Pre-Council & Council Meetings June 8, 2026
June 9, 2026

Pre-Council Meeting - June 8, 2026

This pre-council meeting included a proposal allowing the City Manager limited authority for small budget transfers, an updated early retirement incentive program for long-term employees, and approval steps for Homewood's upcoming microtransit service. Council members also discussed improvements to the Highway 31 pedestrian tunnel, restoration projects to help protect Homewood's spotted salamander population, and a potential temporary moratorium on new data center applications while future zoning regulations are developed. The council also received an overview of Alabama's new consumable hemp product regulations and discussed whether Homewood should allow licensed sales of products such as hemp beverages, gummies, creams, and other approved hemp products.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/3POZcRI

  • Details


    Budget Transfer for Outstanding Water Bill; City officials said they are very close to resolving an issue involving an outstanding water bill. The item was carried over one more time while final details are completed. 


    Delegation of Budget Transfer Authority; Council discussed allowing the City Manager to approve budget transfers of up to $30,000 within the same fund and budget year. Transfers would require approval from the Finance Director and would be reported to the council through the regular voucher process. Council members said the revised proposal improves efficiency while maintaining oversight. Added to the council meeting. 


    Early Retirement Incentive Program; Council reviewed updates to the proposed retirement incentive program. The enrollment window would run from July through September. Added to the council meeting. 


    FEMA Hazard Mitigation Resolution; The city reviewed a required agreement that keeps Homewood eligible for FEMA disaster assistance and other emergency funding programs. Added to the council meeting. 


    Municipal Budget Change Ordinance; A proposed ordinance would require significant budget amendments to be approved by ordinance, creating additional transparency and accountability whenever major changes are made to the city budget. Carried over. 


    Repeal of Outdated Finance Committee Ordinance; Council reviewed an ordinance that would remove an obsolete section of city code related to an old finance committee structure that no longer exists. Carried over. 


    Historic Preservation Commission Ordinance Revisions; Proposed changes would update board appointments to reflect Homewood’s council-manager form of government and current ward structure. The item will return for a future reading. Carried over. 


    Ventura Avenue Street Trees; Residents requested permission to plant approved street trees within the public right-of-way along Ventura Avenue. The proposal includes safeguards to protect sidewalks and visibility. Carried over. 


    Microtransit Service Agreement; Council discussed finalizing an agreement with the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority to launch Homewood’s microtransit program. Discussion focused on public education, marketing, and rollout plans to help residents understand and use the service. Added to the council meeting. 


    Abatement Board Ordinance Revisions; Proposed changes would restructure appointments to the Abatement Board to align with the city’s current government and ward representation system. Added to the council meeting. 


    U.S. 31 Pedestrian Tunnel Improvement Project Agreement; Council reviewed authorization for the City Manager to execute the construction contract for the planned tunnel improvement project. Officials said the project is ready to move forward and will include upgrades to the tunnel area and surrounding improvements. Added to the council meeting.  There was also a related budget amendment was discussed to fund the tunnel improvements, landscaping, and pedestrian enhancements associated with the project. Added to the council meeting. 


    Homewood Forest Preserve Vernal Pool Project; A proposal was presented to construct and restore seasonal wetlands within the Homewood Forest Preserve to support the city’s declining spotted salamander population. The work would be funded through grants and volunteers, with no city funding requested. Council plans to consider the request in July. Carried over. 


    Consumable Hemp Products Licensing; City attorney's provided an overview of Alabama’s new consumable hemp product regulations and discussed whether Homewood should allow licensed sales of products such as hemp beverages, gummies, creams, and other approved hemp products. No action was taken. 


    Data Center Moratorium Discussion; Council discussed creating a temporary moratorium on data center applications while zoning regulations are reviewed as part of the city’s comprehensive planning process. A formal moratorium proposal is expected to return for consideration. 


Council Meeting - June 8, 2026

The council approved the agreement to launch Microtransit service in Homewood, moving forward with a grant funded pilot that city leaders hope will provide a new transportation option while helping address parking and connectivity challenges across the community. The council also approved construction and funding for the Highway 31 pedestrian tunnel improvements and adopted an early retirement incentive program for eligible employees.


