Cale Smith Named Permanent City Manager

The City of Homewood has selected Cale Smith as the first permanent City Manager in the city’s 100-year history. The Homewood City Council voted Monday evening to authorize Mayor Jennifer Andress to offer him the position. You can watch that meeting above.

This milestone follows years of discussion about creating a full-time City Manager role. In 2024, voters approved a referendum to move Homewood to a council-manager form of government. City leaders then transitioned from interim leadership to establishing a permanent position to oversee daily operations and long-term planning.


Cale shared this, “I’m thankful for the trust the City Council has placed in me. I care deeply about Homewood and am proud to both serve and live here. This is a community that values its future and expects strong, steady leadership. This permanent appointment brings stability for our staff and our residents as we approach our 100th year. My focus remains on professionalism, transparency, and consistent progress for our city.”


Special Assistant to the City Manager Sam Gaston added that he has been impressed with Cale’s leadership and commitment to doing the right things for long term success, including joining ICMA and being selected for Leadership ICMA.

Background and Transition
Cale has lived in Homewood for over 20 years, and has been employed since 2021, first as Director of Engineering and Zoning, and then most recently as Interim City Manager. He was appointed interim following the departure of former City Manager Glen Adams. The City launched a national and state search process. Applications were posted through local, state, and national municipal associations, including ICMA and the state City Manager Association. The search drew 61 applicants. After review by HR Director Kim Kinder and Special Assistant Sam Gaston, 14 qualified candidates were identified for interviews. Eleven candidates completed initial interviews, and five finalists advanced to extended interviews before the Council’s final deliberation.

Why Cale Smith
Council members pointed to Cale Smith’s deep knowledge of Homewood, strong infrastructure background, and steady leadership as Interim City Manager. They noted there would be no learning curve, as he is already managing major projects and working closely with staff, Council, and residents.

Mayor Jennifer Andress highlighted his leadership on the new comprehensive plan, stormwater improvements, fleet inventory, city communications, citizen survey, and regional partnerships, saying he is already doing the work needed to move Homewood forward.

What Happens Next
The Council’s vote authorizes the Mayor to extend a formal offer. A negotiated written employment agreement will be presented for approval at an upcoming Council meeting.

With this decision, Homewood formally establishes its first permanent City Manager, a historic step in the City’s Centennial year and a significant evolution in its governance structure.

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Bright Changes

February 10, 2026
City Council approved two new streetlights for some well used spots around Homewood. A new light on Cobb Street near Hall-Kent will improve visibility helping keep children and families safe.

Planning Ahead for a More Efficient Fleet

February 10, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting February 9, 2026 A key item from this meeting was the proposal to bring in Mercury Associates for a comprehensive fleet maintenance study, that will review current fleet operations, right size vehicles across departments, and update outdated policies and procedures. This will provide data driven decisions about how the city manages hundreds of vehicles across departments and how taxpayer dollars are spent long term. The goal is to improve efficiency, control costs, and better inform upcoming budget decisions. Council also agreed to move several items forward to the council meeting, including a request from the Miss Alabama Organization to use council chambers for its annual meeting, permission for sewer work in the Frisco Street right of way tied to residential development, and approval for Track Shack to place a temporary tent in the right of way for its annual sale. The item related to a proposed no parking ordinance on Linden Avenue was carried over for further discussion. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4tsmTOA

Growing the Greenway

February 10, 2026
Council Meeting February 9, 2026 The meeting opened with an update from the Jefferson County Greenways Commission, highlighting the city’s long standing role in supporting a regional greenway system that connects communities across borders. The update also touched on future trail connections, including plans to link Shades Creek Greenway through West Oxmoor into Red Mountain Park. Red Mountain Park sits right on Homewood’s edge and is one of the most used areas of the park outside Birmingham, a reminder that these green spaces belong to everyone. Homewood was one of the first cities to invest in the vision of a connected regional greenway network, helping protect and maintain public spaces that residents walk, run, bike, and enjoy every day. Council approved amended development plans for Homewood Community Church and Brookdale University Park, including a new building and a pickleball court, advanced a Rebuild Alabama grant application, added streetlights near a school and along the Greenway Trail, authorized use of council chambers by the Miss Alabama organization, and moved forward with a fleet maintenance study. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4tJxJjx

BZA Remains Consistent On Setback Relief

February 6, 2026
At the Feb. 5, 2026 meeting, the Board of Zoning Adjustments denied a variance request for 216 Acton Avenue, a decision that matters because it signals the board is remaining consistent on lot coverage and setback relief. The variance request for 320 La Prado Circle was carried over to the next BZA meeting after it became clear during discussion, that the impervious surface calculations may not reflect recent changes to the property, including removal and rebuilding of a deck. At the applicant’s request, the board agreed to continue the case to a future meeting so updated and accurate information could be reviewed. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4az4o3u

Finalists for the City Manager Position Announced

February 1, 2026
The Homewood City Council has selected five finalists to be considered for Homewood’s first permanent City Manager. Each candidate has been contacted and interviewed as part of the selection process. The resumes of the finalists are available below for public review. The City Council is expected to meet and vote to offer the position to one of the finalists no later than February 16, 2026 . The finalists are:

