Fire Engineer Karry Jones, Firefighter of the Year Engineer Karry Jones is the Homewood Fire Department Firefighter of the Year! He is the person people count on for the behind the scenes work that keeps a modern fire department running, from equipment readiness to technical details that the public never sees but benefits from every day. Even while recovering from an injury, Fire Chief Brandon Broadhead said he kept finding ways to help. He also served on the team that helped design Homewood’s newest fire trucks around how firefighters actually work in the field.  Karry’s mindset is simple and rare. Make Homewood better tomorrow than it is today.

Council Sets The Interview Process For Hiring City Manager Pre-Council Meeting January 12, 2026 The January 12, 2026 pre-council meeting discussed the city manager search, with council reviewing interview procedures. HR Director Kim Kinder shared the job was posted December 19 with applications due January 16, listed the minimum qualifications, and said about 40 applications had been received so far. A resident asked why an ICMA credential was not required for candidates. Staff said keeping minimum requirements preserves flexibility given legal timelines and the residency requirement, while still aiming for a highly qualified hire. Council also teed up three January 26, 6:00pm public hearings, the condemnation and planned demolition of an unsafe house at 1625 26th Avenue South, an amended plan for Homewood Community Church to build a new two story 30,797 square foot facility behind The Edge with added buffers plus stormwater and traffic controls, and Brookdale University Park’s plan to replace unused parking with a fenced pickleball court with no lights. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3NgmgqM

At the January 8, 2026 meeting, the Board of Zoning Adjustments denied a request to reduce the required landscape buffer from 15 feet to 5 feet for the planned mixed use retail, office, and medical project on the vacant lot at 1707 Reese Street, called 'Reese Street Courtyard.' Located right behind Nall Daniels Animal Hospital, the concept has been in the works for several years and is meant to add new businesses and much needed parking. The board focused on the fact that the plan chose to build more parking than required. That decision created the conflict with the landscaping rules, rather than a hardship tied to the property itself. The BZA also approved a front setback variance to allow a master bedroom to be added to the front of the house at 3410 Avalon Road, and approved a fence repair variance at 300 Woodland Drive. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4qcchBd

Join the City of Homewood and the Homewood Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, January 20, at 11:30am at the Valley Hotel . As part of the monthly luncheon, Mayor Jennifer Andress will share updates, city highlights, and the vision for 2026. Registration is required and closes Jan. 14: https://bit.ly/49m1VHP

The only item for the Planning Commission meeting, January 6, 2026, was a request to amend the zoning ordinance for the Green Springs Urban Development District (GURD) by removing “minor vehicle repair” as a permitted use. The discussion stemmed from concerns raised after approval of the Valvoline oil change project, (see link to video here: https://bit.ly/4qaJZqY ) with both the Planning Commission and City Council expressing that similar vehicle-focused uses do not match the long-term vision for the Green Springs corridor as a more pedestrian-friendly, connected boulevard. Staff explained that removing this use would prevent future oil change or similar facilities from locating in the district, while existing businesses could continue operating as nonconforming uses without expanding. Commissioners also discussed the lack of a clear definition for “minor vehicle repair” in the zoning code and agreed it would be helpful for the city to formally define the term. Several residents spoke in support, citing past zoning decisions on Green Springs and urging a more holistic approach tied to the upcoming comprehensive plan. After public input and discussion around the upcoming citywide comprehensive plan, the Planning Commission voted to recommend deleting minor vehicle repair from the GURD, 6-0 with one abstention, and asked City Council to consider adding a clear definition for the minor vehicle repair. This item will no go before the full Council for a vote. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4jtpgfu

The Homewood Piggly Wiggly closes today, Dec. 31, at 6:00pm, prices are being reduced today as shelves are cleared. This is a temporary pause as the store begins a major redevelopment. Plans include a larger and updated store, more parking, improved traffic flow, safer access for children using the nearby tunnel, and new green space. The store is expected to reopen by the end of 2026.

Applications are now open for Homewood's City Manager. This role will help guide the city through its new council manager form of government. It is a chance to work with a dedicated team, lead daily operations, and help shape what comes next for Homewood. Applications are open through January 16, 2026. View the job description HERE APPLY HERE

What to do with those Christmas trees? Christmas may be over, but your tree can still do some good. Real trees can be reused in simple ways: Cut branches for yard mulch Add pieces to garden beds to protect plants Use smaller limbs for outdoor habitat or compost.  You can also dispose of your tree easily in Homewood. We have bins at the Homewood Library or the West Oxmoor pool parking lot. Drop off your trees and/or cardboard boxes at those locations. Or you can place your tree at the curb for pickup on your trash day, and the claw truck will get them.

Pre-Council Meeting December 22, 2025 This pre-council meeting was brief, with three public hearings carried to January 12, including 1625 26th Ave S, Homewood Community Church’s amended plan for a new 30,797 square foot two story building, and Brookdale University Park. The main discussion was an FY 2026 budget amendment cleanup to fix fund deficits, using carryover fund balance and corrections without changing current operations, plus a quick look ahead at an on street parking ordinance on Linden Avenue. Agenda: https://bit.ly/44KjgsG