Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting – August 11, 2026

The Birmingham City Council met on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 9:36 AM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included presentations, a consent agenda with numerous routine items, discussion and votes on several resolutions, and public comments. Key actions included approval of a $3.5 million early childhood education partnership, elimination of a consumer use tax discount, and setting a public hearing for the Pratt-Ensley Framework Plan rezoning.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved by a single vote, with the following items removed for separate discussion: Item 33 (Sidewalk Film Center funding), Item 34 (Small Magic early childhood program), and Item 36 (Woodlawn Foundation affordable housing amendment). The consent agenda included 27 resolutions for abatement of inoperable motor vehicles as public nuisances (Items 1–27), a resolution rescinding a prior agreement and funding Community Care Development Network ($346,135.00 for food access operations, Item 29), software and maintenance agreements (Items 30–31), a $1,500 funding for Poze Bazaar Foundation (Item 32), a professional services agreement with Small Magic (originally consent, moved to discussion), amendments to housing agreements (Items 36–37), emergency contracts for police academy repairs, jail renovations, and various bids for supplies and equipment (Items 38–57), a resolution to correct an inoperable vehicle color (Item 50), and a resolution declaring 304 properties as public nuisances due to weeds and setting a public hearing for September 15, 2026 (Item 59).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bessie True (313 Division Avenue South) requested city assistance with overgrown weeds and vagrant activity near her home, noting safety concerns for her grandchildren. The administration indicated that Ms. Flora Johnson from Community Development is working on the matter.
• Terry Michael raised three concerns: (1) requested clarity on how citizens can request an item be pulled from the consent agenda for a public hearing; (2) opposed the Pratt-Ensley Framework Plan rezoning, arguing that changing M2 to I2 zoning could allow data centers without adequate community input; (3) questioned discrepancies between the planning and zoning committee’s recommended data center ordinance and the version released to the public, asking for transparency in the process.

Discussion Items

• Item 28 – Ordinance to Eliminate Consumer Use Tax Discount: The ordinance amends Section 3A-4-18 of the city code to remove a discount (max $400) for timely remittance of consumer use tax, aligning with state law. Councilor Williams asked for the total amount of discounts remitted in the prior year; the administration noted it was $70,000. After a motion to delay one week, the council reconsidered the item upon receiving the requested information, and the ordinance passed unanimously.
• Item 33 – Sidewalk Film Center Funding: A resolution authorizing up to $15,250 (amended from $6,750) for professional development in film and creative storytelling, funded by multiple council districts. The item was removed from consent to allow for an abstention. Passed unanimously.
• Item 34 – Small Magic Early Childhood Education Program: A resolution authorizing a $3,500,000 professional services agreement with Small Magic to create a learning ecosystem for children birth through age five. The program includes Birmingham Talks (increasing interactive talk), Expect More (prenatal parenting education), Birmingham Reads (literacy), Ready Saturdays (Saturday enrichment), and a child care center quality accelerator. The administration noted that 87% of Birmingham child care centers have one or fewer quality stars, and the program aims to increase ratings and kindergarten readiness. Councilors expressed strong support. Passed unanimously.
• Item 36 – Woodlawn Foundation Affordable Housing Amendment: A resolution approving an amendment to a HOME/ARPA agreement, adding $170,500 (total not to exceed $1,812,303) for construction of up to eight affordable rental units in South Woodlawn, on-site infrastructure, and housing for HABD residents at 30–80% AMI. Passed unanimously.
• Item 58 – Pratt-Ensley Framework Plan Public Hearing: A resolution setting a public hearing for September 22, 2026, to consider a zone district boundary change for all properties in the Pratt and Ensley communities under the Pratt-Ensley Framework Plan. Passed unanimously.
• Item 60 – Birmingham Airport Authority Appointments: A resolution confirming the reappointment of Jennifer Reed Eggby and R. Ashby Pate to the Birmingham Airport Authority for six-year terms ending July 29, 2032. Passed unanimously.

Presentations

• Glen Iris Dance Team Recognition: Councilor Vasa recognized Essence Young Woods, founder of Carrara Performing Arts and director of the Glen Dance Gators at Glen Iris Elementary, for over a decade of dance instruction. The team has performed at Walt Disney World and the Macy’s Day Parade. The council commended the program.
• Cahaba River Coalition Presentation: Paige Goldschmidt presented the coalition’s mission to preserve the Cahaba River, highlighting youth education programs (CLEAN, environmental leadership), a swim guide, and the annual Cahaba River Fry Down fundraiser on October 18, 2026. She requested support from the city.

Key Outcomes

• Items 1–27, 29–32, 35, 37–57, 59: Approved as part of the consent agenda.
• Item 28: Passed (after reconsideration) to eliminate the consumer use tax discount, effective October 1, 2026.
• Item 33: Approved (Sidewalk Film Center, $15,250).
• Item 34: Approved (Small Magic, $3,500,000).
• Item 36: Approved (Woodlawn Foundation amendment, $1,812,303 total).
• Item 58: Approved (public hearing set for September 22, 2026, on Pratt-Ensley rezoning).
• Item 60: Approved (Airport Authority reappointments).
• Item 35: Withdrawn from the agenda before the meeting.
• Item 50: Amended to correct vehicle color description.
• Public hearing for weed abatement: Set for September 15, 2026 (Item 59).
• One-week delay on Item 28: Initially granted, then reconsidered and passed the same day.