citizens through a vote as well as a petition with signatures from residents who voted in the last election.

The municipal election for the city of Calera will take place on Aug, 26. Currently, the only other candidate announced for election as mayor is Kenny Dale Cost.