Pre-Council & Council Meetings August 10, 2026
August 10, 2026

Pre-Council Meeting - AUGUST 10, 2026

The council discussed two fire damaged apartment buildings on 29th Court South that staff says remain unsafe and unsecured, with public hearings on possible condemnation expected to be set at the next meeting. Council also reviewed The Woods golf and entertainment project and Samford’s proposed South Campus student housing, while discussing a proposed $25,000 City contribution to an emergency assistance fund to help Park at Buckingham residents with relocation costs.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/4xC5NiA

  • Details


    Board Ordinance Updates; Council reviewed updates to older city ordinances that no longer match Homewood’s council-manager form of government. The changes are intended as housekeeping to bring board procedures and city code in line with the current government structure. Carried Over.


    1512 12th Place Drainage; Council discussed extending an existing drainage pipe beneath the sidewalk and into the street gutter. The pipe currently ends at the sidewalk and is causing erosion in the nearby grass and steps. A site visit is planned before the item returns for consideration. Carried Over.


    1556 29th Court South Unsafe Structure; Council reviewed one of two fire-damaged apartment buildings on the same property. The building remains open to the weather, has charred and weakened structural materials, possible collapse hazards, and has not been properly repaired or secured despite repeated notices and an extended abatement period. A public hearing will be scheduled as part of the process to consider condemning the building as a public nuisance. Carried Over.


    1552 29th Court South Unsafe Structure; Council reviewed the second fire-damaged apartment building on the same property. Officials said the structure remains unsecured and dangerous, with charred structural materials and possible falling or collapsing portions, and noted that previous attempts to secure the property have not been maintained. A public hearing will be scheduled to consider condemnation. Carried Over.


    Municipal Budget Process; Council reviewed replacement ordinances updating the city and school budget processes for Homewood’s council-manager form of government. The existing rules still included duties assigned under the former form of government, so the new process directs department heads to the city manager, the city manager to present the budget to council, and council to adopt the budget before the fiscal year begins. Added to the Council Meeting.


    The Woods Golf & Social Development; Council reviewed the final development plan for a proposed golf-oriented outdoor entertainment venue in West Homewood. Staff said the project meets city requirements and that engineering, traffic, drainage, landscaping and other required reviews have been completed. Carried Over.


    Samford University South Campus Student Housing; Council reviewed plans for two new student housing buildings on Samford’s South Campus with roughly 170 units, one- to three-bedroom layouts and limited first-floor retail primarily serving students. Staff said the project meets city requirements and has been reviewed for traffic, drainage and fire safety, and the development is intended to help address Samford’s growing student housing needs while reducing pressure on surrounding neighborhoods. Carried Over.


    Park at Buckingham Emergency Assistance Fund; Council discussed creating an emergency assistance fund for residents facing relocation from the Park at Buckingham because of unsafe building conditions. The city proposed $25,000 in seed funding to help with needs such as moving expenses, deposits and first month's rent, while community organizations and other partners can also contribute. Officials said Homewood students already enrolled for the upcoming school year will be able to remain in Homewood City Schools for the rest of the school year even if their families relocate outside the city, and community partners are organizing additional resources and a resident resource fair. Added to the Council Meeting.


Council Meeting - AUGUST 10, 2026

The City Council approved $25,000 for an emergency assistance fund to help eligible Park at Buckingham residents with relocation costs, and also adopted an updated annual budget process built around Homewood’s new council manager form of government. City Manager Cale Smith presented the proposed $77.9 million FY27 General Fund budget. He pointed that as budget hearings begin, the bigger questions will be, are revenue assumptions reasonable, how much fund balance should be used for recurring expenses, what level of reserves should the City maintain, how much should be invested in capital each year, how should debt be funded, and what staffing and service levels can be sustainably supported.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/4gchGVs

  • Details


    405 Woodville Lane Public Nuisance; Council reviewed cleanup progress at the property, where significant debris, vegetation and a wooden fence still need to be addressed. The property owner has been working on the cleanup and plans to have a lawn service remove additional material, but officials said the issue has been ongoing since April and formal action is needed so the City can ensure the property is brought into compliance. Approved.


    Compact Vehicle Parking Regulations; Council approved a clearer definition of a compact motor vehicle so the City's compact parking rules can be more effectively enforced. Officials later noted that the change is particularly important around Patriot Park, where properly enforcing compact spaces can improve visibility and safety for children and families crossing the street in a busy after-school area. Approved.


    29th Court South One-Way Conversion; Council approved converting 29th Court South near the Bell Center to one-way traffic. City engineering staff worked with residents along the street, and officials said those affected supported the change. Approved.


