Bugsy is Back!
August 12, 2026

You can't climb on him anymore... but beginning Monday, August 17, you can lean on him to help you navigate information from across the City. Who are we talking about? Our new website chatbot, Bugsy!


This little guy will help you find information, get answers to your questions, and connect with the services you need quickly and easily. Bugsy will be available 24/7, and can speak more than 70 languages.


We're one of the first cities in Alabama to launch this specific type of tool, and we hope Bugsy, in his new role, continues to be a helpful part of our community for many years to come.



About Citibot

The City of Homewood is partnering with Citibot, a leader in AI-powered communication solutions for local governments, to provide this great resource. Based in Charleston, SC, Citibot LLC was founded in 2016 with the mission of making government services accessible to all.


Citibot CEO Bratton Riley was inspired by the power of conversational chatbots to help governments become more accessible and accountable. “Expectations for quality customer service are always rising,” said Riley. “Cities and counties like Homewood are leading the way, implementing technology that enhances efficiency and improves access to essential information and services.”


Citibot provides AI-powered chatbot solutions that enhance communication between residents and local governments. Using smart text messaging and web chat, Citibot enables residents to quickly get answers, report issues, contact staff, and receive real-time alerts. Learn more at http://citibot.io.


More

September 24, 2026
BUDGET HEARING - SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
September 21, 2026
BUDGET HEARING - SEPTEMBER 21, 2026
September 17, 2026
BUDGET HEARING - SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
September 15, 2026
At the September 14th Pre-Counci l meeting, the City Council received an independent organizational and staffing assessment conducted by MGT. The study is intended to provide information and recommendations for the City to consider as it continues improving its operations. The study is not an adopted plan, and no decisions were made as part of the presentation. Its recommendations will serve as a resource for City leadership to consider as they develop a multi-year approach to organizational improvements. MGT reviewed staffing, department structure, reporting relationships and work processes. The firm also interviewed department heads, surveyed employees and compared Homewood with peer communities. The assessment identified strengths within the organization, including employee culture and supervisor support, as well as opportunities to improve coordination, clarify responsibilities and better align related functions. The study also includes recommendations related to organizational structure and staffing. Those recommendations will require additional review of workloads, service levels and operational needs before any changes are made. The report specifically recommends considering vacancies, attrition, organizational realignment and changes in how work is performed as part of that process. Some recommendations align with work already underway, while others may be modified, considered in future years or not pursued. The organizational study provides a roadmap for discussion. The City will determine what ultimately makes sense for Homewood.
September 15, 2026
BUDGET HEARING - SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
September 14, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
September 8, 2026
BUDGET HEARING - SEPTEMBER 8, 2026
September 8, 2026
The Board of Zoning Adjustments approved variance requests for 1409 Ardsley Place and a new covered front porch at 109 Edge View Avenue. The board denied a request at 104 Edgewood Boulevard to allow 57.92 percent impervious lot coverage, but staff agreed to work with the homeowners on possible repairs and screening that could meet the code. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4gnRpor
September 4, 2026
Work begins Tuesday, September 8 on ALDOT's US 31 Access Management Project between Old Montgomery Highway and Ventura Avenue. While this work is taking place in Homewood, this is a State of Alabama project being coordinated by ALDOT. Most of the work will be done during overnight hours, so this should not disrupt normal daily traffic. But drivers should expect some changing traffic patterns. The project includes upgraded traffic signals, changes to reduce conflict points and crashes, new sidewalks, ADA compliant curb ramps, pedestrian signals, and safer crossings. The total construction cost is approximately $3.3 million, funded primarily through a $1.96 million ATRIP II grant awarded by the State of Alabama, with the City of Homewood contributing approximately $1.36 million as required through the grant agreement. View entire project and images: https://bit.ly/4w9VvVu
September 3, 2026
The City Council reviewed a proposed process and evaluation form for the city manager’s six month and annual performance reviews. The Council will take up the procedures during Pre-Council on September 14, then entered executive session to discuss the potential redevelopment of an existing commercial property. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4ynxYlK
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