Birmingham

Birmingham's Committee of the Whole voted to send an $11 million downtown building purchase to the full council. Full council consideration of the purchase-sale agreement is scheduled for Oct. 20. The city could use the building to consolidate scattered employees, but renovation costs and existing tenants remain open questions.

The Birmingham City Council advanced a long-debated short-term rental ordinance and expects to vote on it October 27. Questions remain about where these rentals will be allowed to operate, and staff are still refining enforcement details. The outcome will shape where short-term rentals can operate in the city.

Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett reported declines in several major crime categories through the third quarter of 2026. Homicides decreased and violent crime fell across precincts, while domestic violence-related offenses rose 18.3%. The report gives residents a picture of where crime is falling and where one category is growing.

The City of Birmingham was chosen for the national Love Your Block initiative, which supports resident-led neighborhood improvement projects. The city will receive $70,000 in funding to support those projects through the national program. Residents can use the program to turn their ideas for neighborhood spaces into action.