Press Releases

Magic City Spotlight: Sign up for ACE and learn how to make change in your community

The next Academy of Civic Engagement (ACE) cohort is beginning soon!

ACE is a city-wide leadership initiative aimed at bringing residents together for a deeper understanding of how the City works for them and how they can plug into various opportunities. Orientation begins September 7.

Click the image above or the button below to watch Mayor Woodfin's message offering more details about this comprehensive six-week program designed to prepare residents to go out into their communities to act, serve, and lead.

Learn more and sign up at birminghamal.gov/ace.

The City of Birmingham Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for poetry in Birmingham.

 

This is an honorary position, and roles and responsibilities include making local appearances, facilitating public and educational programs, and building advocacy and community through poetry.

 

The poet laureate will receive an honorarium of $5,000 over the course of their term. Additional funds will be available for materials and other approved costs associated with community engagement programs that the poet laureate facilitates.

 

Click the button below to learn more and access the application portal.

Applications close on October 2.

You're invited to join Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan and Mayor Randall Woodfin for the Rally For Reading on August 28.

Join us to instill the joy of reading in our students and prepare them for academic success.

Click the image above or the button below to watch the video to learn more.

See you there!

Kids Kasino at the YWCA!

Join the YWCA for an exciting event coming up this Saturday to support the critical work of the YWCA Central Alabama’s Child Development Center. As the YWCA celebrates its 120th year of serving the Greater Birmingham community, we invite you to go “all in” for KIDS Kasino on Saturday, August 19 from 6-10 p.m. at the YWCA Central Alabama for an evening of casino-style gaming, food, and fun! We hope you will bring your whole family for a night out with childcare available for the evening on site. Please see the flier attached.

 

While we have made great strides in our 120-year history, raising funds for the Child Development Center has never been more crucial. The nationally accredited Child Development Program provides high-quality, early education to children in the Greater Birmingham area no matter the circumstances that bring their family to the YWCA Central Alabama. It makes certain that children experiencing homelessness or living in low-income or at-risk households are kindergarten-ready, and have a safe place to learn, grow, and play.

 

Follow the link below to purchase your ticket! One ticket can cover the cost of milk for an entire class for a week or provide meals for 2 students all week. If you are not able to buy a ticket, please consider giving a smaller amount. Even $10 can cover socks and wipes for a baby

The Latest From the White House Office of Political Affairs

President Biden Approves Hawaii Disaster Declaration

On Thursday, August 10th, President Biden declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Hawaii and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires beginning on August 8, 2023, and continuing.
The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in Maui County.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. 

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at 
www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. 

Read More on the President's Disaster Declaration
Here


President Biden Releases Statement on July Consumer Price Inflation Report

On Thursday, August 10th, President Biden released a statement regarding the encouraging economic result reflected in July's Consumer Price Inflation Report. The report shows further evidence that Bidenomics is working. Annual inflation has fallen by around two thirds since last summer, and inflation outside of food and energy has fallen to its lowest level in any three-month period since September 2021.President Biden ran for office to grow the economy from the middle out and bottom up, not the top down, and that's exactly what he's doing.

Read the Presidents Statement Here: 
Statement from President Joe Biden on July Consumer Price Inflation Report


President Biden Delivers Remarks on One Year Anniversary of the PACT Act

On Thursday, August 10th, President Biden delivered remarks on the one year anniversary of the PACT Act. One year ago, President Biden signed the landmark bipartisan Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act into law, enacting the most significant expansion of benefits and services for toxic exposed veterans in more than 30 years.

President Biden has made clear that supporting our veterans is a commitment that unites all Americans – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents — and it’s why he made supporting our veterans a core element of his Unity Agenda. The President joined veterans and their families at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, to discuss how this historic, bipartisan legislation has delivered lifesaving health care and benefits to more than 340,000 veterans and survivors.

The Biden-Harris administration also released new national and state-by-state data on PACT Act claims, which have been processed at record rates by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In the past year, the Administration has helped veterans across the country receive the services and care they deserve by:

  • Screening veterans for toxic exposures;

  • Delivering benefits to veterans and their survivors;

  • Prioritizing veterans with cancer;

  • Spreading the word to veterans and their survivors;

  • Increasing VA's capacity to serve veterans; and

  • Eliminating benefit delays for veterans.


