One of Birmingham area’s fastest-growing suburbs will have a nearly fresh slate of leaders later this year as its mayor and four of five councilmembers will not seek election.

Helena Mayor Brian Puckett said he is leaving politics and will not seek reelection in August.

Puckett, in a column in “Helena the Magazine,” announced his plans to leave city hall.

Puckett said he suffered a stroke in August.

“During that time, I underwent countless tests, and to this day, I continue to manage my health with regular doctor visits,” Puckett said in the magazine, a digital features section of the Shelby County Reporter. “The experience was humbling and gave me time to reflect on the role I hold as your mayor. It made me realize that, while politics is not something I sought after, it has given me the opportunity to serve the people of Helena in meaningful ways.”

Puckett’s decision leaves open the mayor’s seat along with a long roster of council positions that are being vacated by incumbents.

Councilman Chris VanCleave resigned in August, citing serious illness. Council members Laura Joseph and Hewy Woodman also announced that they would not run.

Chris Willis, who was appointed to the council in Dec. 2022, cannot run for the seat because of his employment with the Jefferson County Commission. Legislation prohibits county employees from seeking elected office.

The exits leave just one incumbent, Council President Alice Lobell, as a possible contender for leadership.

The announced departure of Puckett and council leaders comes after the city completed plans to build a new city hall and athletic facilities totaling $45 million.

City leaders, specifically Puckett, were also criticized for giving public money to support the Hillsboro School, a private Montessori school, which was associated with the mayor. That action was rescinded following public outcry, calls for an investigation and even demands for the resignation of city leaders.

Puckett noted that his tenure included challenges, successes and mistakes.

“The difficult decisions, though sometimes met with criticism, have always been made with what’s best for Helena in mind,” he wrote. “While the challenges have been tough, I’ve never wavered in my commitment to this city, but this will be my last term in office.”

Home to more than 22,000 people, Helena has added more than 5,000 new residents since 2010, according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The scope and financing of the public projects generated questions, concerns and outright criticism from residents.

Puckett has called the projects essential to meeting the needs of the growing city in a responsible way.

Several residents questioned the city’s use of $2 million — half of its reserve fund — to advance spending on the project. The amount represented half of the city’s reserves.

Puckett at the time called the move a normal part of operation that would be replaced with the bond proceeds.

Seeking to bring down the price after public criticism, Helena city leaders also scaled back and stripped out a few perks including a shower in the mayor’s office, along with an additional shower in the new city hall. But that was not enough to damper online chatter and public skepticism.

Helena resident Alan Beck, a regular city hall observer, told AL.com that he welcomed the upcoming change in city leadership.

“I wish Puckett the best in terms of focusing on his health. I’m excited for the city moving forward, as I believe the city needs a fresh start all around,” he said. “We still must be diligent in holding the current administration accountable for what has transpired and what may occur during the remainder of this term, just as we should with any future administration.”

The new city hall is expected to open next spring, while the sportsplex would open in November of 2025.

Councilwoman Joseph, who served two terms on dais, said a new slate of leaders will require time to learn the positions, but she is confident in the decision of the voters.

“Following the example set by former council members who supported me, I remain committed to offering guidance and advice when needed,” she said. “However, the upcoming term belongs to the new leadership team, and I eagerly anticipate seeing them lead our city forward with bold vision and steadfast conviction.

Joseph, who drafted new rules for city funding following the controversy over the city’s grants to the Hillsboro School, offered advice to the new city leaders.

“During my time on Helena’s City Council, I’ve learned that transparency in decision-making is an essential element in fostering understanding and trust, particularly in a close-knit community like ours,” she said.

The next slate of city leaders take office in November.