BirminghamWatch
@bhamwatch.bsky.social
We're a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization serving Birmingham, Alabama - the City Built to Change the South. https://birminghamwatch.org/
Randall Woodfin stood with local elected, faith & social service leaders yesterday, saying he will ask the Birmingham City Council to commit $1 million in city funds to make sure no family in the city goes hungry during the SNAP benefits suspension.
Woodfin Announces Emergency Food Relief Effort as SNAP Suspension Looms - BirminghamWatch
The mayor said he will ask the Birmingham City Council to commit $1 million to help feed Birmingham families.
birminghamwatch.org
October 31, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Randall Woodfin stood with local elected, faith & social service leaders yesterday, saying he will ask the Birmingham City Council to commit $1 million in city funds to make sure no family in the city goes hungry during the SNAP benefits suspension.
The $265,000 agreement is for 5,688 square feet of space in a building to be constructed on the site.
Birmingham Council OKs $265K Lease for Space on Former Ramsay-McCormack Site in Ensley - BirminghamWatch
The space could include a police substation and city services.
birminghamwatch.org
October 30, 2025 at 3:39 PM
The $265,000 agreement is for 5,688 square feet of space in a building to be constructed on the site.
The settlement between Mark Parnell and Central Alabama Water entails honoring a three-year consulting contract and additional payments to Parnell totaling $2.4 million.
CAW Reaches $2.4 Million Settlement Over Lawyer’s Firing - BirminghamWatch
The water works agrees in the settlement to honor Mark Parnell’s contract.
birminghamwatch.org
October 30, 2025 at 3:26 PM
The settlement between Mark Parnell and Central Alabama Water entails honoring a three-year consulting contract and additional payments to Parnell totaling $2.4 million.
ICYMI, Jefferson County Circuit Judge Chuck Price ruled that the challenge to the election was filed too late to be considered.
Judge Dismisses Challenge to Womack’s School Board Win - BirminghamWatch
He said the lawsuit was filed too late to be considered.
birminghamwatch.org
October 21, 2025 at 3:53 PM
ICYMI, Jefferson County Circuit Judge Chuck Price ruled that the challenge to the election was filed too late to be considered.
The Jefferson County Commission is set to approve updates to its development regulations on Thursday. Commission president Jimmie Stephens stressed that the plan is not “developer-driven,” which he said is “very, very important.”
JeffCo Poised to Adopt Comprehensive Land Use and Zoning Update - BirminghamWatch
The new plan is to be considered in Thursday’s meeting.
birminghamwatch.org
October 8, 2025 at 4:18 PM
The Jefferson County Commission is set to approve updates to its development regulations on Thursday. Commission president Jimmie Stephens stressed that the plan is not “developer-driven,” which he said is “very, very important.”
Last night, voters made their final selections for the remaining seats on Birmingham's City Council and its Board of Education.
Gunn, Smith, Tate, Others Claim Victory in Birmingham Runoffs - BirminghamWatch
Voters made final selections for the City Council and Board of Education in Tuesday’s runoff election.
birminghamwatch.org
October 8, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Last night, voters made their final selections for the remaining seats on Birmingham's City Council and its Board of Education.
Unofficial #bham municipal runoff election results have been posted to the city's website.
bhamal.granicus.com
October 8, 2025 at 3:11 AM
Unofficial #bham municipal runoff election results have been posted to the city's website.
Three seats on the Birmingham City Council and three on the Birmingham Board of Education are at stake. Polls close at 7 p.m.
Birmingham’s Municipal Election Wraps Up With Runoff Tuesday - BirminghamWatch
Three seats on the Birmingham City Council and three on the Birmingham Board of Education are at stake.
birminghamwatch.org
October 7, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Three seats on the Birmingham City Council and three on the Birmingham Board of Education are at stake. Polls close at 7 p.m.
