The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday received its first look at the mayor’s proposed $615 million budget, which includes significant funding increases for transportation, violence prevention programs and homeless outreach services.
“I’m encouraged as we continue to show what is possible when we all work together with a shared purpose as well as a united vision for Birmingham’s future,” Mayor Randall Woodfin said. “Our progress as a city, and our communities and neighborhoods has been driven by collaboration with each of you on the council, our community partners and, most importantly, our residents and our businesses.”
The mayor’s 2027 fiscal year budget anticipates an increase in overall revenue, up more than $20 million from the previous year. City officials also expect to spend more in FY2027, with the budget rising from $597 million this year to a proposed $615 million for next year.
The mayor’s proposed budget calls for a major funding increase to the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority. If approved, the spending plan would boost the agency’s funding from $16.8 million to $17.3 million.
The budget presented Tuesday also would increase appropriations for the city’s homelessness reduction and community violence intervention programs by 50%, giving initiatives $3 million each.
During his budget presentation, Woodfin reminded the council that his proposed budget includes a $31.8 million surplus from the 2024 fiscal year.
The FY2027 budget also maintains the previous year’s funding level for neighborhood revitalization work, at $19 million. That includes:
- $12 million for street resurfacing.
- $3 million for weed abatement.
- $1.5 million for demolition and blight removal.
- $1.53 million for critical home repairs.
- $500,000 for traffic calming.
- $300,000 for recycling.
- $200,000 for the Facade Improvement Program.
The mayor said these appropriations are in addition to investments from the budget surplus, including $2 million for sidewalk repairs and $1.2 million for interstate lighting improvements.
The mayor’s 2027 budget also maintains major investments for the city’s Cradle to Career program, including:
- $2 million for Birmingham Promise.
- $1 million for mental health support in Birmingham City Schools.
- $1 million for financial literacy curriculum in Birmingham City Schools.
- $1 million for Common Ground conflict resolution programming.
- $625,000 for the Safe Havens Initiative.
- $500,000 for the Birmingham Youth Sports League.
- $500,000 for the Black Male Initiative.
- $500,000 for Cradle to Career initiatives.
- $210,000 for Kids and Jobs programming.
The council on Tuesday approved a resolution setting a public hearing date for the budget proposal. It will be 5:30 p.m., June 3, in the council chambers.
“The mayor’s proposed $615 million budget offers a strong blueprint for neighborhood revitalization and youth support, particularly through continued investments in the Birmingham Promise, mental health resources and conflict resolution programming,” Council President Wardine Alexander said in a statement released by the city. “However, this proposal is just the starting point for the council. As the legislative body, our responsibility is to thoroughly review these numbers, engage directly with our constituents and work constructively with the administration. I look forward to collaborating throughout the public hearing process to ensure the final budget truly prioritizes equity and puts our residents first.”