Regular Meeting of the Birmingham City Council - July 7, 2026

The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on July 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers. Council President Wardine Alexander presided. The invocation was delivered by Rev. Jeffrey D. Black, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilor Clinton Woods. Eight council members were present (Councilor Smith was absent). The meeting opened with approval of minutes from April 7-28, 2026. The body passed a substantial consent agenda, several ordinances on first reading, and heard public comments expressing significant concerns over jail conditions, the data center ordinance, and city governance.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously with a vote of 8-0. Items included:
• Nuisance abatement for dozens of properties, with costs to be assessed as liens.
• A forgivable loan agreement (up to $100,000) with Thornton Enterprises, Inc., for job retention and the creation of 10 new jobs.
• A Community Development Block Grant Critical Repair Program Subrecipient Agreement (up to $120,000) with HouseProud Atlanta, Inc.
• Demolition declarations for approximately 40 structures found to be unsafe or public nuisances.
• Acceptance of bids for drainage improvements ($221,292.50), mowing services, vehicle parts, fleet vehicles ($124,071.10), an electric scissor lift ($20,866.95), office furniture ($33,289.92), and other procurement.
• Approval of itemized expense accounts for city employees.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patricia Todd (1320 58th Street S., Crestwood): Speaking on behalf of the Firehouse Shelter, Ms. Todd expressed support for the facility and invited the Council to tour its operations. She thanked the city for funding and highlighted the shelter's positive outcomes.
• Terri Michal (629 Ridge Top Circle): Expressed strong opposition to the direction of the current administration, criticizing the council for a perceived lack of independence. She referenced the "hyperscale data center conversation" and "anti-DEI" policies, urging council members to find their voices and courage.
• Rev. Eric Hall (1721 Collum Street S., District 3): Raised concerns regarding public safety and negligence at the Birmingham City Jail. He criticized the administration's fiscal responsibility, citing $146,000+ given to Cornerstone for a project that was never completed and a recent news report of $250,000 misappropriated by the mayor's chief strategist.
• Madelyn Greene (108 Munich Circle, P.O. Association President): Criticized the Council's handling of the data center ordinance, stating that the vote on June 9th disregarded the majority of public opinion. She urged the council to act in the best interest of the people.

Discussion Items

• Corrected Legal Description (Item 2): An ordinance (26-102) amending the legal description for the Baldwin Properties, LLC project at 1909 14th Avenue North was passed unanimously. The change was needed to correct an incomplete property description from a previous ordinance.
• Southern Area Framework Plan (Item 64): The Council set a public hearing for August 18, 2026, to consider a zoning change for properties in the Crestline, Crestwood, and Red Mountain communities, based on the Southern Area Framework Plan (Case No. ZAC2025-00026).
• Protective Security Services Ordinance (Item 65): An ordinance (26-103) authorizing temporary protective security services for elected officials and their immediate families in response to credible safety threats was unanimously adopted. Council President Alexander described it as a proactive measure in light of the national tenor.
• Appointments:
  • Charles R. Miller IV, D'Rondrell (Ron) Hamner, and Lisa Williams were appointed to the Birmingham Planning Commission.
  • Elaine Carter was appointed to the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham Board of Directors.
• Resolutions of Sympathy: The Council adopted a resolution honoring the life of Mr. Willie James Maye, Jr., a former educator, principal, and Birmingham School Board member who passed away on July 4, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• The extensive consent agenda was approved by an 8-0 vote, authorizing numerous nuisance abatements, demolitions, contracts, and financial agreements.
• Ordinance 26-102 (Baldwin Properties legal description) was adopted.
• Ordinance 26-103 (Protective security for officials) was adopted on first reading.
• A public hearing for the Southern Area Framework Plan rezoning was scheduled for August 18, 2026.
• Three new members were appointed to the Birmingham Planning Commission, and one to the Regional Planning Commission.
• The meeting adjourned at 10:14 a.m.