“Hosting the Penny Games signals that our city is investing in next-gen talent — connecting HBCU excellence with local opportunity, supporting workforce development, and strengthening talent retention.” - Elbi Elm, director of communications and philanthropy for The Penny Foundation.
Penny Games to Showcase Intellectual Sports - BirminghamWatch
The debate event spotlights Birmingham as a tech hub where young people can build their careers.
birminghamwatch.org
October 2, 2025 at 2:15 PM
“Hosting the Penny Games signals that our city is investing in next-gen talent — connecting HBCU excellence with local opportunity, supporting workforce development, and strengthening talent retention.” - Elbi Elm, director of communications and philanthropy for The Penny Foundation.
Yesterday marked ten years of serving Birmingham as a nonprofit news source. Our @acnatta.bsky.social took a moment to reflect on our past and hint at what our future may hold.
BirminghamWatch Celebrates 10 Years of Coverage - BirminghamWatch
BirminghamWatch executive editor André Natta recognizes the publication's upcoming tenth anniversary on Sept. 27 and asks for input as it prepares to evolve into a resource for the city's civically cu...
birminghamwatch.org
September 28, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Yesterday marked ten years of serving Birmingham as a nonprofit news source. Our @acnatta.bsky.social took a moment to reflect on our past and hint at what our future may hold.
Jimmie Stephens, who represents the district where the data center is proposed, said the roadway that would complete the interstate loop around Birmingham should be given a higher priority than the data center.
Commissioner Renews Opposition to Data Center, Cites Northern Beltline Conflict - BirminghamWatch
Jimmie Stephens said many in his district also fear noise and environmental effects from the project.
birminghamwatch.org
September 22, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Jimmie Stephens, who represents the district where the data center is proposed, said the roadway that would complete the interstate loop around Birmingham should be given a higher priority than the data center.
The proposed ordinance would empower city officials to pursue foreclosure on nuisance properties in certain cases.
“This is a judicial process that targets the property and not the person,” Katrina Thomas, director of the city’s Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits, told councilors.
“This is a judicial process that targets the property and not the person,” Katrina Thomas, director of the city’s Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits, told councilors.
Birmingham Council Presented With Law to Allow Foreclosure on Nuisance Properties - BirminghamWatch
The move would give the city the power, and the money, to take over dilapidated properties.
birminghamwatch.org
September 3, 2025 at 12:38 PM
The proposed ordinance would empower city officials to pursue foreclosure on nuisance properties in certain cases.
“This is a judicial process that targets the property and not the person,” Katrina Thomas, director of the city’s Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits, told councilors.
“This is a judicial process that targets the property and not the person,” Katrina Thomas, director of the city’s Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits, told councilors.
The price tag will not only cover the replacement of the municipal court parking lot's gate but also the parking sensors at the municipal court's parking lot. The project will also include upgrading the payment system to accept credit cards.
Birmingham Councilors Question $391K Price of Parking Equipment Agreement - BirminghamWatch
The agreement covers replacing the gate, parking sensors and payment system.
birminghamwatch.org
September 3, 2025 at 12:17 PM
The price tag will not only cover the replacement of the municipal court parking lot's gate but also the parking sensors at the municipal court's parking lot. The project will also include upgrading the payment system to accept credit cards.
Incidentally, we've also started updating our Birmingham municipal runoff election guide. It's scheduled for Oct. 7, and we'll be updating with more information between now and then.
Birmingham Municipal Runoff Election - BirminghamWatch
BirminghamWatch's ElectionWatch 2025 Birmingham municipal runoff election voter guide for Oct. 7, 2025.
birminghamwatch.org
September 2, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Incidentally, we've also started updating our Birmingham municipal runoff election guide. It's scheduled for Oct. 7, and we'll be updating with more information between now and then.
Yes, it's Tuesday, but it's time for the first Monday Morning Watch in a while. Let's see what happens...
