Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting – September 23, 2025

The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting included mayoral announcements, presentations, approval of a consent agenda, and discussion and voting on several individual items. Key topics included a financial literacy initiative, microtransit services, a conflict resolution program, short-term rental software, and a zoning change. Public comments focused on traffic safety concerns in the East Lake area.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda, comprising routine and non-controversial items (including budget amendments, contracts, settlements, and bid awards), was approved unanimously by a 9-0 vote. Items 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9 were removed from the consent agenda at the request of councilmembers for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Jackson (235 85th Street North) and Greg Goldsmith (8534 3rd Avenue North) appeared with neighbors to request a four-way stop sign and speed humps at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and 85th Street North. They reported that two deaths have occurred at that location and that they have already purchased speed humps. Council President O'Quinn explained that the city's traffic calming program has a backlog of over 500 requests and that the next step is to have a petition signed by neighbors. Councilor Moore and the administration committed to working with the residents to expedite the process.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – Budget Amendment for RISE Program: An ordinance to transfer $166,072 to the Grants Match Fund for the RISE program. Councilor Clarke expressed concern that funding the program through liquidation of city assets creates a conflict and encourages asset sales. The item was referred to the Economic Development and Tourism Committee for further discussion (motion by Councilor Smitherman, seconded).
• Item 3 – Financial Freedom Project (IMC Financial Consulting): A resolution authorizing $1,000,000 for a financial literacy initiative in partnership with Birmingham City Schools and IMC Financial Consulting. Isaac Cooper presented the program, noting it has expanded to 27 schools with a 100% increase in school participation over three years. The program includes in-person instruction, a new investment club, and a parenting component. Unanimously approved.
• Item 4 – Microtransit Services Agreement with BJCTA: A resolution authorizing $2,500,000 for the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) to expand microtransit services via Via, transferring the contract from the city to BJCTA. Deputy Director Argo explained that the move allows federal matching funds and better coordination. The agreement was amended to specify a service area of 26.6 square miles and hours of operation (Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Councilor Williams raised concerns about the northern expansion zone's limited connectivity. Unanimously approved.
• Item 5 – Reconnecting Communities Grant Cost-Sharing: A resolution authorizing a $100,000 contribution from BJCTA toward the $200,000 local match for a $1,000,000 federal grant for transportation planning. The grant will fund the Birmingham Transportation Capital Investment Plan. Unanimously approved.
• Item 6 – Granicus Short-Term Rental Software: A resolution authorizing a three-year agreement with Granicus LLC for short-term rental software (not to exceed $86,836.38). Mayor Woodfin clarified that the software is for data tracking only and does not preempt the council's policy decisions. Councilor Abbott noted that the city already had the software but was not using it. Unanimously approved.
• Item 9 – Common Ground Conflict Resolution Program: A resolution authorizing a third amendment with the Penny Foundation for $1,000,000 to administer the Common Ground program in schools. Judge Andre Sparks reported that the program has expanded to 36 schools with over 1,100 students, and outcome data showed significant reductions in fights, suspensions, and disciplinary actions. The program also includes a parenting component called Roots and Wings. Unanimously approved.
• Item 35 – Zoning Change (Case ZAC2025-00019): A resolution setting a public hearing for November 4, 2025 (amended from October 28) to consider rezoning property at 821 39th Place South from QB-1 to C-1 for a medical spa. Unanimously approved.
• Item 36 – Picnic at Railroad Park: A resolution authorizing the mayor to execute contracts for the 2025 Picnic at Railroad Park on September 28, 2025, celebrating neighborhood and community officers. The resolution was amended to include a not-to-exceed amount of $10,000. Unanimously approved.
• Item 37 – Advance Expense Account: A resolution approving an advance expense account for Council President O'Quinn to attend the Alabama League of Municipalities training in Tuscaloosa on October 1-2, 2025. Unanimously approved.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved unanimously (9-0).
• Item 1 referred to Economic Development and Tourism Committee.
• Items 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 35, 36, and 37 all approved unanimously (9-0 or 8-0 with absences).
• Item 36 amended to include a $10,000 cap.
• Public comments on traffic safety were referred to the Department of Transportation for follow-up on petition process.
• The meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m.