Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting – September 29, 2026

The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 9:34 AM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting began with an invocation by Rev. Earlene Prince and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor Darrell O’Quinn. The Mayor had no report. The council considered a large consent agenda, discussed several items pulled for further review, and voted on 10 substantive items. All votes were unanimous except where noted.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda, comprising routine items (Items 8–82, excluding those removed), was approved by a single motion.
• Items 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 (liquor license applications) were added to consent at the request of Council President Pro Tem Tate, with no issues noted from the Public Safety Committee.
• Item 2 (a beer and wine license transfer) was withdrawn and sent back to the Public Safety Committee.
• Items 19 (second amendment to Greenlining Realty agreement), 20 (Interface Studio for urban villages), 26 (TSW for urban villages), 27 (UAB Health Services agreement), and 29 (Wilbron for urban villages) were removed from consent for separate discussion.

Discussion Items

• Item 14 – Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with Mountain Brook An ordinance authorizing a three-year interlocal agreement with the City of Mountain Brook for joint patrol and enforcement at Alabama Veterans Memorial Park (22 acres, 100 Overton Access Road). The park is owned by the veterans and lies within Birmingham’s city limits. The council approved the item after the Mayor clarified the property is privately deeded to Mountain Brook. Votes: all present voted yes.

• Item 15 – Quitclaim Deed to Saracorp Properties, LLC An ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute a quitclaim deed for property at 1220 30th Street North (Block 656) upon payment of $7,565.48. The City had foreclosed on a municipal improvement lien in 2005. The Assistant City Attorney identified Ms. Helene Provenzano as a member of Saracorp Properties. Votes: all present voted yes.

• Item 19 – Second Amendment to Greenlining Realty Agreement A resolution extending the term of a contract with Greenlining Realty USA Birmingham, LLC to develop a 35–40 unit residential development in Druid Hills, with at least 10% of units reserved for residents at or below 100% AMI. The amendment extended the term to October 31, 2026, with no additional funding ($167,245 total). Chief Planner Chris Hatcher explained it was a one-month extension to use remaining funds. Votes: all present voted yes.

• Items 20, 26, and 29 – Urban Villages Initiative Three resolutions to hire consultants for the Urban Villages Initiative, funded by recently passed surplus money. The administration presented a comprehensive plan to revitalize 12 historic neighborhood centers. The contracts:

  • Item 20: Interface Studio, LLC – $299,980 for plans in Ensley, Five Points South, and Titusville (10-month term).
  • Item 26: Tunnell, Spangler & Associates (TSW) – $299,575 for plans in Five Points West, East Lake, and Eastwood (14-month term).
  • Item 29: Wilbron Industries, LLC – up to $99,600 ($8,300/month) for community engagement across all initiatives (1-year term). The administration noted that planning is already complete for Woodlawn, Northwest Downtown, Huffman, and Smithfield. Mayor Whitfin and Chief Fowler explained the initiative aims to create walkable urban centers with small businesses and gentle density. Council members expressed strong support, noting the spread across the city and potential for long-term revitalization (5–20 years). All three items passed unanimously.

• Item 27 – UAB Health Services Foundation Agreement A resolution authorizing a one-year agreement (Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027) with the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation, P.C., for consultant services to the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) related to public health and community paramedicine, not to exceed $93,000. Councilor Smith recused herself from the vote. The item passed with one abstention.

• Item 33 – Birmingham Museum of Art Board Appointments A resolution confirming five regular members (six-year terms ending Aug 31, 2032) and five advisory members (one-year terms ending Aug 31, 2027). Regular members: John Montgomery (second term), Melanie Bridgeforth, Braxton Comer, Melanie Nichols, and Dr. Melva Tate. Advisory members: Greg Utrus, Kyle DiAgostino, Lenina Poe McDonald, Whitney Russell, and Dr. Person. Passed unanimously.

• Item 34 – Design Review Committee Appointments A resolution reappointing four members to the Design Review Committee for four-year terms ending July 30, 2028: Craig Hoskins, Richard Mock, Cheryl Morgan, and Ben Weisman. Passed unanimously.

• Item 83 – Public Hearing for Zoning Text Amendment A resolution setting a public hearing for October 20, 2026, to consider removing the D-5 designation from the Affordable Housing Density Bonus in the City’s Zoning Ordinance (affects all property within city limits). Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved as modified (items 1,3–7 added; item 2 withdrawn; items 19,20,26,27,29 removed for discussion).
• Item 14 (Interlocal with Mountain Brook): Passed unanimously.
• Item 15 (Quitclaim deed): Passed unanimously.
• Item 19 (Greenlining Realty amendment): Passed unanimously.
• Items 20, 26, 29 (Urban Villages contracts): All passed unanimously.
• Item 27 (UAB Health Services): Passed with one abstention (Councilor Smith).
• Item 33 (Museum Board): Passed unanimously.
• Item 34 (Design Review Committee): Passed unanimously.
• Item 83 (Public hearing set): Passed unanimously; hearing scheduled for October 20, 2026.
• The meeting adjourned following announcements and neighborhood association updates.

Announcements

• Several councilors announced upcoming community events, including the “Avenue Street Market” (Oct 17), transportation town hall, library reopenings, and neighborhood association meetings.