State Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield) and State Rep. Chris Blackshear (R-Phenix City) were named the 2025 Legislative Leaders of the Year by the Alabama Association of Regional Councils during the organization’s annual conference in Point Clear.
The annual conference brought together AARC members, staff, and supporters from across Alabama to discuss policy issues affecting local governments and the citizens they serve.
The AARC Leadership Award recognizes lawmakers who demonstrate commitment and advocacy while working to strengthen quality of life through programs offered by Alabama’s regional councils.
Weaver praised the West Alabama Regional Commission and the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, which serve communities in her district, including Bibb, Shelby, and Chilton counties, while also highlighting AARC’s statewide impact.
“It is wonderful to have all the great projects going on in my district, but what really ties things together is the work that all of you do throughout the state,” Weaver said. “Doing similar work and performing at a high level is a win for the state of Alabama and its citizens.”
Blackshear emphasized AARC’s role in connecting communities across the state and praised the Lee-Russell Council of Governments for delivering services in the rapidly growing areas of his district.
“AARC provides the conduit between rural, urban and state government, offering the tools and resources needed to improve communities and allow them to thrive,” Blackshear said.
“No matter where we live in the state, we are all faced with the same challenges,” Blackshear said. “Because of your work, challenges are turned into opportunities. Thank you for this recognition, and I look forward to working with all of you in the future.”
AARC Chairwoman Lori Sokol said the leadership demonstrated by Weaver and Blackshear reflects the importance of collaboration between state lawmakers and regional councils.
“Senator Weaver and Representative Blackshear exemplify the kind of dedicated leadership that strengthens our regional councils and uplifts every community in Alabama,” Sokol said. “Their steadfast support of AARC and the programs we administer ensure that local governments, large and small, have the tools they need to meet challenges and create real opportunities for citizens. We are grateful for their partnership, their advocacy and their commitment to advancing the work of regional collaboration across our state.”
The Alabama Association of Regional Councils is the coordination body for Alabama’s 12 multi-county planning and development organizations, supporting local governments through planning, grant administration, aging services, community and economic development, and regional collaboration.