    Surplus IT Equipment; Council declared miscellaneous City IT equipment no longer needed for public use. The equipment can now be disposed of through an auction to the highest bidder. Approved.


    Municipal Budget Process Repeal; Council repealed the City's previous budget ordinance from 1990 because its procedures no longer fit Homewood's new council-manager form of government. The repeal cleared the way for a new budget process designed around the City's current government structure. Approved.


    New Annual Budget Process; Council adopted new procedures for preparing, reviewing and approving the City's annual budget under the council-manager form of government. Department heads must submit requests to the City Manager by June 1, and the City Manager must present a proposed budget at least 45 days before the new fiscal year. Council will then hold detailed public budget hearings before adopting the final budget prior to October 1. Approved.


    Overton Drive Pine Tree Removal; Council determined that the request involving private removal of a large pine tree in an unmaintained alley behind 3107 Overton Drive was no longer needed as written because City staff is working through the issue separately. Dropped.


    Nonprofit Grant Support Letters; Council authorized the City Manager to sign letters supporting grant applications submitted by nonprofit organizations that already receive financial support from the City. Approved.


    Park at Buckingham Emergency Assistance Fund; Council approved $25,000 for an emergency assistance fund administered by HICA to help eligible Homewood residents of the Park at Buckingham with relocation-related financial needs. Assistance will require documentation and payments will be made directly to vendors, such as moving companies or apartment complexes, rather than directly to residents. HICA will track the assistance and is also accepting community donations specifically designated for Park at Buckingham residents. Approved.


    Fire Apparatus Antitrust Litigation; Council authorized the City Manager to enter a contingency agreement allowing attorneys to investigate and potentially pursue claims involving alleged antitrust issues among fire apparatus manufacturers. Officials said there is no upfront cost to the City, and hundreds of municipalities nationwide are expected to participate in the litigation. Approved.


    Alfred's Alcohol Licenses; Council considered retail beer and table wine licenses for Alfred's at 111 Broadway Street. The business completed its inspections and received no objections from police, fire or the Alabama ABC Board. Approved.


    Madeira Liquor, Wine and Beer Alcohol License; Council considered a lounge retail liquor license for the business at 229 Lakeshore Parkway. Police, fire and the Alabama ABC Board reported no objections. Approved.


    Lovely Rita's Alcohol License; Council considered a special retail alcohol license lasting more than 30 days for Lovely Rita's at 1722 28th Avenue South. No objections were reported. Approved.


    Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget; The City Manager presented the first proposed budget under Homewood's council-manager form of government, totaling about $77.9 million for the General Fund. The proposal includes a 1% employee cost-of-living adjustment, no increase in employee health insurance premiums, about $8.85 million in capital investments, 14 police vehicles, two additional City vehicles, stormwater and creek wall repairs, a new Public Works building, a Salter Road sidewalk project, tennis court resurfacing and technology upgrades. Officials emphasized that the proposal is a starting point and raised longer-term questions about recurring expenses, use of reserves, debt, staffing and sustainable capital funding; detailed public budget hearings will follow before planned adoption on September 28. Discussion Only.


More

How Homewood Protects Your Investment in City Equipment

August 10, 2026
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.

2027 City Budget & Hearings

August 10, 2026
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

New Traffic Calming Policy

August 8, 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

BZA Meeting August 6, 2026

August 8, 2026
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 August 4, 2026

August 5, 2026
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 Begins for 280 Bridge Project

August 2, 2026
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 & Council Meetings July 27, 2026

July 28, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - July 27, 2026

Comprehensive Plan

July 24, 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.

Improving Parking

July 20, 2026
As we work to make the most of public parking, the Homewood Police Department has hired a Parking Enforcement Officer. The goal is to help keep parking spaces available for everyone throughout the day. As a reminder, street parking in Homewood is limited to three hours. Specifically, please be mindful of the two designated ‘Law Enforcement’ parking spaces in front of SoHo Square, which must remain available for police use. There will be a short period where warnings will be issued to help everyone become familiar with the parking requirements before citations begin.

Active Shooter Training

July 15, 2026
You may see a large and very visible police presence around the campus and inside OLS over the next week or so. This is training.  The Homewood Police Department will be conducting active shooter response training on the campus of Our Lady of Sorrows School July 16 and 17 and July 20 through 24, from 9am to 3pm each day. This is part of HPD's annual training and will also include medical trauma treatment and first aid. We wanted to make sure you knew what was happening if you see the activity in the area.
More Posts