As we enter the 2027 budget cycle season , we wanted to provide a glimpse of one of the most important services we maintain for you the taxpayer. When you see a police car driving through your neighborhood, a fire truck responding to an emergency, or a Public Works crew working in your area, you probably don't think much about what keeps those vehicles running day after day. But behind every one of them is a team whose job is to make sure your investment lasts as long as possible. Homewood's Fleet Maintenance Division doesn't just repair broken vehicles. Their focus is making smart decisions that keep hundreds of pieces of equipment safe, reliable and in service for years while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. "We look at it differently now, especially in today’s economic environment," said Fleet Director Blake Graves. "With the rising cost of everything, we look at where we can save money and still make the necessary repairs. We don't cut corners. Safety is always our number one priority." The fleet team maintains police vehicles, fire trucks, administrative vehicles, standby generators for critical city buildings, tractors, mowers, heavy equipment, roll off trucks and more. They even help fabricate equipment, repair gates and assist other departments whenever a need arises. Homewood is implementing a long term fleet replacement strategy that helps determine when vehicles should be repaired, when they should remain in service and when replacing them provides the best value. A patrol car, for example, experiences far more wear than others. Many operate ten hour shifts, and accelerate or brake drastically, and repeatedly, throughout the day. Fire trucks typically serve on the front line for ten years before moving into reserve service for another decade or more. Maintaining this wide variety of life expectancy is very challenging as parts, fuel and equipment costs continue to rise, stretching every dollar while ensuring police officers, firefighters and city employees are safe and have dependable equipment when they need it most. Homewood's fleet maintenance staff brings decades of combined experience, with expertise ranging from antique vehicles and heavy equipment to fire trucks, tractors, boats and small engines. Just as importantly, experienced technicians invest in training the next generation, passing along knowledge to the younger techs. It's a culture built on craftsmanship and a commitment to doing the job right. For Blake, the best part of the job is the people we have working in our City. "Not just in our shop, but in all the departments,” he said. “When something happens, everybody comes together. We respect each other's jobs, we help each other out to reach a common goal.” That spirit of teamwork provides residents with the high level of professionalism and service they expect every day.

Homewood is in its first year operating under a council-manager form of government , marking an important transition in planning and managing its finances. Rather than focusing on short-term, reactive decisions, City leadership is emphasizing strategic priorities, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. and long-term financial sustainability. Monday, August 10 , City Manager Cale Smith presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget to the City Council, beginning a public review process that will continue until adoption at the end of September. These meetings will be live-streamed and recorded. Budget Timeline August 10: City Manager Cale Smith presents the proposed FY2027 budget to City Council September 8: Budget hearing (time and additional details to be announced) September 15: Budget hearing (time and additional details to be announced) September 17: Budget hearing (time and additional details to be announced) September 21: Budget hearing (time and additional details to be announced) September 24: Budget hearing (time and additional details to be announced) September 28: Planned budget adoption by the City Council

Pre-Council Meeting - AUGUST 10, 2026

Concerned about speeding or traffic on your street? Homewood has updated its 'Traffic Calming Policy' to make the process clearer and more consistent for residents. Requests will begin with City Engineering and traffic data will be collected and reviewed. From there, the request will go through the Complete Streets Advisory Committee and a technical review that includes Planning, Traffic, Police and Fire. The mayor and councilor representing the area will also review the request before residents move into the petition process. The policy also establishes a clearer path for improvements such as speed cushions when a location qualifies. The City plans to use removable rubber speed cushions that are bolted and secured to the roadway, and funding will be budgeted for approved locations. The goal is a process residents can better understand and one that moves traffic safety concerns from a request through review and, when warranted, to an actual improvement. The updated policy was approved unanimously by the City Council on July 27. If you want to request traffic calming measures, VISIT HERE

The Board of Zoning Adjustments denied a variance request at 300 Edgewood Boulevard for a six foot privacy fence closer to the Roseland Drive property line. The request sought roughly an eight foot variance to create more usable backyard space on the corner lot, but the motion failed on a 0 to 4 vote. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4g3Tc1y

Planning Commission discussed a recommendation to approve Samford University's proposed student housing project on the south side of Lakeshore Drive by their track. The discussion focused on stormwater, Shades Creek, traffic, lighting, tree preservation and student safety, with Samford saying the project is not "Creekside 2.0" and has nothing to do with that. The commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval, with the final decision now moving to the City Council. The commission also voted 7-0 to recommend approval of The Woods Golf & Social, a proposed 18-hole outdoor putting course and entertainment venue planned for West Homewood. The developers said they intend to comply with the city's noise ordinance, include underground stormwater detention, add new landscaping, and offer affordable pricing and memberships. The proposal now advances to the City Council. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4blb0m8

Construction on Hollywood Boulevard begins Monday, August 3. If you travel through this area, expect periodic lane closures during construction. A lot of work will take place at night to help reduce impacts on daytime traffic. This is part of Phase 1, which focuses on new sidewalks in Mountain Brook and along Hollywood Boulevard from Malaga Avenue up to the bridge. Phase two will widen the bridge, add a third vehicle lane, install a new traffic light at the exit ramp off Highway 280, add a new turn lane onto the existing on ramp to Highway 280 East, and create a protected pedestrian facility behind a concrete barrier wall. That portion is expected to go out for bid in 2027, with roughly 12 months of construction once underway. This effort has been discussed for more than fourteen years, bringing together Homewood, Mountain Brook, Birmingham, and Jefferson County. It is a great example of regional cooperation, recognizing that road users do not see city limits when they drive or walk. An avid runner, Mayor Jennifer Andress facilitated those early conversations, asking how they could correct a serious pedestrian safety issue and strengthen regional connectivity. Funding for the sidewalk phase includes federal and state support, county participation, municipal cooperation, and private contributions from community groups and local organizations. The bridge widening phase will combine federal transportation dollars with a county match. Homewood has no financial obligation for this project.

Pre-Council Meeting - July 27, 2026

Previous Public Meeting Information July 23, 2026 WATCH VIDEO VIEW PRESENTATION May 19, 2026 WATCH VIDEO VIEW PRESENTATION January 28, 2026 WATCH WORKSHOP VIDEO The early results from citizen engagement shows overwhelming satisfaction with quality of life in Homewood, especially when it comes to schools, parks, public safety, and neighborhood character. At the same time, residents made it clear they want to protect what makes Homewood special while continuing to address important challenges like traffic, drainage, sidewalks, infrastructure, and connectivity across the city. Feedback from workshops and surveys will help guide long term planning discussions as Homewood works on a roadmap for 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.