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    Repeal of Outdated Finance Committee Ordinance; Council reviewed an ordinance that would remove an obsolete section of city code related to an old finance committee structure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. 


More

Hwy 31 Construction Begins

September 4, 2026
Work begins Tuesday, September 8 on ALDOT's US 31 Access Management Project between Old Montgomery Highway and Ventura Avenue. While this work is taking place in Homewood, this is a State of Alabama project being coordinated by ALDOT. Most of the work will be done during overnight hours, so this should not disrupt normal daily traffic. But drivers should expect some changing traffic patterns. The project includes upgraded traffic signals, changes to reduce conflict points and crashes, new sidewalks, ADA compliant curb ramps, pedestrian signals, and safer crossings. The total construction cost is approximately $3.3 million, funded primarily through a $1.96 million ATRIP II grant awarded by the State of Alabama, with the City of Homewood contributing approximately $1.36 million as required through the grant agreement. View entire project and images: https://bit.ly/4w9VvVu

Special Called Council Meeting Sept. 3, 2026

September 4, 2026
The City Council reviewed a proposed process and evaluation form for the city manager’s six month and annual performance reviews. The Council will take up the procedures during Pre-Council on September 14, then entered executive session to discuss the potential redevelopment of an existing commercial property. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4ynxYlK

Planning Commission Sept. 1, 2026

September 2, 2026
The Planning Commission approved two property resurvey requests along Oxmoor Road, including one that could support parking for a future redevelopment at 184 Oxmoor Road. A request for 215 West Valley Avenue and the case involving 832 Green Springs Highway were carried over to the October 7 meeting. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3SsbhNX

2027 Budget - Where Does the Money Come From?

September 1, 2026
2027 Budget - Where Does the Money Come From? The City Council will begin reviewing the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget on Tuesday, September 8 at 4:00pm. The hearings will give the Council an opportunity to examine the proposal fund by fund, make adjustments and determine the City’s priorities before considering the final budget, Monday, September 28. During this first budget hearing, the City Manager will present updates to the overall budget and discuss revenue available to support it. One important source is sales tax. Broken down, that sales tax looks like this: Four cents go to the State of Alabama. Two cents go to Jefferson County. Four cents go to the City of Homewood, and then within that: One penny is dedicated to the Homewood Board of Education. One-quarter penny supports capital projects. The remaining City sales-tax revenue supports other City needs. In the proposed budget, each penny is expected to generate approximately $11.57 million. That estimate matters. If sales tax collections are higher or lower than expected, it can affect how much the City can spend. The Council will consider City’s estimated revenues, how much money should be kept in reserve and what level of spending can be sustained long term. The presented General Fund is approximately $77.9 million, but that number will change based on information gathered since the presentation on August 10th. The Council will also make changes throughout the hearing process. The proposed budget was prepared under Homewood’s new council-manager form of government. Under the new process, the City Manager develops and presents a proposed budget, and the City Council reviews, revises and ultimately adopts the final spending plan. All budget hearings are open to the public and will be live streamed and recorded. Additional hearings are scheduled to begin at 4:00pm on September 15, 17 and 21, with September 24 reserved for a final hearing if needed. The Council plans to consider adoption of the FY27 budget on Monday, September 28. Fiscal Year 2027 begins October 1. All figures remain proposed and are subject to change until the City Council adopts the final budget. Complete Budget Hearing Schedule

New Finance Director

August 25, 2026
Please join us in welcoming Aspen Collins as Homewood’s new Finance Director. Aspen brings more than 20 years of local government experience to the City. She most recently served Mobile County as Deputy Finance Director and Deputy County Administrator. She has also served as Finance Director for the Tuscaloosa and Bessemer housing authorities, along with roles as Finance Director and City Manager in two Nashville suburbs. We are glad to have Aspen bring that experience to Homewood and look forward to the work ahead.

Pre-Council & Council Meetings August 24, 2026

August 25, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - AUGUST 24, 2026

A Better Fit for Patriot Park

August 20, 2026
Have you ever parked in one of the two compact parking spaces beside Patriot Park near the playground? The City Council recently approved a new city-wide definition of what size vehicle can park in those and other compact designated spaces. What are the requirements? A "compact vehicle" must be small enough to fit completely inside the marked parking space when properly positioned. No part of the vehicle can extend beyond the outside edges of the lines. When larger SUVs or trucks park in those end spaces, they can block the view of children crossing the street to and from Patriot Park and nearby businesses. Keeping those available for smaller vehicles will help keeps our kids safe! Read the Ordinance HERE

Bugsy is Back!

August 12, 2026
You can't climb on him anymore... but beginning Monday, August 17 , you can lean on him to help you navigate information from across the City. Who are we talking about? Our new website chatbot, Bugsy! This little guy will help you find information, get answers to your questions, and connect with the services you need quickly and easily. Bugsy will be available 24/7, and can speak more than 70 languages. We're one of the first cities in Alabama to launch this specific type of tool, and we hope Bugsy, in his new role, continues to be a helpful part of our community for many years to come. About Citibot The City of Homewood is partnering with Citibot , a leader in AI-powered communication solutions for local governments, to provide this great resource. Based in Charleston, SC, Citibot LLC was founded in 2016 with the mission of making government services accessible to all. Citibot CEO Bratton Riley was inspired by the power of conversational chatbots to help governments become more accessible and accountable. “Expectations for quality customer service are always rising,” said Riley. “Cities and counties like Homewood are leading the way, implementing technology that enhances efficiency and improves access to essential information and services.” Citibot provides AI-powered chatbot solutions that enhance communication between residents and local governments. Using smart text messaging and web chat, Citibot enables residents to quickly get answers, report issues, contact staff, and receive real-time alerts. Learn more at http://citibot.io .

Council Approves $25K To Assist Park at Buckingham Residents

August 11, 2026
Scroll down to "Gift Designation" Choose "Park at Buckingham" in that drop-down

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.
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