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BirminghamWatch

@bhamwatch

We're a digitally-powered nonprofit news organization serving Birmingham, Alabama - the City Built to Change the South. https://birminghamwatch.org/

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Latest posts by BirminghamWatch @bhamwatch

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Birmingham Council Expected To Consider Short-Term Rental Regs in 2026 - BirminghamWatch With new city councilors on board, regulations to limit short-term home rentals are set to come back up in the first quarter of the year.

After gaining momentum early last year and then falling off the radar, proposed regulations on short-term home rentals in Birmingham will come before city councilors during a March 12 Committee of the Whole meeting. Let's revisit what Olivia McMurrey wrote in December to prepare us for this moment.

11.03.2026 20:02 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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CAW Revises Bylaws - BirminghamWatch Your support helps us grow and sustain a newsroom for the City Built to Change the South. Donate today to help Birmingham stay informed. The board over Central Alabama Water approved a revised version...

Central to this story is the ability to review the board's bylaws. We've published a copy of them as well.

11.03.2026 12:30 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Promises of Transparency Face Scrutiny at Central Alabama Water 10 Months After Overhaul - BirminghamWatch CAW critics say the board holds too tightly to information and leaves some board members and the public out of decision-making.

CAW critics say the board holds too tightly to information and leaves some board members and the public out of decision-making.

11.03.2026 12:30 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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Birmingham Council to Pay $200K for Lighting on I-20/Bush Boulevard in Ensley - BirminghamWatch The council also agreed to contract for a Brownfield study and host three sporting events.

The lights will be installed along Bush Boulevard under I-20, just west of Arkadelphia Road between mile markers 120 and 121. The council also approved funding for a brownfield study and shared information about upcoming sporting events.

11.03.2026 03:24 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Local Politics Can Make National Change, Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Says at Birmingham Town Hall - BirminghamWatch Pete Buttigieg and Mayor Randall Woodfin answered questions during a town hall at the Carver Theatre.

In a moment when Americans are being buffeted by waves of uncertainty and abuses in national politics, positive change can come from the local level, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said during a town hall meeting with Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin at a packed Carver Theatre.

10.03.2026 20:28 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Attorney Says Water Board Should Have Voted on New Employee Handbook - BirminghamWatch More than 30 people have been fired under the new employee regulations.

Central Alabama Water has conducted drug screenings and fired employees based on provisions in the new handbook. At Friday’s board meeting, member Jarvis Patton Sr. asked why the utility’s senior managers didn’t bring the new handbook to the board before adopting it.

09.03.2026 01:11 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Birmingham Council Backs Cradle-to-Career Pipeline With Funding for Child Care, Jackson-Olin Apprenticeships - BirminghamWatch Councilors approved putting three programs under the Reinvest Birmingham initiative.

The measures approved Tuesday will put the three programs under the Reinvest Birmingham initiative. The initiative will use $20 million in federal grant money to support the persistently distressed neighborhoods of North Birmingham, Northside, Pratt and Smithfield.

06.03.2026 15:22 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Residents, Environmentalists Urge Strictness in ABC Coke Permit - BirminghamWatch The health department is close to deciding the industry’s permit renewal application.

On Feb. 24, eight residents and advocates spoke at a hearing to renew the operating permit for the ABC Coke plant. The draft permit indicates that ABC Coke is a significant source of hazardous air pollution, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates.

27.02.2026 14:51 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Woodfin Outlines Birmingham’s Next Steps at State of the Community Address - BirminghamWatch The mayor talks about city successes, push to find uses for derelict sites, other aims.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin’s State of the Community address at Boutwell Auditorium on Tuesday evening highlighted city leaders’ successes, including a reduction in violent crime, as well as areas for improvement, such as finding uses for large, derelict buildings.

25.02.2026 12:52 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Officials Highlight the Power of Regional Cooperation in Announcing Progress on 2 Major Road Projects - BirminghamWatch The expansion of Hollywood Boulevard bridge and pedestrian walkway and the widening of Deerfoot Parkway are on the calendar.

