Birmingham City Council Meeting - December 16, 2025

The regular meeting of the Birmingham City Council convened on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, commencing at 9:39 AM. The session featured the approval of previous minutes, a report from the Mayor regarding community events and youth sports registration, and commendations for local achievers. The Council processed a large Consent Calendar with specific removals and additions based on member requests, followed by discussions on housing agreements, committee appointments, and a significant payment to city employees. The meeting concluded with public testimony regarding homelessness and system barriers, followed by district reports and adjournment.

Consent Calendar

• Item Changes: Councilor Gunn requested the removal of Item 27 (Habitat for Humanity agreement); Councilor Pro Tem Tate requested the addition of Item 57 (Employee payment resolution) to be pulled for discussion; Councilor Smithman requested the removal of Item 31 (Neighborhood Housing Services agreement).
• Habitat for Humanity (Item 27): Initially removed from Consent, this item involved a funding extension for roof replacement grants. Councilor Gunn sought clarification on qualifications; the Chief of Staff confirmed it was an extension of an existing ARPA project to Districts 4 and 9. The item was subsequently passed with a vote of Aye.
• Neighborhood Housing Services (Item 31): Initially removed from Consent regarding a $800,000 funding extension for housing repairs. Councilor Smithman asked for details on prior initiatives; administration confirmed it was a continuation of existing district funding. The item was subsequently passed with a vote of Aye.
• Design Review Committee Appointments (Item 36): Passed unanimously to appoint Brittany Foley and Cynthia Cole (registered architects) and Gina Mallisham (resident at large) to fill unexpired terms expiring in 2026 and 2027.
• Employee Payment (Item 57): Passed unanimously to authorize a $1,000 payment to the City's 3,637 active employees. Councilor Williams expressed gratitude for staff contributions, and Pro Tem Tate echoed this sentiment.
• Data Center Moratorium (Item 53): Re-motions approved to set a public hearing for January 13, 2026, at 9:30 AM to consider a temporary moratorium on data centers.
• Routine Approvals: All other items on the Consent Calendar (items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27-29, 30, 32-35, 37-39, 40-47, 48-52, 54, 55, 56) were approved by a single motion after the specified modifications.
• Discrepancy Note: The transcript records Item 20 as passed, but Item 1 (Junk Dealer's License for IQAP/easy pool and pay) was referred back to the Public Safety Committee due to zoning condition issues.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Aaliyah Walker (Speaker): Expressed that homelessness is a systemic issue of "lack of access" rather than lack of effort. Stated position: The speaker criticized the current cycle of waiting lists and lack of immediate resources, noting that individuals cannot obtain employment without IDs or housing. She called for faster housing placement, ID replacement, phone assistance, and real case management rather than temporary handouts. She highlighted that a person on a waiting list for housing died of heat stroke, illustrating that "kindness should not have to replace the systems."
• Traylor Taylor (Speaker): Stated he has been homeless since 2022. Position: Expressed a desire to "make a difference" and asked the Council to understand the realities of homelessness.
• Reverend Eric Hall (Speaker): Stated position: Argued that homelessness is a result of "bad policies," specifically citing the closure of a job court program by the Trump administration which forced a former student back to Birmingham. He expressed strong opposition to the current treatment of unhoused residents, noting that they are barred from using restrooms at City Hall and the courthouse, forcing them to sneak into libraries. He condemned the Mayor for hanging up on him when questioned about a recent incident. He also expressed skepticism regarding Urban Alchemy, stating the organization is "not doing the job that they say they are doing" and called for investment in real grassroots organizations.

Discussion Items

• Miss Alabama USA Recognition: Councilor Clinton Woods presented Kennedy Wisenhunt, a Ramsey High School graduate and Clark Atlanta University student, who finished in the top 10 of Miss USA and has earned over $100,000 in scholarships.
  • Positions: Council President Alexander, Councilor Smith, and Councilor Smithman expressed full support and pride in her achievements. Councilor Smithman suggested partnering with her to speak to youth as a positive role model, a sentiment Wisenhunt accepted.
  • Outcome: A resolution commending her achievements was unanimously adopted.
• Mayor's Report: Provided updates on the Menorah lighting (Dec 16, 4 PM), Birmingham Youth Sports League registration (no fee, Jan 10 start), and the passing of Dr. Darrell O'Quinn's mother.

Key Outcomes

• Junk Dealer License (Item 1): Referred back to the Public Safety Committee to satisfy zoning conditions.
• Quick Claim Deed (Item 20): Passed unanimously to authorize the Mayor to convey property to SHIELD Property Solutions LLC upon receipt of payment ($11,155.25).
• Habitat for Humanity Agreement (Item 27): Passed unanimously to amend the agreement for a term extending to June 30, 2026, allowing for up to $10,000 grants for roof replacements for 50-60 residents.
• Neighborhood Housing Services Agreement (Item 31): Passed unanimously to extend funding for Healthy Housing initiatives to a term ending September 30, 2026, with funding not to exceed $800,000.
• Design Review Committee (Item 36): Appointments confirmed for Brittany Foley, Cynthia Cole, and Gina Mallisham.
• City Employee Resolution (Item 57): Passed unanimously to authorize a one-time $1,000 payment for 3,637 active employees.
• Data Center Hearing: A public hearing scheduled for January 13, 2026, at 9:30 AM to consider a temporary moratorium on data centers.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned following public comments and district reports.