Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting - October 6, 2026

The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 9:39 a.m. in the City Council Chambers. Council President Alexander presided. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, discussion of several items removed from consent, public comments, and presentations from the Mayor’s office and community partners. Key actions included passage of ordinances and resolutions related to opioid settlement funds, community engagement initiatives, cloud software services, and a public hearing date for a road closure.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (items 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9–44, 46–63, and 65–66) was approved by a single motion after removal of items 2, 5, and 45 at the request of Council members. (Item 66 was added.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Willie Jenkins (Birmingham resident) made community announcements about upcoming church events, school activities, and a senior class reunion. No specific policy position.
• Leroy Russell (owner of Spice of Life Jamaica restaurant, located across from City Hall) expressed frustration with repeated street closures for city events that block the entrance to his business. He reported losing thousands of dollars in spoiled food and stated that police had threatened to arrest him for attempting to access his business during events. He requested a solution that allows both city functions and his business to operate without conflict. Mayor’s office acknowledged the issue and said staff are working with him.
• Nathan Thompson (resident of 51 years, owner of property at 3012 Dowell Avenue SW) objected to the city’s condemnation of a property he recently inherited from his father. He stated he cleaned the property and plans to open a STEM center or farmers market to benefit the struggling Jones Valley Middle School (reading proficiency 19%, math proficiency 1%, ranked last in Birmingham middle schools). He claimed the city moved to condemn the property just days after he acquired it, despite his request for a hearing. Council President Alexander admonished Thompson for disparaging the school and its students, but Thompson maintained his position.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 (Ordinance to amend Neighborhood Revitalization Fund budget – $609,699.33 from opiate litigation settlements to Office of City Attorney for neighborhood revitalization): Councilmember Williams asked about the specific settlements and allowed uses. Administration explained the funds are from pharmacy settlements (e.g., American Associated Pharmacies) and must be screened by the City Attorney for proper allocation, including opioid treatment, safety, and community improvement. The ordinance passed.
• Item 5 (Resolution authorizing $100,000 agreement with The Flourish Alabama for community engagement initiatives – District 8): Councilmember Williams requested removal for explanation. Administration confirmed the initiative was requested by District 8. Resolution passed.
• Item 8 (Resolution appointing three members to Birmingham Historical Commission): Initially tabled for information, then passed after Historic Preservation Manager Hannah Garmin presented nominees: Marjorie White (emeritus chair, Birmingham Historical Society), Roy Stoves (Urban Impact), and Stewart Oates (sexton, Oak Hill Cemetery). Terms: two at-large members expiring Feb. 3, 2029; one professional historian filling unexpired term expiring Feb. 3, 2027.
• Item 45 (Resolution accepting Oracle America bid for cloud solutions – $315,000, 120 days): Removed by Councilmember Vasa for information. Discussion revealed the contract is to engage Oracle to fix ongoing issues with the city’s Oracle ERP system, which rolled out January 1, 2026. Councilmember Williams cited complaints from city staff. Administration stated they will provide a system update within 90 days (by end of Q1 2027). Resolution passed.
• Item 64 (Resolution setting public hearing Nov. 17, 2026, for closure of approximately 900 ft of Woodcrest Road South and Warick Court South due to hazardous deterioration): Passed after motion.

Mayor’s Communications & Presentations

• Mayor Woodfin announced the 2026 State of the Homelessness Summit (Nov. 6, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Boutwell Auditorium) with a $3 million general fund investment; the Magic City Toy Drive (registration Oct. 22, donations accepted Nov. 2–Dec. 4); and recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month with representatives from Pink Power, My Beauty for Ashes, Sisters Cancer Survive, Cancer Awareness Network, and Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center.
• Councilor O’Quinn and Mayor Woodfin highlighted Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with representatives from One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center and YWCA Central Alabama. They noted domestic violence cases up 18% citywide and the need for coordinated community response. Council members shared personal stories and support.

Key Outcomes

• The consent agenda (items 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9–44, 46–63, 65–66) was approved.
• Item 2 (Neighborhood Revitalization Fund – opioid settlement funds) passed.
• Item 5 (Flourish Alabama agreement) passed.
• Item 8 (Historical Commission appointments) passed.
• Item 45 (Oracle cloud services) passed, with administration committed to providing a 90-day update on the Oracle system by end of Q1 2027.
• Item 64 (Public hearing set for Nov. 17, 2026, on Woodcrest Road closure) passed.
• Council members made numerous district announcements about neighborhood meetings, community cleanups, festivals, and committee meetings.
• The meeting adjourned after public comments.