Hope Hull residents took a significant step toward creating their own municipal government Tuesday, overwhelmingly approving incorporation in a special election at Reviving Ministries.

The vote followed months of organizing by community members who say they want a greater voice in guiding Hope Hull’s future amid concerns about potential annexation and continued growth near Montgomery.

According to results released by the Montgomery County Election Center, voters approved incorporation by a 154-9 margin. The vote begins the legal process of establishing Hope Hull as a municipality but does not immediately make it an official town.

According to the Hope Hull Incorporation Committee, one of the primary goals of forming a town is to establish local planning and zoning authority, allowing residents to make decisions about future growth through officials elected from within the community rather than another municipality. The committee has described local control over development as “a key driver behind this effort.”

The incorporation committee has said the effort is intended to preserve Hope Hull’s rural character while giving residents greater control over future development and land-use decisions. Tuesday’s vote determined whether the incorporation process would move forward, not whether the town is officially established.

If the incorporation process is completed, Hope Hull residents would elect a mayor and five council members to serve as the town’s governing body. According to the incorporation committee, those officials would establish the town’s government, adopt ordinances, oversee financial management and create planning and zoning policies that supporters say are essential to maintaining local control over future development.

Under Alabama law, the Montgomery County probate judge must order a census to determine whether the proposed municipality has at least 300 residents, the minimum population required for incorporation. If the census confirms Hope Hull meets that requirement, the judge can issue an order officially incorporating the town.

Following an order of incorporation, Hope Hull residents would return to the polls to elect the town’s first mayor and five council members after the required public notice period.

The incorporation committee has also said that once a town government is established, surrounding property owners who are outside the initial town boundaries could petition to annex into the municipality under Alabama law.

If the remaining legal steps are completed, Hope Hull residents will soon have the opportunity to elect the community’s first mayor and council and begin governing the town locally.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].