The meeting also included a public hearing on a proposed rezoning along Montgomery Street that would allow the expansion of a local fitness studio into renovated buildings.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/3PKQR1p

  • Details



    Fitness Studio Rezoning on Montgomery Street; Council held a public hearing on a request to rezone two properties on Montgomery Street to allow the renovation and reuse of existing buildings for a fitness studio expansion. The business owner and several members spoke in support, highlighting the studio’s community impact, inclusive programs, and need for additional space and parking. Carried over for final vote on June 22. 


    Budget Transfer Authority; Council approved a policy giving the City Manager limited authority to make certain budget transfers. The policy includes additional oversight measures, including dual approval requirements and regular reporting to the council. Approved. 


    Construction Trade Academy Fee; Council approved an additional $20 fee on certain new residential construction permits that will be directed to the Alabama Construction Trade Academy Fund. The program is intended to help support workforce development in the construction trades. Approved. 


    Public Works Facility Design Services; Council approved an agreement for architectural and engineering services related to planned improvements at the Public Works site on Citation Court. The work will provide construction documents needed for future facility renovations and expansion. Approved. 


    Retaining Wall at Ridge Road; Council approved a request allowing a retaining wall associated with a residential driveway project to extend into the city right-of-way. Officials said the wall serves a structural purpose related to grading conditions on the property. Approved. 


    Hilton Garden Inn Liquor License; Council approved an ABC restaurant retail liquor license for the Hilton Garden Inn at Wildwood. Police and fire reviews were completed with no issues reported. Approved. 


    Voucher Approval; Council approved vouchers covering city expenditures from May 19 through June 8. Approved. 


    Early Retirement Incentive Program; Council approved an early retirement incentive program for eligible employees. Officials explained that employees must qualify for retirement through the Retirement Systems of Alabama and meet service requirements, with an application window running from July through September. Approved. 


    FEMA Emergency Management Resolution; Council approved a FEMA-related resolution required through Jefferson County. The item was described as an administrative requirement needed for emergency management compliance. Approved. 


    Microtransit Service Agreement; Council approved an agreement with BJCTA to launch a microtransit service in Homewood. Members discussed how the service could help address transportation and parking challenges, and noted that grant funding from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham will cover the initial pilot period. Approved. 


    Abatement Board Ordinance Revisions; Council approved amendments to the city’s abatement board ordinance to reflect Homewood’s new form of government. The changes update the appointment process for board members and establish a non-voting city liaison position to improve communication between the board and city administration. Approved. 


    U.S. 31 Pedestrian Tunnel Improvement Project; Council approved a construction agreement and related budget amendment for improvements to the U.S. 31 pedestrian tunnel area. Discussion included questions about artwork inside the tunnel, though officials clarified that interior artwork is not part of the current construction project. Approved. 


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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

Animal Control Partnering w/ GBHS

October 5, 2026
Have a lost pet, need to report a stray or have a wildlife issue? There are several important changes to Homewood Animal Control services beginning Monday, October 5. REPORT A STRAY To report a stray , call Homewood Police non-emergency dispatch at 205-332-6200 . The City of Homewood, Homewood Police Department and Homewood Animal Control are partnering with Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) for these services. FIND YOUR PET If you think your animal may have been picked up by Animal Control, call the Greater Birmingham Humane Society at 205-591-6522 . Stray animals picked up in Homewood are taken to 6227 5th Ave. North in Birmingham until GBHS opens its new facility opens on Sydney Drive, and then they will be taken there. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 11:30am. GBHS is closed Sunday. Fees for picking up an animal may include $50 if the animal is unaltered, a $30 impound fee, a $20 rabies fee if proof of vaccination is not available and a $50 City fee. wildlife issues Call Complete Animal Removal at 205-208-7777 . Homewood Animal Control will not respond to wildlife calls involving animals such as raccoons, possums, snakes, coyotes or foxes. after hours Stray animals will not be picked up after hours. If you report a stray after hours, Animal Control will handle the call the next business day.