Council Sets a Unified Course for City Manager Selection

January 30, 2026
The City Council set a unified course for the City Manager selection. In a special called Council meeting on January 29, city leaders focused on how Homewood moves forward in selecting its next city manager. Council members discussed transparency and timing considerations, and emphasized the importance of unity and shared support behind the final hire. They unanimously agreed to continue the current interview process, keeping it structured and professional while allowing council members to help shape follow up questions that will further evaluate the finalists. The meeting reviewed progress so far, including 61 applications received, first round interviews nearing completion, and a forthcoming shortlist of candidates. The approved resolution keeps interviews facilitated by staff experts while incorporating council input, and it passed 5 to 0.

Mapping What Matters in Homewood

January 29, 2026
Homewood residents took part in a hands on Comprehensive Plan workshop, Wednesday, January 28, sharing what they love about the city and where they see room to grow. People highlighted places like downtown, Edgewood, Central Park, Patriot Park, our schools, and neighborhood character as strengths worth protecting. They also pointed to areas like Brookwood Mall, Green Springs, Valley Avenue, and Rosedale as places that need attention. Common themes focused on safety, sidewalks, connectivity, stormwater, and making it easier to move around the city. This is part of Homewood’s Comprehensive Planning process. Another workshop is happening today, Thursday,January 29 from 9:00am to 7:00pm at the Senior Center, and you can drop by anytime. There will also be several more opportunities to take part throughout the year.

Comprehensive Plan

January 27, 2026
The City of Homewood is starting work on a new city-wide Comprehensive Plan. This plan will serve as a roadmap for how Homewood grows, invests, and serves its residents over the next 25 years. Homewood’s current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2007. Since then, a lot has changed, and more change is coming. With the city moving to a Council-Manager form of government , this is a key time to clarify what matters most to residents. The plan will help inform capital improvements, public service priorities, housing trends, transportation needs, and future land use. It will also give newly elected officials clear direction on what the community values. Your Voice, Your City Every resident will have a chance to be involved. This isn’t just a document, it’s a shared vision for Homewood’s future, shaped by the people who live here. The plan will reflect the needs of each of the city’s four wards and identify short, medium, and long-term projects for both public and private investment. Whether it's about where new housing fits, what kinds of businesses we want, or how we move around, this process is about making those choices together. PUBLIC MEETING 1 Wednesday, January 28 WATCH WORKSHOP VIDEO PUBLIC MEETING 2 Thursday, January 29 *There are more meetings planned - we will inform you when we have those dates

Council Backs Expanded Surgical Care In Homewood

January 27, 2026
Council Backs Expanded Surgical Care In Homewood Council Meeting January 26, 2026 The council has approved two resolutions authorizing letters of support for the new Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center ambulatory surgery facility, a step that signals long term investment in local health care access and capacity for the community. The letters, signed by Mayor Andress, support Andrews Sports Medicine as it moves through the state’s required certificate of need process. Council also noted that surrounding municipalities are joining in this effort and signing similar letters of support, reflecting regional alignment around the project and its potential to expand outpatient care options across the area. The action is procedural and allows the project to continue through the state review process with local and regional backing in place. Mayor Jennifer Andress presented a proclamation in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, that honored the lives lost, and reinforced Homewood’s commitment to standing against antisemitism, hate, and dehumanization in all forms. She also said City Hall will be lit yellow, a visible and intentional act that reminded the community why memory, education, and moral clarity still matter. Council formally dropped the Linden Avenue on street parking proposal, voted to condemn an unsafe structure on 26th Avenue South, heard and carried over two development items for a February 9 vote, one for Homewood Community Church and one for a Brookdale University Park pickleball court. They approved letters of support for Brookwood Baptist and Princeton ambulatory surgery centers, approved vouchers, approved use of the City Hall plaza for Taste of Homewood, and finalized council liaison appointments for boards and commissions. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3LPZxl2

Balancing Residency And Leadership

January 27, 2026
Balancing Residency And Leadership Pre-Council Meeting January 26, 2026 Council had an item to consider whether Homewood should ask the Alabama Attorney General for guidance on the state law that requires a city manager to live inside the city limits they serve. Considering the current search underway for this position, council discussed the residency requirement from multiple perspectives, weighing the goal of attracting the strongest possible candidates who may not be able or willing to move to Homewood, against community expectations councilors have heard from residents, that the city manager live in Homewood and be fully invested in the city. It was clarified that this request only seeks legal clarification, not a policy decision. Other items discussed included letters of support for Brookwood Baptist’s ambulatory surgery centers as part of the certificate of need process, reviewed insurance renewals, approved applying for a Rebuild Alabama Act grant to repave part of Salter Road with a small city match, use of the City Hall plaza for Taste of Homewood on March 19, discussed adding streetlights at two busy crosswalks for safety, formalized board liaison assignments under the new council manager system, and pulled back the Linden Avenue parking restriction item to preserve on street parking in leu of making light changes to existing curb markings. Agenda: https://bit.ly/45zami2
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