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

  • Full Meeting Details

    Item 041225: This item approved an amended development plan for Homewood Community Church. The plan allows construction of a new two story building totaling about 30,800 square feet, along with parking, landscaping, and other site improvements. The property is zoned GURD and had already gone through a public hearing and first reading. After no further discussion, the council approved the ordinance.


    Item 051225: This item approved an amended development plan for Brookdale University Park. The plan allows construction of a new pickleball court behind the Brookdale Senior Living facility on an existing paved parking area. The council noted there were no additional concerns and approved the ordinance.


    Item 090126: This item approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Rebuild Alabama Act grant application. The discussion included excitement about the grant and a request to keep future design considerations in mind for traffic congestion near Broadway. The council approved the resolution.


    Item 110126: This item approved adding a streetlight on an existing pole near 823 Cobb Street. Council members noted the location is near a school access area and that the light is needed for safety. The council approved the resolution.


    Item 120126: This item approved adding a streetlight at the crosswalk at the Greenway Trail and Montgomery Highway. Council members highlighted early morning pedestrian and runner use at the crossing. The council approved the resolution.


    Item 070226: This item approved vouchers for the period from January 27 through February 9. Council members briefly discussed reviewing expenditures and expressed appreciation for staff. The council approved the resolution.


    Item 010226: This item approved a request for the Miss Alabama Organization to use the council chambers for its annual meeting in early March. The council had discussed this previously and approved the resolution.


    Item 030226: This item approved a request for a temporary tent in the city right of way in front of Track Shack from February 19 through February 23. With no further discussion, the council approved the resolution.


    Item 040226: This item declared a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe as surplus property and authorized its disposal by auction. The council approved unanimous consent for consideration and then approved the ordinance.


    Item 050226: This item approved a budget amendment for Mercury Associates to conduct a fleet maintenance study. Council members emphasized the value of reviewing current and future fleet needs and related policies. The council approved the resolution.


More

Right of Way Reminder

November 5, 2026
Right of Way Reminder! Are you having work done on your property? Check with the City BEFORE you or your contractor get started! Did you know the City's right of way can extend beyond the street? Depending on where you live, it may include the grass between the road and sidewalk or even what looks like part of your front yard. Before you or your contractor begin any work in the right of way, please contact us. This includes landscaping, planting trees, installing irrigation or sprinkler heads, building retaining walls, or making driveway changes. Right of way widths vary across Homewood, and some projects require City approval before work begins. Checking first can help you avoid problems with utilities, drainage, and sidewalks, along with the expense of having to remove or redo work. CONTACT THE CITY HERE

Planning Commission Nov. 3, 2026

November 4, 2026
The Homewood Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of Samford University's proposed 280 space parking project along Shelburne Lane that lines Saulter Road. Neighbors raised concerns about stormwater runoff, tree removal, lighting, noise and construction, while Samford outlined plans to reduce those impacts. The commission also approved plans to divide an office building at Brookwood Place into two condominium units and a covered porch addition at 145 South Pointe Drive. Agenda: https://bit.ly/47SNbjw

Parking Changes on 18th Street

October 30, 2026
Parking changes on 18th Street! The Homewood City Council approved changes to parking restrictions for the three spaces right in front of the Trak Shak and Oak Hill Grill. These spaces have long had parking restrictions Monday through Friday from 8am to 5:30pm. Now, parking will be allowed during those hours.  The 15 foot 'no parking' area near the intersection will remain in place to help drivers safely pull out of the alley

Christina's Trail & New Pavilion Unveiled

October 29, 2026
The City of Homewood unveiled Christina’s Trail and a new pavilion along the Shades Creek Trail near the soccer fields. Christina Chambers was an avid runner and a big part of Homewood’s running community. In her memory, the City also decorated the parking spot she used each time she came to run. Her family shared words of remembrance about Christina and what this community meant to her. The new pavilion brings a much needed addition to this end of the trail, providing public restrooms near the soccer fields.

Pre-Council & Council Meetings Oct. 26, 2026

October 26, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - OCTOBER 26, 2026

Bringing Fresh Ideas Back to Homewood

October 22, 2026
Homewood City Manager Cale Smith joined local government leaders from across the country at the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Annual Conference. The intent is to share ideas, learn from one another, and explore ways to better serve their communities. Throughout the conference, Smith attended sessions focused on high-performing local governments, budgeting, the challenges facing first-time city managers, and improving efficiencies in development services. General session speakers included historian Jon Meacham, leadership expert Kim Scott, and author Simon Sinek, who shared valuable perspectives on leadership, communication, and organizational culture. A highlight of the conference was reconnecting with fellow members of Smith’s Leadership ICMA cohort (pictured), a group of local government professionals committed to developing their leadership skills and strengthening their communities. It was a great opportunity to learn, build relationships, and bring fresh ideas back to Homewood as the City continues working to improve services and operations for its residents.

Discover Homewood Neighborhoods

October 13, 2026
How much do you know about the history of the neighborhood you drive through every day? There is a new way to find out. The Homewood Historic Preservation Commission has created a self guided driving tour that takes you through the people, places and neighborhoods that helped shape Homewood. The tour includes 16 audio and text stops covering Homewood’s five historic wards. You can start wherever you want and explore just one area, or take about an hour and experience the entire tour. Along the way, you will hear stories from Rosedale, West Homewood, Edgewood, Lakeshore, Mayfair and Windsor, and Hollywood. The tour includes the Rosedale Historic District, Edgewood Lake, the old Zelosophian Academy site, the Pink House, the McDaniel House, Samford University and the historic homes of Hollywood. You will also see historic photographs collected from the Homewood Public Library, Birmingham Public Library Archives and the Alabama Department of Archives and History. And you may recognize the voice telling the stories. The tour is narrated by Shelia Snoddy, known to many from her years in radio as Jill Friday. Development was funded by the City of Homewood and in part through a Historic Preservation Fund Grant in Aid from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. The free tour is available through the TravelStorys app for iOS and Android and can also be explored online Learn More Here

Pre-Council & Council Meetings Oct. 12, 2026

October 12, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - OCTOBER 12, 2026

Rep. Sewell Secures $250K for Stormwater Improvements

October 7, 2026
More federal funding is coming to Homewood to address stormwater issues. U.S. Representative Terri Sewell presented a check for $250,000 to the City of Homewood. This funding was obtained through the Fiscal Year 2026 federal appropriations process and is designated for stormwater improvements. It will be used to provide upgrades and expand culvert capacity in the residential neighborhoods surrounding Edgewood Elementary School to help reduce localized street flooding and better protect nearby homes and infrastructure. This follows an earlier $1 million federal allocation from Rep. Sewell in 2024 that will be used for a drainage culvert project along Griffin Creek in the Huntington Road area. That project continues to work its way through the required process, with construction currently hoped to begin in 2027.

Planning Commission Oct. 6, 2026

October 6, 2026
The Planning Commission approved a resurvey at 215 West Valley Avenue, where a small restaurant is proposed. The Commission also considered changes for a proposed Dutch Bros too be placed at 832 Green Springs Highway, recommending approval of a reduced landscape buffer, but voting 4 to 2 against allowing full access for traffic to flow to and from Raleigh Avenue. That request now moves to the City Council for the final decision. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4zeIxYR
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