BZA Meeting October 1, 2026

October 1, 2026
The Homewood Board of Zoning Adjustments approved three requests. These included new signage for a hotel at 500 Wildwood North Circle, a screened porch addition at 906 Salter Road, and home renovations at 3105 Overton Drive involving setback variances. The board also discussed property slopes, drainage and existing lot conditions as factors in the requests. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4iKyiX6

Traffic Calming Coming to Hambaugh/Dixon Avenues

September 30, 2026
Concerned about speeding or other traffic issues on your street? There is a process to look at what is happening and determine whether traffic calming measures are needed and what those measures could be. One example is now moving toward a vote. The City received traffic concerns involving Hambaugh Avenue between Columbiana Road and Dixon Avenue, and Dixon Avenue between Broadway Street and Hambaugh Avenue. Traffic data was collected and studied, and both streets qualified for traffic calming measures. The current proposal calls for speed cushions at two locations on Hambaugh Avenue and two locations on Dixon Avenue. The design also takes emergency response into consideration, allowing fire trucks to travel through the middle of the cushions. The City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposal October 12, 6pm at City Hall, 2nd floor Council Chambers . View Drawings of Cushion Locations Visit Traffic Calming Page

Traffic Issues on Your Street?

September 30, 2026
Concerned about speeding or other traffic issues on your street? There is a process for looking at those concerns and determining whether something should be done and what measures may be appropriate. Traffic calming is not simply putting in a speed hump or adding a sign. It is a process that uses traffic data, engineering standards and input from several City departments to look at what is happening on a street before deciding what, if anything, should change. It starts with a resident submitting a traffic calming request identifying the location and concern. City Engineering reviews the request and collects traffic data so the street can be evaluated using the City’s standards. If the request continues through the process, it receives additional review from the Complete Streets Advisory Committee. Planning, Traffic, Police and Fire also have an opportunity to look at the request. That is important because a possible solution has to consider more than vehicle speed. Things such as the street itself, pedestrian safety, traffic patterns and emergency response can all be part of determining whether a particular measure makes sense. The mayor and the councilor representing the area also review the request before it can advance to the resident petition stage. If the location qualifies and the request continues, affected residents take part in the petition process required by the City’s traffic calming policy. Only after those steps and required approvals are completed can a location move toward an appropriate traffic calming improvement. The goal is not to assume every traffic concern has the same answer. One street may have different conditions and needs than another. The process gives the City a way to collect information, hear from the people who live in the area and determine whether a traffic calming measure is appropriate and safe. Submit a Traffic Calming Request Visit Traffic Calming Page

2027 Budget Approved

September 29, 2026
A city budget is more than a list of numbers. It’s a vital infrastructure that reflects the City’s priorities and determines how resources are used to provide services, support employees and invest in the community. On September 28, the Homewood City Council approved the City’s FY2027 budget. The General Fund is approximately $77 million and supports the day-to-day services residents rely on. Sales and property taxes provide much of the revenue, while personnel costs account for approximately $42 million. The approved budget adds three police officer positions and includes investments in street paving, stormwater projects, sidewalk repairs, replacement vehicles and equipment, and other infrastructure needs throughout the City. In addition to the revenue that supports City operations, one cent of Homewood’s sales tax is dedicated to the Homewood Board of Education. That penny is expected to generate approximately $11.5 million for Homewood City Schools this year. This was the first budget developed under Homewood’s new council-manager form of government. City Manager Cale Smith worked with department heads to identify operational needs and priorities and presented a proposed budget to the City Council. Council members then reviewed the budget through a series of public budget hearings, asked questions and made revisions before approving the final budget. The work does not end with this vote. The City plans to provide monthly reports on revenues and expenditures throughout the year, providing a clearer picture of the City’s financial position on a regular basis. City leadership will also continue evaluating ongoing expenses and revenues to work toward a sustainable budget that provides the services residents expect while responsibly managing the City’s resources. View the September 28 meeting below. View Approved Budget View All Details Inlcuding Budget Hearings

Pre-Council & Council Meetings Sept. 28, 2026

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