Monday Morning Watch | Week of Sept. 1, 2025 - BirminghamWatch
BirminghamWatch's weekly rundown of public meetings and agendas in the city of Birmingham and Jefferson County. Our goal is to help you keep your elected officials accountable.
birminghamwatch.org
September 2, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Yes, it's Tuesday, but it's time for the first Monday Morning Watch in a while. Let's see what happens...
Incumbents Sherman Collins Jr., Derek Billups and Leticia W. Harvill are headed back to the Birmingham City Board of Education after being reelected Tuesday night. Candidates in Districts 2, 8 and 9 did not receive the 50% plus 1 vote needed to win those races outright. Runoffs will be held Oct. 7.
Three Birmingham School Board Members Reelected, Three Races to Be Decided in Runoffs - BirminghamWatch
Incumbents Sherman Collins Jr., Derek Billups and Leticia W. Harvill are headed back to the Birmingham City Board of Education; runoffs are needed in Districts 2, 8 and 9.
birminghamwatch.org
August 27, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Incumbents Sherman Collins Jr., Derek Billups and Leticia W. Harvill are headed back to the Birmingham City Board of Education after being reelected Tuesday night. Candidates in Districts 2, 8 and 9 did not receive the 50% plus 1 vote needed to win those races outright. Runoffs will be held Oct. 7.
With three incumbents — Councilors Crystal Smitherman, Wardine Alexander and Clinton Woods — winning their races outright Tuesday and two incumbents — Hunter Williams and Darrell O’Quinn — running unopposed, the makeup of the council will remain largely the same.
Six Seats Decided, Three Go to Runoffs After Birmingham City Council Voting - BirminghamWatch
Incumbent Councilors Crystal Smitherman, Wardine Alexander and Clinton Woods won election along with newcomer Josh Vasa. Races is Districts 4, 8 and 9 will be decided in runoffs.
birminghamwatch.org
August 27, 2025 at 2:50 PM
With three incumbents — Councilors Crystal Smitherman, Wardine Alexander and Clinton Woods — winning their races outright Tuesday and two incumbents — Hunter Williams and Darrell O’Quinn — running unopposed, the makeup of the council will remain largely the same.
Amid cheers of threepeat and “Randemic,” Randall Woodfin won his third election for mayor of Birmingham on Tuesday night, a feat not achieved since former Mayor Richard Arrington Jr. ended his five-term run in 1999.
Third Time’s a Charm as Woodfin Swept Back Into Mayor’s Office - BirminghamWatch
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin was reelected Tuesday with almost 75% of the vote in a nine-candidate race.
birminghamwatch.org
August 27, 2025 at 5:24 AM
Amid cheers of threepeat and “Randemic,” Randall Woodfin won his third election for mayor of Birmingham on Tuesday night, a feat not achieved since former Mayor Richard Arrington Jr. ended his five-term run in 1999.
Our voter guide for next week's municipal elections in Birmingham, Alabama, is now available to peruse! Find candidate bios and profiles, sample ballots + a what-you-need-to-know primer as you head out to vote for mayor, City Council, and the school board.
2025 Birmingham Municipal Elections - BirminghamWatch
Your central resource for all things associated with the upcoming Aug. 26 municipal election in Birmingham, Ala, produced with support from NPR member station WBHM. This includes the current lists of ...
birminghamwatch.org
August 22, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Our voter guide for next week's municipal elections in Birmingham, Alabama, is now available to peruse! Find candidate bios and profiles, sample ballots + a what-you-need-to-know primer as you head out to vote for mayor, City Council, and the school board.
Birmingham radio station WJLD invited 5 of the city’s 9 mayoral candidates to participate in a debate last night at the historic Carver Theater. A healthy crowd filled the 450-seat venue and more than 1,800 people streamed the event live online.
The insults, however, were innumerable.
The insults, however, were innumerable.