FACT SHEET:
In First Year, President Biden's Bipartisan PACT Act Delivers Care for Veterans in all 50 States and U.S. Territories and Advances Unity Agenda


President Biden Announces Grand Canyon National Monument 

On Tuesday, August 8th, President Biden announced the designation of the Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument -- Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kuknevi -- in conjunction with an announcement of a $44 million investment to strengthen climate resilience across America's National Parks system.

The marking of this National Monument will conserve nearly 1 million acres of greater Grand Canyon landscape sacred to Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples. This designation exemplifies the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to protect America's natural wonders for future generations, honor culturally significant areas, and tell a more complete story of our nation.

In addition to the designation of the National Monument, and ahead of the 1-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden-Harris Administration announced $44 million to strengthen climate resilience across America's National Parks system, including 43 projects across 39 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Through his Investing in America agenda, President Biden has delivered record funding for conservation, climate action, and environmental justice.

FACT SHEET: President Biden Designates Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni -- Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:
President Biden Designates Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument

Magic City Spotlight: Birmingham schools resume with support from city, community

Birmingham schools begin their academic year with lots of love from city staff

Birmingham City Schools are officially filled with scholars, teachers and staff buzzing with excitement and expectation for the 2023/2024 academic year.

We were proud to greet everyone on day one and are committed to supporting you throughout the school year.

Click the buttons below to see more pictures on the official City of Birmingham and Mayor Woodfin's Facebook channels.

"MLB at Rickwood Field: A Tribute to the Negro Leagues" is headed to the Magic City

City and MLB officials came together at historic Rickwood last week to unveil the official name of the June 2024 event that will pit the St. Louis Cardinals against the San Francisco Giants.

Get ready, Birmingham! MLB at Rickwood Field: A Tribute to the Negro Leagues is headed our way!

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona visits Birmingham, meets with HBCU leaders

Last week, Mayor Randall Woodfin welcomed U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to Birmingham to explore the city's rich history and meet with HBCU leaders.

With the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute as the backdrop, Secretary Cardona took questions during a press conference addressing educational challenges and solutions.

Click the image above or the button below to watch the press conference. Click the button below to see more pictures from the visit on Mayor Woodfin's official Facebook page.

The City of Birmingham releases trailer for documentary "The South Got Something to Say"

Introducing The South Got Something to Say, a documentary film by the City of Birmingham and Southern Futures Project that will explore Birmingham's modern movement for progress.

This documentary explores the authentic and sometimes complicated relationships between residents and emerging leaders as they navigate a Southern city propelling forward at the speed of light.

Learn more about the film and how to support it at SouthGotSomething.com.

Tenants' Rights Educational Seminar to be held August 19

The Community Arts Grant Program will once again support four community arts collaborations that benefit the City of Birmingham with grants of $10,000 each. Eligibility checks must be submitted by Aug. 18. 

Activities must be broadly accessible to City of Birmingham residents, regardless of the age group being served by the project. Projects may be first-time collaborations or continuations of existing work.

For more, visit createbirmingham.org/community-arts/arts-grant-program.

Magic City Spotlight: Birmingham receives $50 million grant for Smithfield revitalization

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia L. Fudge announced Wednesday the awarding of Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) Grants totaling $370 million to eight communities throughout the country. These awards support communities that have undergone a comprehensive local planning process and are ready to implement their “Transformation Plan” to redevelop the neighborhood.

Secretary Fudge made the announcement in Birmingham, Alabama, where she presented a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) Grant of $50 million to the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District and the City of Birmingham.  For decades, Birmingham’s Smithfield area was a thriving African American community, replete with creative character. But several factors led to the community’s decline, beginning with mortgage redlining and racial zoning in the 1930s; the construction of Interstates 65 and 20 in the 1950s, which cut off the area from Birmingham’s Central Business District; and a lack of investment in schools and infrastructure.

