Birmingham City Council Meeting - December 30, 2025

The Birmingham City Council convened on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, for its final regular meeting of the year. The session began with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a brief Mayor's report regarding New Year's Day sanitation schedules. The council approved a series of consent agenda items, including nonprofit funding and budget allocations, while also addressing two specific resolutions regarding the Human Rights Commission and committee restructuring. Public comments focused on state-level child welfare overreach, constitutional challenges to Alabama's criminal justice system, changes to public transit services, and neighborhood disputes regarding affordable housing.

Consent Calendar

• Items 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 were approved on the consent agenda, which includes routine nonprofit funding and operational items.
• Councilmember Williams requested specific performance data for nonprofits on items 4, 5, and 6, but the items remained on the consent agenda and were passed.
• Items 20 and 21 were added to the consent agenda by request and approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Donna Prince (Alabaster resident): Expressed strong opposition to the overreach of the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR). She detailed specific instances where DHR allegedly removed grandchildren without court orders, placed newborns for adoption despite parental rights being contested, and harassed her family members at schools and daycares. She noted that these are state and county issues outside the city council's jurisdiction.
• Tana Wadowning (Civil rights advocate, Washington D.C.): Stated a formal position that Alabama's laws allowing charges by information rather than grand jury indictment are unconstitutional. She warned that public officials receiving state funds to enforce these laws are committing an "emolument violation" and urged the council to direct agents to act in constitutional compliance to avoid criminal liability.
• Jessica Saxon (Civil rights advocate, Washington D.C.): Expressed opposition to the current foster care system, asserting that children are being removed "strictly for profit" under federal Titles IV and IV-E. She warned that city council members are liable under 18 USC §4 for failing to report the alleged felony crimes committed by state actors in the foster care system.
• Mr. Jones (Citizen): Requested that the council reverse announced changes to the "Birmingham on Demand" service, arguing that the reduction in service is "detrimental" to residents who depend on it.
• Councillor Williams: Expressed concern regarding the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) reducing service after the city passed its largest budget allocation to the agency yet.
• Robert Walker (President, Homer Neighborhood Association): Expressed opposition to the Love Lady Center purchasing apartments in his neighborhood and displacing long-term residents with insufficient relocation funds. He argued that the center was operating two businesses, was not discussed with the community, and posed a risk by bringing in individuals with addiction issues near a church and elementary school.
• Willie Jenkins: Offered tributes to community members and local figures, including Katie Sankin and Councillor Gunn, and expressed hope for community revitalization in North Birmingham.

Discussion Items

• Appointment to the Birmingham Human Rights Commission: Council discussed and voted on resolutions appointing members to the Commission for Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9, with terms expiring in 2027, 2028, or 2029. No submission was available for District 5 at this time.
• Amendment to Council Committees: A resolution was proposed to amend resolution 1958-25 to formally separate the combined "Arts and Culture" committee into two distinct entities: the "Arts Committee" and the "Parts Committee" (referred to as "Arts and Parts Committee" in the motion text, described as "Arts and Culture" by the presenter).
• Recognition of Community Work: Councillor Tate publicly acknowledged One Hood, Jacobi Williams, William Barnes, and Uche for their sacrifices and work in reducing gun violence, noting the 24/7 nature of their efforts and encouraging council members to engage with these organizations.
• Announcements: Various council members provided updates on upcoming neighborhood association meetings, committee meetings (Budget and Finance, Community Development, Public Safety), and seasonal safety reminders regarding celebratory gunfire.

Key Outcomes

• Human Rights Commission Appointments: Motion passed to appoint Rosalind Short (D1), Emily Northrop (D2), Tiffany Saxon (D3), Patrick J. Talley (D4), Brandon M. Cleveland (D6), Robert Young (D7), Izet Ridley McNeely (D8), and Tremaine Macintosh (D9) to the Birmingham Human Rights Commission. A correction was noted for Tiffany Saxon's last name spelling (SAXEON vs SAXTON).
• Committee Restructuring: Resolution 1958-25 was amended to reflect the creation of separate Arts and Parts (Arts and Culture) committees, passing unanimously.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned with well-wishes for a safe New Year from the Mayor and Council.
• Non-Final Items: No binding decisions were made regarding DHR overreach, federal criminal liability allegations, or the Birmingham on Demand service reductions, as the council noted these fall outside their direct jurisdictional authority or require future administrative review.