Leading Mayoral Candidates Trade Insults in Debate - BirminghamWatch
Incumbent Mayor Randall Woodfin’s administration was a frequent target in Tuesday’s debate, sponsored by WJLD.
birminghamwatch.org
August 13, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Birmingham radio station WJLD invited 5 of the city’s 9 mayoral candidates to participate in a debate last night at the historic Carver Theater. A healthy crowd filled the 450-seat venue and more than 1,800 people streamed the event live online.
The insults, however, were innumerable.
The insults, however, were innumerable.
“Blacks make up less than half of Jefferson County’s population, but, in 2024, 88% percent of Jefferson County’s homicide victims were Black, with 172 deaths,” the report states. birminghamwatch.org/2025/07/31/p...
PARCA Report Sharpens Picture on Birmingham’s Homicide Drop - BirminghamWatch
A report by the Public Affairs Research Council highlights lower homicide rates in Birmingham and Jefferson County.
birminghamwatch.org
August 1, 2025 at 4:43 PM
“Blacks make up less than half of Jefferson County’s population, but, in 2024, 88% percent of Jefferson County’s homicide victims were Black, with 172 deaths,” the report states. birminghamwatch.org/2025/07/31/p...
The board will likely request an opinion from Alabama’s attorney general about whether it can legally continue contributing funds to a foundation it established to help low-income residents pay their water bills and repair leaks. birminghamwatch.org/2025/08/01/w...
Water Works Board May Ask for Guidance on Support for H2O Foundation - BirminghamWatch
The water works board may ask for an AG’s opinion after lawyers said a law restructuring the board bars it from giving money to the foundation that helps low-income residents pay water bills.
birminghamwatch.org
August 1, 2025 at 4:41 PM
The board will likely request an opinion from Alabama’s attorney general about whether it can legally continue contributing funds to a foundation it established to help low-income residents pay their water bills and repair leaks. birminghamwatch.org/2025/08/01/w...
The Alabama Initiative for Independent Journalism is suspending publication of BirminghamWatch until at least early September, as it is unable to secure enough bridge funding to operate until grant funds are scheduled to arrive in October.
BirminghamWatch Temporarily Suspends Publication through August - BirminghamWatch
The Alabama Initiative for Independent Journalism is suspending publication of BirminghamWatch until at least early September as it is unable to secure enough bridge funding to operate until grant fun...
birminghamwatch.org
August 1, 2025 at 2:20 PM
The Alabama Initiative for Independent Journalism is suspending publication of BirminghamWatch until at least early September, as it is unable to secure enough bridge funding to operate until grant funds are scheduled to arrive in October.
The closing of West End High in 2008 was marked by a ceremony with a parade, pep rally, picnic and alumni basketball game. The school was torn down and eventually replaced by West End Academy, a grades PreK-5 school. birminghamwatch.org/2025/07/30/w...
West End High Alumni Celebrate Historic School - BirminghamWatch
Alumni of West End High School used to gather for an annual picnic after the school closed in 2008, and that event grew to a week-long celebration every year.
birminghamwatch.org
July 30, 2025 at 11:41 PM
The closing of West End High in 2008 was marked by a ceremony with a parade, pep rally, picnic and alumni basketball game. The school was torn down and eventually replaced by West End Academy, a grades PreK-5 school. birminghamwatch.org/2025/07/30/w...
According to city staff, 1,691 private lots have been cut by the city this calendar year. There are currently 14,820 tax delinquent properties in Birmingham. birminghamwatch.org/2025/07/30/b...
Birmingham Council Approves Emergency Bids for Weed Cutting After Heavy Rains - BirminghamWatch
The city is catching up after unusually heavy rainfall this summer hampered work to cut overgrowth on nuisance properties.
birminghamwatch.org
July 30, 2025 at 11:36 PM
According to city staff, 1,691 private lots have been cut by the city this calendar year. There are currently 14,820 tax delinquent properties in Birmingham. birminghamwatch.org/2025/07/30/b...