The Choice Neighborhood plan for neighborhood investment reflects the City of Birmingham and Housing Authority of the Birmingham District’s philosophy of ‘Putting People First’ with input from residents and community stakeholders.

“This investment represents HUD’s commitment to creating new housing for Birmingham residents and communities across the country,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “When we envision the future of public housing investment, we think of programs like Choice Neighborhoods. These awards promote the innovative collaboration needed to tackle the affordable housing crisis. A community-driven, whole-of-government approach to neighborhood revitalization is what leads to impactful changes in the neighborhoods that need it the most.”

The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants will help revitalize and transform the distressed public and/or assisted housing and neighborhoods across the country, while also providing residents with services focused on income, health, and education.

Click the button below to watch the press conference with Congresswoman Terri Sewell, Secretary Marcia L. Fudge, Mayor Randall Woodfin, and other leaders, officials, and members of the Smithfield community.

The Smithfield community is about to embark on a journey that will transform lives.

For some, that journey can be hard to imagine. So, allow us to introduce you to Ava.

Ava and her family are along for the ride. Click the button below to watch Ava's story and see the vision of where the impact of this investment and the support of her community will take her.

Want to know more about plans for Smithfield?

Click the buttons below to visit smithfieldchoice.org to learn more.

News You Can Use: June 29, 2023

THURSDAY, JUNE 29 

The Gaston Motel opens today! 

  • The historic A.G. Gaston Motel opens to the public today for free visits for a limited time beginning Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, go here. All group and commercially operated tours must be pre-arranged to accommodate for the motel’s capacity. Schedule those at gastontours@birminghamal.gov

 

FRIDAY, JUNE 30 

Several of our city’s senior leaders have a message to COB men about “checking in”  

  • Watch the video here.   

    • Details: The City of Birmingham is hosting a Men’s Health Fair on Friday, June 30 at Linn Park. The event is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Come get tips on physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial health. See attached for details.  

  

SATURDAY, JULY 1 

Birmingham Stallions headed to the finals   

  • Congratulations to the Birmingham Stallions. They will return to Canton, Ohio this week to compete for its second straight USFL Championship. You can watch the Stallions take on the Pittsburg Maulers on Saturday, July 1 on NBC at 7 p.m. Central Standard Time.  For details, go to theusfl.com. 

  

UAB DAY 

  • July 1 is UAB Day in the city of Birmingham. It kicks off their official membership in the prestigious American Athletic Conference (AAC). Get more details here

 

MONDAY, JULY 3 

Movies in the Park 

  • Enjoy a family evening under the stars at Memorial Park, located 524 6th Ave. South. The free event is at 7 p.m. Presented by District 6. See attached for details.  

 

Get fit with a free weekly bootcamp   

  • Every Monday, Birmingham Park and Recreation hosts a free bootcamp at Boutwell from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. powered by IAM BHAM. See flyer for details.   

 

TUESDAY, JULY 4 

Titusville Community Day 

  • Enjoy the Fourth of July with this event featuring music, BBQ and more at Memorial Park. 3-9 p.m. See attached for details. 

 

WEDNESDAY,  

Support area restaurants and bars with Magic City Sips   

  • Magic City Sips is a summer-long, city-wide happy hour event series taking place every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m., during the months of June, July, and August. Participating bars and restaurants will host their own happy hours, highlighting Sips-specific drink and food specials. See attached flyer with a QR Code to scan for additional information. Follow them on Instagram @ieobirmingham.    

 

Get some financial tips and lunch on Wednesdays  

  • Enjoy the financial workshops follow hosted by Birmingham City Credit Union, located at 2725 35th Ave. North. These events are on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided. Free to BCCU members. $10 for non-members.    

    • How to Navigate Estate Planning – Wednesday, July 12  

    • How to Navigate Life Development – Wednesday, July 19  

    • How to Navigate Obtaining Healthy Food – Wednesday, July 26  

  • See attached for details.    

 

SATURDAY, JULY 8 

Check out the District 6 Summer Farmers Market 

  • Enjoy fresh fruit, vegetables, breads and honey jams at Memorial Park from 1:30-3:30 p.m. See attached for details. 

