BirminghamWatch
@bhamwatch.bsky.social
We're a digitally-powered nonprofit news organization serving Birmingham, Alabama - the City Built to Change the South. https://birminghamwatch.org/
With his third term set to begin tomorrow, Mayor Randall Woodfin has his mind focused on the big picture... and Birmingham's long-term goals.
He recently sat down with @gonzogaddy.bsky.social to talk about his priorities.
He recently sat down with @gonzogaddy.bsky.social to talk about his priorities.
Woodfin: Birmingham Must Move Beyond ‘Perpetual Promise’ and Plan for Generational Growth - BirminghamWatch
Headed toward his inauguration Tuesday for a third term, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin sat down with BirminghamWatch for a broad conversation touching on infrastructure, tourism, crime and more iss...
birminghamwatch.org
November 24, 2025 at 4:17 PM
With his third term set to begin tomorrow, Mayor Randall Woodfin has his mind focused on the big picture... and Birmingham's long-term goals.
He recently sat down with @gonzogaddy.bsky.social to talk about his priorities.
He recently sat down with @gonzogaddy.bsky.social to talk about his priorities.
The five managers placed on leave made up CAW’s senior leadership team before the hiring of new CEO Jeffrey Thompson. He released a statement Friday saying the utility’s operational continuity is secure.
Water Works Managers Placed on Leave, 2 CAW Board Members Sue to Block CEO Hiring - BirminghamWatch
The board members allege the process was flawed and they were denied information before the vote.
birminghamwatch.org
November 22, 2025 at 3:56 PM
The five managers placed on leave made up CAW’s senior leadership team before the hiring of new CEO Jeffrey Thompson. He released a statement Friday saying the utility’s operational continuity is secure.
The city's Design Review Committee also reviewed several projects downtown and carried out a rare overruling of a neighborhood committee decision in Avondale.
Former Home of La Paree May See New Lease on Life - BirminghamWatch
This month, we learned the building that once housed La Paree on Fifth Ave. N. downtown is being given a new life as a new restaurant. The city's Design Review Committee also reviewed several projects...
birminghamwatch.org
November 22, 2025 at 3:07 PM
The city's Design Review Committee also reviewed several projects downtown and carried out a rare overruling of a neighborhood committee decision in Avondale.
Attempts to delay the vote on the special-called meeting’s only agenda item by calling for an executive session, making a motion for adjournment and questioning a last-minute change to the CEO’s contract all failed.
Water Board Hires CEO in Contentious Vote as Members Protest Secretive Search - BirminghamWatch
Some board members protested the lack of transparency in a search process that publicly produced only one candidate, a former manager the utility had agreed not to rehire.
birminghamwatch.org
November 21, 2025 at 4:03 AM
Attempts to delay the vote on the special-called meeting’s only agenda item by calling for an executive session, making a motion for adjournment and questioning a last-minute change to the CEO’s contract all failed.
A pair of metro leaders are taking dueling stances on who should maintain the 31-acre linear park in downtown Birmingham.
`Simply Shameful’ Woodfin Says of Stephens’ Stance on JeffCo Maintenance of City Walk - BirminghamWatch
The Jefferson County Commission president says the county has no responsibility at the downtown park.
birminghamwatch.org
November 20, 2025 at 2:48 PM
A pair of metro leaders are taking dueling stances on who should maintain the 31-acre linear park in downtown Birmingham.
Two of those experts endorsed the current plan to add buttresses to the dam, while the third suggested the board should consider a different design option that would allow water to overflow the dam.
Experts Give Differing Opinions on How to Best Stabilize Purdy Dam - BirminghamWatch
The chairman of the board over Central Alabama Water said most likely the board will continue work to shore up the dam.
birminghamwatch.org
November 20, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Two of those experts endorsed the current plan to add buttresses to the dam, while the third suggested the board should consider a different design option that would allow water to overflow the dam.
Monique Grier found it just as hard to say goodbye yesterday.
Youth Detention Director Says Goodbye to Jefferson County - BirminghamWatch
Monique Grier will be returning to the Atlanta area for a job working with the disenfranchised.
birminghamwatch.org
November 20, 2025 at 12:49 AM
Monique Grier found it just as hard to say goodbye yesterday.
We're in the early days of our end-of-year fundraising campaign. @acnatta.bsky.social just published a piece describing how we plan to use any monies raised. Take a look, donate if you can, and share widely.
Help BirminghamWatch continue to serve you into 2026 and beyond - BirminghamWatch
Our year-end fundraising campaign will continue through December 31, 2025. Your support will help continue to power us as we strive to be a primary resource for Birmingham.
birminghamwatch.org
November 18, 2025 at 10:45 PM
We're in the early days of our end-of-year fundraising campaign. @acnatta.bsky.social just published a piece describing how we plan to use any monies raised. Take a look, donate if you can, and share widely.
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.