Council Backs Expanded Surgical Care In Homewood Council Meeting January 26, 2026 The council approved two resolutions authorizing the mayor to sign letters of support for Brookwood Baptist Medical Center and Princeton related to ambulatory surgery centers and the certificate of need process, a move that signals long term investment in local health care access and capacity. 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 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

As we watch winter weather conditions, here is how to report issues and get help if needed. Our teams are prepared, coordinated, and ready to respond to help keep the community safe. If you see unsafe sidewalks, streets, or other hazards, please report them right away. You can contact Homewood Police Department or Homewood Public Works using the info below: Report Dangerous Road Conditions Homewood Police 205-322-6200 Report Road/Sidewalk/Surface/Other Dangerous Conditions Homewood Public Works 205-332-6816 Report Power Outage to Alabama Power 1-800-888-2726 Residential General Calls to Alabama Power 1-800-245-2244 ⦿ Alabama Power Outage Maps: Customers may utilize our Outage Map and Outage Alert system to receive real-time information about outages in their area. More information can be found here: APC Outage Map ⦿ Follow Along: Customers can follow @AlabamaPower on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information and updates and visit alabamapower.com/winterweather for tips on storm safety, winter prep and managing usage.

This crew is ready! Jason Priester, Brandon Priester, and Michael Thompson will be out in front of any winter weather helping make roads safer before any impacts begin. Their work helps ensure emergency crews can move quickly when conditions change, while monitoring surface areas to keep you from harm. Along-side this crew, Homewood Fire has 4-wheel drive vehicles at every station to support medics, and city staff will also monitor for any flooding concerns. This level of preparation reflects the strength of our city leadership and staff. They plan ahead, coordinate across departments, and stay ready to serve so our community can stay safe no matter what the weather brings. Here are some helpful resources: Report Dangerous Road Conditions Homewood Police 205-322-6200 Report Road/Sidewalk/Surface/Other Dangerous Conditions HWD Public Works 205-332-6816 Report Power Outage to Alabama Power 1-800-888-2726 Residential General Calls to Alabama Power 1-800-245-2244 ⦿ Alabama Power Outage Maps: Customers may utilize our Outage Map and Outage Alert system to receive real-time information about outages in their area. More information can be found here: APC Outage Map ⦿ Follow Along: Customers can follow @AlabamaPower on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information and updates and visit alabamapower.com/winterweather for tips on storm safety, winter prep and managing usage.

At the State of the City Address, January 20, 2026, Mayor Jennifer Andress shared a clear and detailed look at where Homewood stands and where it is going. The city closed 2025 with a $2.1 million surplus after employee bonuses and a 4.5 percent cost of living adjustment. Sales tax, property tax, lodging tax, business licenses, and Parks and Rec revenue all increased, with a 2026 budget of $75.6 million. Major projects are underway, including the Shades Creek Pavilion and trailhead opening this spring, the Central Avenue TAP project, completion of the Green Springs sidewalk, the Highway 31 corridor project moving toward bid in 2026, and construction beginning next month on the long awaited I-65 diverging diamond interchange near Walmart. The city is also launching its Comprehensive Plan, inviting residents to help shape the next 100 years, while continuing strong support for schools with $12 million dedicated to education in 2025.

Fire Engineer Karry Jones, Firefighter of the Year Engineer Karry Jones is the Homewood Fire Department Firefighter of the Year! He is the person people count on for the behind the scenes work that keeps a modern fire department running, from equipment readiness to technical details that the public never sees but benefits from every day. Even while recovering from an injury, Fire Chief Brandon Broadhead said he kept finding ways to help. He also served on the team that helped design Homewood’s newest fire trucks around how firefighters actually work in the field.  Karry’s mindset is simple and rare. Make Homewood better tomorrow than it is today.

Council Sets The Interview Process For Hiring City Manager Pre-Council Meeting January 12, 2026 The January 12, 2026 pre-council meeting discussed the city manager search, with council reviewing interview procedures. HR Director Kim Kinder shared the job was posted December 19 with applications due January 16, listed the minimum qualifications, and said about 40 applications had been received so far. A resident asked why an ICMA credential was not required for candidates. Staff said keeping minimum requirements preserves flexibility given legal timelines and the residency requirement, while still aiming for a highly qualified hire. Council also teed up three January 26, 6:00pm public hearings, the condemnation and planned demolition of an unsafe house at 1625 26th Avenue South, an amended plan for Homewood Community Church to build a new two story 30,797 square foot facility behind The Edge with added buffers plus stormwater and traffic controls, and Brookdale University Park’s plan to replace unused parking with a fenced pickleball court with no lights. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3NgmgqM

At the January 8, 2026 meeting, the Board of Zoning Adjustments denied a request to reduce the required landscape buffer from 15 feet to 5 feet for the planned mixed use retail, office, and medical project on the vacant lot at 1707 Reese Street, called 'Reese Street Courtyard.' Located right behind Nall Daniels Animal Hospital, the concept has been in the works for several years and is meant to add new businesses and much needed parking. The board focused on the fact that the plan chose to build more parking than required. That decision created the conflict with the landscaping rules, rather than a hardship tied to the property itself. The BZA also approved a front setback variance to allow a master bedroom to be added to the front of the house at 3410 Avalon Road, and approved a fence repair variance at 300 Woodland Drive. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4qcchBd