Leaders from the cities of Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Homewood and Trussville met Monday in the Jefferson County Commission chamber to discuss the importance of regional cooperation in bringing to fruition two projects to improve road infrastructure, quality of life and safety across city lines.

25.02.2026 02:17 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Dr. Mark Sullivan Says Teamwork Drove Birmingham Schools’ Success β€” and His State Honor - BirminghamWatch The Birmingham City Schools superintendent was named 2025-26 Outstanding Superintendent of the Year by the AEA.

The Birmingham City Schools superintendent was recently named 2025-26 Outstanding Superintendent of the Year by the Alabama Education Association. But the veteran educator said the school system’s academic achievements that led to the honor were a team effort.

23.02.2026 21:15 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Water Utility Workers Consider Unionizing Amid Claims of Poor Treatment - BirminghamWatch Workers question their treatment since the water works was reorganized as Central Alabama Water.

The development comes after a slew of firings, including CAW’s Employee Association president, and follows a statement from the Employee Association that morale has declined since the utility appointed a chief executive in November and replaced the entire senior management team.

23.02.2026 20:42 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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More To Come: U.S. Steel Could Invest as much as $500M in Fairfield Area After Commission Vote - BirminghamWatch U.S. Steel’s $70 million investment in its Fairfield Works is just an indication of what the steelmaker plans to bring to western Jefferson County.

U.S. Steel’s $70 million investment in its Fairfield Works is just an indication of what the steelmaker plans to bring to Alabama, specifically to western Jefferson County.

20.02.2026 03:04 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Jefferson County Elections Shaped Early as Uncontested Races Emerge - BirminghamWatch Three County Commission seats, U.S. House seat among those with only one qualified major party candidate.

Qualifying to run for office on a major party ticket in Alabama this year may have just recently closed, but (likely) winners could already be called in several Jefferson County offices simply because only one person is running β€” so far.

06.02.2026 15:57 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Nourish Grocer Plants Seeds of Wellness in Western Birmingham with Health-Focused Food and Education - BirminghamWatch The grocer expanded recently to provide organic foods and health staples in the underserved area.

In 2018, retailer and health coach Jacquie Fasekas became Bama Health Foods’ newest owner, continuing its legacy while expanding its mission. That expansion took a major step forward Dec. 6 with the opening of Nourish Grocer, just next door.

05.02.2026 22:04 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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StoneX and Boobie Trap Return to JeffCo Agenda on Thursday - BirminghamWatch The County Commission may give StoneX a $300K tax abatement, bringing public support potentially up to $500K.

The Jefferson County Commission is set to make a decision on additional support for StoneX Group's expansion and offer a recommendation to the ABC Board about the former Wesley's Boobie Trap during their Feb. 5 meeting.

04.02.2026 21:30 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Deborah Bowie Returns Home to Lead BCRI During Challenging Times - BirminghamWatch The new executive director and CEO said she wants to honor the β€œsacred ground” on which the institute is built while adapting for the future.

Bowie said BCRI, a centerpiece of the Birmingham Civil Rights District, is a community organization that is built on β€œsacred ground.” It must reflect the community’s priorities when it was constructed, she said.

30.01.2026 13:48 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Councilors Approve $2.6M Construction Bid to Rebuild Tornado-Damaged Pratt Neighborhood - BirminghamWatch The Birmingham City Council approved more work to rehab the neighborhood devastated in 2011.

Site development at Pratt City's Shadow Brook project began in June 2025. The project is part of the city’s $16.6 million initiative to expand affordable housing in Birmingham.

21.01.2026 14:04 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Latest Proposal to Redevelop Former Sherman Industries Site Takes Step Forward - BirminghamWatch The latest effort to transform the former Sherman Industries property into a multifamily development received conceptual approval by the city's Design Review Committee on Jan. 14. It must still return...

This is the third proposal for the redevelopment of Block 268 since 2022. It received conceptual approval by the city's Design Review Committee on Jan. 14. It must still return for final approval before any demolition can begin.

15.01.2026 22:19 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 1

Please take a look at what our parent nonprofit's executive director and CEO posted and consider giving or sharing with others who may be able to give... and thanks for your support, this year and always!

