DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — State Rep. Paul Lee, R-Dothan, has been named the Alabama Association of Regional Councils’ 2026 House Leader of the Year, according to an Oct. 20 news release from the association.
The award recognizes Lee’s work on transportation, community development and services for Alabama residents, the release said.
Lee received the award during the association’s annual training conference in Montgomery. The association’s website lists the conference dates as Oct. 11–14.
Scott Farmer, AARC president and executive director of the Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, presented the award, according to the release.
“Representative Lee is ever-present in his district and does a remarkable job keeping up with the ongoing needs in those communities,” Farmer said in the release.
Farmer also praised Lee’s work with the Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center and its efforts to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
In his acceptance remarks, Lee highlighted transportation and child care as barriers to employment, according to the release. He also praised regional councils for supporting small businesses and services that help older adults remain in their homes.
“You know your area. You see the need, and you fulfill that need,” Lee told regional council representatives, according to the release. “Most importantly, thank you for what you do.”
The Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission serves Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston counties. Its programs include community and economic development, Head Start, senior employment and Wiregrass Transit.