ONGOING 

Enjoy Treasure Island in the Park! 

  • Birmingham Park and Recreation has partnered with Birmingham Childrens Theatre for performances of “Treasure Island” in parks across the city. See the attached for details! 

COMING UP 

Make plans to attend Wind Down Wednesday   

  • The next Wind Down Wednesday after work inspire and empower series will take place at the Boutwell Auditorium on Wednesday, July 19. It’s free and all (21 and up) are welcome. 

 

Enjoy a photographic tribute to Historic Sloss Furnaces Opening Reception 

  • Since the mid-1970s, Ken Boyd has been photographing Sloss Furnaces and has compiled his best works into this photographic exhibition at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. Come out on Thursday, July 20 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to the Sloss Visitor Center to see the exhibit and meet the artist. Ken Boyd has published several photography-based books on various topics and has taught at both Samford University and UAB. This is a free event and light refreshments will be provided. See attached for details. 

 

Jr. Archaeology Day is coming soon 

  • Come out to the Sloss Furnaces Company Quarters Commissary (across the street from Sloss Furnaces and next to Back Forty) on Friday, July 21 from 1-5 p.m. for a free archaeological event! There will be K-12 activities and all ages are welcome to come out and observe. This is a great opportunity for anyone who may be interested in learning more about archaeology and how to pursue it as a career. Presented by The Alabama Archaeology Society. See attached for details. 

 *** 

Stay updated regarding the Forging Justice 60th Commemoration   

  • All year long, the City of Birmingham is commemorating the heroic acts of our citizens during the 1963 civil and human rights campaign. June is themed “Break Every Chain.” There are free June posters on the first floor of City Hall. Check out this calendar for details regarding upcoming events: birminghamal.gov/forging justice
       

Submit your news to marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov.

Magic City Spotlight

Ted's Restaurant, a Birmingham institution, celebrates 50 years

Ted’s Restaurant, one of Birmingham’s landmark eateries, is celebrating 50 years of business.

It’s not unusual to see a line of patrons ready to get their fill of homestyle Southern cooking seasoned with old-style Greek hospitality at Ted’s. People say they come for the food and stay for the tradition at this eatery, which has seen dedicated owners work to make the restaurant what it is today.

So what exactly is the secret behind 50 years of success for Ted’s, which offers breakfast, brunch and lunch?

“It’s our dedication to our customers and the Birmingham community. They are like family to us, and we are constantly looking for ways to better serve them, whether it’s cooking up someone’s Saturday morning regular or supporting local charities,” said Beba Touloupis, who runs the business with her husband, Tasos.

Click the button below to read more about the Touloupis family and how they are keeping a Birmingham staple alive motivated by the legacy of Ted's and the community it serves.

Freedom Fest returns to the Civil Rights District

Birmingham Freedom Fest presented by City of Birmingham returns this summer on July 29 in the Birmingham Civil Rights District. Join us for a day filled with music and empowerment as we celebrate the triumphs of Birmingham’s civil rights history and its commitment to forging a united future. Tickets are on sale now at www.freedomfestbhm.com.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Department welcomed new recruits and celebrated rising stars in today's graduation and promotion ceremony at Boutwell Auditorium. Congrats, and thank you so much for being our protectors.

While we celebrate their accomplishment, now is a great time to shout out our heroes!


Take a look at how Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Department kept you safe in the month of May.


We thank them for their incredible work and appreciate those who have joined them in this important work.



News You Can Use

June 8, 2023 

 

DEADLINE EXTENDED: The 2023 Juneteenth Door Decorating Contest - One, two, three, go. Engage, Collaborate, Decorate.  Show us what you got!!! 

  • All City of Birmingham departments are invited to show their Juneteenth spirit and pride by decorating their department door. 

    • Contest information: 

      • EXTENDED to 5 p.m., Thursday, June 8. Send participation notification to COBengagement@birminghamal.gov. Departments must have doors decorated by 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 13. Judging will take place Wednesday, June 14 - Thursday, June 15. Winners announced Friday, June 16. Scoring rubric and contest information attached   

 

Get fit with a free weekly bootcamp 

  • Every Monday, Birmingham Park and Recreation hosts a free bootcamp at Boutwell from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. powered by IAM BHAM. See flyer for details. No class will be held on June 19. 