31.12.2025 00:08 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Downtown Birmingham Preps for A Signage Change to Its Skyline - BirminghamWatch The Birmingham skyline will look a little different from the south very soon as the Landing sign on the John Hand Building will soon be replaced with one for a newer area bank.

During yesterday's Design Review Committee meeting, we learned the Birmingham skyline will look a little different from the south very soon, as the current sign on the John Hand Building will be replaced with one for a newer area bank.

18.12.2025 14:08 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 1
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KultureCity Seeks JeffCo Help To Bring National Accessibility Park to Powell Steam Plant Site - BirminghamWatch The park would include training for those with sensory disabilities, a museum, amphitheater, sensory park and resource center.

During their pre-commission work session, Jefferson County commissioners moved a resolution to invest $3.5 million in KultureCity’s plan to create the National Accessibility Park at the former Alabama Power Co. property, which borders Railroad Park, to Thursday’s agenda.

17.12.2025 01:38 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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CAW Cancels Policy That Encouraged Disadvantaged Firms To Bid on Contracts - BirminghamWatch Black members of the board expressed concern about the move; managers said the policy was a paperwork burden.

After a heated debate, the board that governs Alabama’s largest water utility rescinded its historically underutilized business policy, which had encouraged companies owned by women, minorities and other disadvantaged groups to bid on contracts with the organization.

16.12.2025 13:17 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Water Works Board Approves Budget With Slashed Capital Funding, No Rate Increase - BirminghamWatch The $215.6 million budget doesn’t include automated meters, constricts work on Lake Purdy Dam and reduces pipe replacements.

The $215.6 million budget represents a 16.5% decrease, with the largest cuts affecting capital projects, and it could be further reduced early next year.

11.12.2025 11:57 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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JeffCo Starts to Prep for Potential Arrival of Large Data Centers - BirminghamWatch The County Commission president proposed studying rules for data center developments before one asks to move into unincorporated Jefferson County.

Jimmie Stephens said he is unaware of any efforts to bring a major data center to any part of unincorporated Jefferson County. However, the County Commission president said that makes this the best time to devise a plan for such a development.

09.12.2025 13:13 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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College Football's Coaching Carousel Stops With Hires at UAB, Samford and Auburn - BirminghamWatch UAB elevated Alex Mortensen to the head coaching job and Samford brought John Grass back to the state.

The college coaching carousel that spun wildly through the state of Alabama came to a stop this week as the last of the coaching hires were announced.

06.12.2025 22:48 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Birmingham Moves Forward With Third Grocery Recruitment Effort for Titusville’s Woodland Park - BirminghamWatch The council approved $885K in incentives to lure Carver Jones Market to the Heritage Parke Towne Center spot.

The approved agreement is with Carver Jones Market, which will lease and remodel the 10,000-square-foot site that Save-A-Lot left in 2023.

03.12.2025 19:40 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Residential Development to Begin Early Next Year at The Star Uptown - BirminghamWatch The Birmingham City Council approved rezoning the property adjacent to the old Carraway Hospital site for the construction.

The Birmingham City Council voted on Tuesday to rezone property adjacent to the land where Carraway Hospital once stood, allowing for a new rental development, featuring townhouses, cottages and duplexes. Work on the first component is now set to begin early next year.

03.12.2025 19:39 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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JeffCo Set to OK Debris Removal From Last Week's Storm - BirminghamWatch High winds and small tornadoes caused damage in unincorporated parts of northern Jefferson County.

The Jefferson County Commission placed an item on the agenda for this Thursday’s upcoming meeting to approve the collection and removal of roadside debris in unincorporated parts of the county affected by the storm.

03.12.2025 19:38 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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Central Alabama Water CEO Names Interim Leaders - BirminghamWatch The CEO introduced the new temporary leaders to the board on Monday.

CEO Jeffrey Thompson placed all the utility’s senior managers on paid administrative leave Nov. 20, the day he was hired. He has elevated current employees to the leadership roles at least temporarily.

02.12.2025 17:45 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0