Here are some of the highlights from today's Birmingham City Council Meeting

ITEM 37

On Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council approved a $4.2 million federal grant for the Birmingham Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center.
 
The money will be used to help bolster the Real Time Crime Center’s camera expansion and daily operations. This grant funding was secured with the assistance of US Senator Katie Britt and is something city officials have met with her office about on multiple occasions when outlining Birmingham’s legislative priorities.
 
“I want to thank our federal partners, specifically Senator Katie Britt, for helping us secure this funding,” Councilor Hunter Williams said. “When you look at the amount of grant funding the City of Birmingham has received over the last several years, I think it speaks to the partnership between the Mayor and the Council. We’re working closely with our federal partners and it’s a different approach than what’s been done in the past. We’ve really been able to multiply our grant funding  in recent years and it shows.”
 
Last month, the Council approved two items that will further support the Real Time Crime Center’s ongoing mission.  
 
First, the Council approved an agreement with the Birmingham Board of Education for sharing of strategic video assets on school properties – cameras that are located in the public areas of schools such as lobbies, the exterior of the buildings and the athletic facilities.
 
The second item that was approved was for three additional mobile camera units that can be deployed to hotspots throughout the city, especially as it relates to continued efforts to reduce exhibition driving.
 
“These cameras will be deployed at large events and gatherings to help be the eyes for law enforcement,” Councilor Williams said. “What we want to do is utilize these units outside of large events as well to deter criminal activity in certain areas. As you know, the City is now able to use cameras in prosecuting those who participate in illegal street racing, and this is another tool for the City to reduce that.”

ITEM 53

On Tuesday, the Council approved an item declaring the 83rd Annual Magic City Classic a public purpose and authorized the expenditure of up to $1.5 million to pay for goods and services for the city's largest annual event. 

Last year, the Council unanimously approved an agreement to keep the Magic City Classic at Legion Field for a term of four years beginning in 2023. 

“This is an event that draws people from all over the country,” Councilor Crystal Smitherman said. “Just seeing people coming from California, Colorado, all over, it speaks volumes to how impactful and meaningful this weekend is, not just for Birmingham but also for HBCUs and their continued legacy.”
 
Obviously, the week leading up to the Classic is an economic boon for the city. Each year we see upwards of $30 million being spent at local restaurants, hotels, and stores throughout town. It’s also helped create partnerships between local businesses, organizations, and government agencies, which strengthen the foundation for collaboration and innovation in Birmingham's economic development efforts.
 
"This is a great opportunity for Birmingham to host young professionals and students from HBCUs around the country while also showcasing what we have to offer in terms of careers, entertainment and higher education," Council President Pro Tem Wardine Alexander said. "In addition to this being the largest annual HBCU event in the country, it’s important that we continue to position Birmingham as a leader for these types of events that celebrate HBCUs and Black excellence." 

Boards and Agencies

 
There is currently a vacancy on the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority for an unexpired term following the resignation of one of Birmingham's appointed members.
 
This body regulates the public transit system and plays an important role in improving and expanding these options for our residents.
 
The Birmingham City Council is currently taking submissions to fill the vacancy. If you are interested in serving the remainder of the vacated term, please email your resume and letter of interest toKimberly.Phillips@birminghamal.govbyFriday, September 20th. For more information, you can contact Council President Darrell O’Quinn’s office at 205-254-6679
 
Only qualification is that you are a resident of Jefferson County.

Public Input Meetings

 
We have some incredibly important public input meetings that are taking place over the next month. The next installment for the Pratt-Ensley rezoning will take placeon Monday, September 30that 6pm.
 
Council President O’Quinn explained the importance of residents providing feedback to the proposed rezoning plans.
 
“These meetings are really crucial for our residents, because you need to understand what’s going on with zoning plans and upcoming changes in Birmingham,” President O’Quinn said. “I’ve had a situation recently where someone wanted to do business within the city of Birmingham. They’ve identified a location that used to be a commercial retail establishment, but somehow in the 1990s it was rezoned for residential. Now he has to go through the entire rezoning process to secure a business license. We don’t want that to be the case for people moving forward and we hope to have a great turnout for these public input meetings over the next month.”