 

Support area restaurants and bars with Magic City Sips 

  • Magic City Sips is a summer-long, city-wide happy hour event series taking place every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m., during the months of June, July, and August. Participating bars and restaurants will host their own happy hours, highlighting Sips-specific drink and food specials. The summer will conclude with a "Sippy Cup Award" which will be offered to the best establishment based on patrons' votes in various categories including Best Cocktail, Best Happy Hour Appetizer, Best Vibe, and more. Sips seeks to not only engage our residents and business communities but to also drive traffic in support of one of Birmingham's most thriving and notable industries. See attached flyer with a QR Code to scan for additional information. Follow them on Instagram @ieobirmingham. 

Enjoy good music and great food at upcoming festival  

  • The 27th Annual Bob Marley and Jerk Chicken Festival is June 9-10 in front of City Hall. Featuring Inner Circle Group, Delain Hudson, Root Posse Band and more. Get details attached.  

 

It's time for the fishing rodeo 

  • Come out to the fishing rodeo on Saturday, June 10 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at East Lake Park. There will be lots of fish, vendors, food trucks, free live bait, and giveaways. See attached flyer for more details. On Friday, June 9, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. the lake will be stocked with over 2,000 pounds of catfish. Come check it out. 

Come out for a community clean-up on Saturday 

  • Help pick up litter and cut grass at the Fountain Heights Community Clean-up this Saturday, June 10 from 9-11 a.m. The event will take place at the Fountain Heights Recreation Center, located at 1101 15th Ave. North. Sign-up starts at 8:30 a.m. See attached for details.  

 

BMA to host African Heritage Festival  

  • The Birmingham Museum of Art is hosting an African Heritage Festival, sponsored by Medical Properties Trust with support from Blue Cross Blue Shield. Join BMA on Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as they come together to celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of African cultures and the Museum's exceptional African art galleries. This family-friendly festival includes immersive experiences, captivating performances, delicious cuisine, and hands-on activities for all ages. Get more info at https://www.artsbma.org.

 

Several positions open 

  • Birmingham Park and Recreation is hiring for several positions. See attached for details.  

 

Enjoy delicious meals at the Arlington House 

  • The Arlington Historic House has a series of upcoming food events. Enjoy Thursdays at Arlington, Fish Fry Fridays, and Soul Food Saturdays. Check out the attached flyer for details.  

 

Get some financial tips and lunch on Wednesdays in June 

  • Enjoy the financial workshops follow hosted by Birmingham City Credit Union, located at 2725 35th Ave. North. These events are on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided. Free to BCCU members. $10 for non-members.  

    • How to Navigate Medicare – Wednesday, June 14 

    • How to Navigate Basics of Credit – Wednesday, June 28 

  • See attached for details.  

 

Lots of upcoming events at Titusville Public Library 

  • Check out the following upcoming events at Titusville Public Library, located at 2 6th Ave. SW. See attached flyers for details. 

    • Swinging Stories Golf Camp. Ages 5 -18. June 6, 8, 13, and16, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 

    • Father’s Day Brunch. Wednesday, June 14 at 11 a.m.

    • Arts and Crafts. Every Tuesday 11 a.m.-12 p.m. starting June 13 and through July 20. 

    • All Together Now Fortnite Party. July 12 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Registration required.  

Enjoy Steel City Jazz Fest 

  • The Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival will take place at Linn Park downtown June 16-17. The lineup includes legendary Stephanie Mills and other legends-in-the-making such as Anthony Hamilton, Stokely, Raheem DeVaughn and Birmingham’s own Kim Scott. Short 20th will be closed on Wednesday, June 14 at 5 p.m. so organizers can start setting up for the festival. For more information about performers and tickets, please visit www.steelcityjazzfest.org

 

First Annual Family fest is June 29-July 2 

  • Thursday, June 29 kicks off the family- friendly Magic City Summer Fest at Legion Field. This four-day event includes a basketball tournament featuring Birmingham Squadron's Mascot and a KCBS Sanctioned BBQ Cook-off featuring Food Network's Darnell “Super Chef” Ferguson from "Super Chef Grudge Match" vying for cash prizes and bragging rights. There will also be carnival rides, a giant game room, miniature golf, summer ice skating, kids’ zone with inflatables, craft vendors, food court, DJ Dance Parties and more. For more information visit www.magiccitysummerfest.com.  

