Mayor Stewart Welch, who has served two terms as mayor of the city of Mountain Brook, announced Wednesday that he will not be seeking re-election.

While he will not be serving a third term, Welch, who made the announcement on WBRC’s Good Day Alabama, will continue to serve through the remainder of this term. Welch said he believes it is the perfect time to pass on leadership to the next generation. Municipal elections to select a new Mayor will be held August 26.

“After talking it over with friends and family and giving it much thought, I have decided not to seek another term as mayor of Mountain Brook,” Welch said. “Serving the people of this remarkable city has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”

Welch was born and raised in Mountain Brook. He attended the University of Alabama and went on to run his own financial advisory firm. Welch has served on the boards of both local and national charities and is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham. He came into politics in 2016 as the mayor of Mountain Brook.

Under Welch’s leadership, the city invested heavily in public spaces, infrastructure, public safety and supported Mountain Brook’s schools and local businesses. Welch also integrated the Alabama Veterans Memorial Park into the city’s park system.

“We’ve worked together to preserve the unique charm of Mountain Brook while thoughtfully planning for its future. From enhancing our public spaces like Jemison Park, to investing in infrastructure, to strengthening public safety to supporting our excellent schools and local businesses — we’ve made meaningful progress that always has the best interests of our residents at heart,” Welch wrote in a letter to Mountain Brook residents.

Welch said that the decision to step aside comes from a place of confidence in the city’s strong position.

“Today, Mountain Brook is thriving. We are financially strong, our neighborhoods are safe, and the spirit of community that defines our city is as strong as ever. It is from this position of strength and stability that I believe the time is right to allow the next generation of leadership to step up,” Welch wrote in the letter.

“The time is absolutely perfect to pass the torch and I have every confidence that our next mayor will continue to lead with integrity, vision and a deep love for this city.”