Lauderdale County community leaders, business owners and elected officials recognized the efforts of a long-time area advocate on Thursday by dedicating an alley revitalization project in honor of Ann Alexander.
A bronze plaque installed at the end of the alley declares it “Ann’s Alley” in recognition of her efforts in bringing the project to life.
Alexander, one of the architects behind the alley project, which sits between Weidmann’s Restaurant and the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation, has championed a number of community projects over the years, including the alley and the creation of The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience.
“I served 40 years on the council, and one of the persons who always told us what we need to do is Ann,” said George Thomas, who retired from the Meridian City Council in 2025. “She was always there pushing to improve this city, and their family has done tremendous things around this city.”
Lauderdale County Supervisor Josh Todd, who serves as board president, said anyone involved in local politics knows Alexander and knows she does not stop once she takes up a cause. The alley project, which turned a derelict passageway into a modern pedestrian thoroughfare, is an asset to the community, and she and all the people involved in the project deserve thanks.
“We are the coolest city, and if you don’t believe it, go around to other cities and see what they’re doing,” he said. “If you’re not doing something like this, you’re a dying city.”
Efforts to transform the alley have been ongoing for years, but little progress was made until a $200,000 appropriation from the state kickstarted the project. The Meridian City Council in 2024 earmarked $800,000 to unravel a web of utilities beneath the alley and install storm drainage, and additional federal funds were secured for above-ground improvements. In all, roughly $1.2 million was secured through local, state and federal sources.
Chris Phillips, division manager for Mississippi Power, said he has known Alexander for years, but didn’t get involved in the alley project until stepping into his current role. Alexander had previously worked with his predecessor and quickly brought him into the loop on her vision for the space.
“For me, this is what leadership looks like,” he said. “You start with a grungy, dirty product to start with, and then you keep working at it. You keep laboring for it. You keep praying over it, and it turns into something beautiful.”
Alexander said there are many people who deserve thanks for their efforts in getting the alley project from concept to where it is today. It was only possible through their hard work and passion for bringing the project to live.
While the alley is open, it isn’t finished just yet, she said, and there are still more improvements she has in mind for the space.
“We’re going to finish the whole thing, and it’s going to be beautiful, and we’re going to be very proud of our city,” she said.