Join the City of Homewood and the Homewood Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, January 20, at 11:30am at the Valley Hotel . As part of the monthly luncheon, Mayor Jennifer Andress will share updates, city highlights, and the vision for 2026. Registration is required and closes Jan. 14: https://bit.ly/49m1VHP

The only item for the Planning Commission meeting, January 6, 2026, was a request to amend the zoning ordinance for the Green Springs Urban Development District (GURD) by removing “minor vehicle repair” as a permitted use. The discussion stemmed from concerns raised after approval of the Valvoline oil change project, (see link to video here: https://bit.ly/4qaJZqY ) with both the Planning Commission and City Council expressing that similar vehicle-focused uses do not match the long-term vision for the Green Springs corridor as a more pedestrian-friendly, connected boulevard. Staff explained that removing this use would prevent future oil change or similar facilities from locating in the district, while existing businesses could continue operating as nonconforming uses without expanding. Commissioners also discussed the lack of a clear definition for “minor vehicle repair” in the zoning code and agreed it would be helpful for the city to formally define the term. Several residents spoke in support, citing past zoning decisions on Green Springs and urging a more holistic approach tied to the upcoming comprehensive plan. After public input and discussion around the upcoming citywide comprehensive plan, the Planning Commission voted to recommend deleting minor vehicle repair from the GURD, 6-0 with one abstention, and asked City Council to consider adding a clear definition for the minor vehicle repair. This item will no go before the full Council for a vote. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4jtpgfu

The Homewood Piggly Wiggly closes today, Dec. 31, at 6:00pm, prices are being reduced today as shelves are cleared. This is a temporary pause as the store begins a major redevelopment. Plans include a larger and updated store, more parking, improved traffic flow, safer access for children using the nearby tunnel, and new green space. The store is expected to reopen by the end of 2026.

Applications are now open for Homewood's City Manager. This role will help guide the city through its new council manager form of government. It is a chance to work with a dedicated team, lead daily operations, and help shape what comes next for Homewood. Applications are open through January 16, 2026. View the job description HERE APPLY HERE

What to do with those Christmas trees? Christmas may be over, but your tree can still do some good. Real trees can be reused in simple ways: Cut branches for yard mulch Add pieces to garden beds to protect plants Use smaller limbs for outdoor habitat or compost.  You can also dispose of your tree easily in Homewood. We have bins at the Homewood Library or the West Oxmoor pool parking lot. Drop off your trees and/or cardboard boxes at those locations. Or you can place your tree at the curb for pickup on your trash day, and the claw truck will get them.

Pre-Council Meeting December 22, 2025 This pre-council meeting was brief, with three public hearings carried to January 12, including 1625 26th Ave S, Homewood Community Church’s amended plan for a new 30,797 square foot two story building, and Brookdale University Park. The main discussion was an FY 2026 budget amendment cleanup to fix fund deficits, using carryover fund balance and corrections without changing current operations, plus a quick look ahead at an on street parking ordinance on Linden Avenue. Agenda: https://bit.ly/44KjgsG

We are listening! We recently spent time hearing directly from residents about how the City communicates. The message was clear: people want information they can trust, delivered in ways that fit their daily lives. This conversation was an important first step in a larger effort to better understand what matters most to our community and how we can continue to improve. Based on this feedback, the City of Homewood is looking at steps to improve how we communicate using these as a beginning guide: Be a trusted source of information Using clear, short messages Pushing information through the channels residents use most, directly to them Promoting our website as a place to find important information Highlighting how residents can report issues and share feedback  This is a starting point. The City plans to continue gathering public input and refining how we communicate over time. We appreciate everyone who shared their perspective and look forward to additional opportunities to listen, learn, and improve how we serve our community.

If you pay invoices to the City of Homewood, you need to be aware of this scam and potential cyber fraud! The City has recently been made aware of cyber-criminals impersonating city officials and sending fraudulent invoices to residents who have applied for Planning Commission or Board of Zoning Adjustment cases. If you receive an invoice and have any questions about its authenticity, please contact the City’s Finance Department directly before making payment: ap@homewoodal.org

The City Council approved a request to place a shared toy box for Hot Wheels cars along the edge of Morris Boulevard. Andrew Elliot, the driver behind this project, worked closely with neighbors and hopes it will become a small gift to children who pass by. The idea grew out of the Elliott family’s own story. Their boys love Hot Wheels, and they first saw something like this while visiting grandparents. Their five year old helped build the box with his grandparents, and both boys plan to serve as ‘Hot Wheel-brarians.’ They already have an inventory ready so empty spaces can be filled again. They have spent many hours racing cars at home, naming each one, and turning simple toys into fun family championships. They hope this box invites other families to get outside and enjoy the surprise of finding a new car on a walk or a bike ride. Their hope is simple: “We hope the box serves as a blessing to others in the neighborhood! What's the most exciting toy / hot wheels car for a kid? A new one that you don't already have! Part of the ambition is that it gets kids around the neighborhood excited to go out on a family walk, bike ride, etc. - knowing it will result in bringing a new hot rod home!” Stop by and feed your inner vroooom!