 

Prioritize your wellness with an upcoming men’s health fair 

  • The City of Birmingham is hosting a Men’s Health Fair on Friday, June 30 at Linn Park. The event is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Come get tips on physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial health. See attached for details.  

 

High school alums, it’s kickball time 

  • Represent your high school pride by assembling a team to compete in the All High School Alumni Co-Ed Kickball Tournament at Legion Field. Game day will be Sunday, July 2. First game will start at 3 p.m. See flyer for details. 

 

Stay updated regarding the Forging Justice 60th Commemoration 

  • All year long, the City of Birmingham is commemorating the heroic acts of our citizens during the 1963 civil and human rights campaign. May is themed “Daring to Dream” and focuses on children and youth of the movement. There are free May posters on the first floor of City Hall. Check out this calendar for details regarding upcoming events: birminghamal.gov/forging justice.
     

Submit your news to marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov


Birmingham City Council Highlights 6.6.23

Birmingham City Council Highlights 6.6.23

Here are a few of the legislative highlights from Tuesday’s Birmingham City Council meeting, in case you missed it.
 

ITEM 10

The Birmingham City Council voted unanimously to approve the vacation of 154,638 square feet of unopened right of way near the Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport to pave the way for a new cargo facility.

This is part of a larger effort from the Birmingham Airport Authority to help bolster their standing as a hub for cargo transportation and logistics.

Above all else, airports require robust infrastructure to function effectively.

With its central location, proximity to major highways, rail networks, an inland port, Birmingham serves as a key facilitator of trade and commerce throughout the state.

Recently, Councilor JT Moore spoke during a groundbreaking ceremony for the global shipping and logistics company Kuehne+Nagel, which will be expanding their operations to the airport.

“Birmingham's expansion in this sector will not only provide a boost to our local businesses but also position us as a critical player in the global market,” Councilor Moore said. “And despite recent reports about population growths in other Alabama cities, Birmingham remains the economic engine for the entire state and will remain so with the amazing work being done by our local partners and leadership on the Birmingham Airport Authority.”

Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:

ITEM 10. A Resolution assenting to the vacation of the following: 154,638 square feet of (Unopened) right of way that is located parallel to and between E. Lake Blvd and 15th Avenue N. and perpendicular to 50th Street N., on behalf of the Birmingham Airport Authority, owners, so that the owner can consolidate property and the hearing of all interested parties, Case No. SUB2023-00011. [Second Reading] (Submitted by Councilor Smitherman, Chairperson, Public Improvements and Beautification Committee) (Recommended by the Subdivision Committee of the Birmingham Planning Commission and the Public Improvements and Beautification Committee)**

Town Hall Meeting Reminder
 

The Birmingham City Council will be holding a town hall meeting to discuss parking and towing practices in the city of Birmingham. The meeting will be held on the second floor of the Boutwell Auditorium, beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7th.

Those interested in speaking will be able to sign up as they enter from 5:30 p.m. until when the meeting begins at 6 p.m.

“This is an important issue that we’ve been working on with city leaders for some time,” Council President Wardine Alexander said. “We understand this is an issue across our city, however towing often happens on private property. So this discussion is going to focus on solutions for our residents and letting them know where we currently are on this.”

Councilor Darrell O’Quinn, Chair of the Transportation Committee, explained that the format of the meeting will be for the Office of the City Attorney to give a presentation then members of the public will be able to respond.

“We want to make it abundantly clear that we have a serious problem in our city with predatory towing,” O’Quinn said. “We all receive many complaints about this practice. We want this to be a solution-based conversation and to get feedback from our residents.”

The meeting will be streamed on the Birmingham City Council’s Facebook Page.


WATCH THE FULL BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL MEETING HERE