[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6553764,"mediaKeyId","5065733-df664e00af88e27b190d3f80741d16f0","parentId",5065733,"title","World Police & Fire Games open June 27 in Birmingham; city highlights Mental Health Awareness Day at Food Truck Friday","audioSeconds",355,"startMs",246000,"endMs",601000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5065733-df664e00af88e27b190d3f80741d16f0&start=246&end=601","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5065733-df664e00af88e27b190d3f80741d16f0/thumbnail_246000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6553764/Birmingham-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/World-Police-Fire-Games-open-June-27-in-Birmingham-city-highlights-Mental-Health-Awareness-Day-at-Food-Truck-Friday","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6553764-94c3d14f9f4e6b0bde14fa599fd9f5d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191460&Signature=alpHIbGzPPhmoMSTr3~N7ymxtjZ2yNsybakhWhiNe9-vWFBKbCIF2rQbnAadXgy8-ESAS222ni2LDiEhRRHTiU6Zvd4mJIGkc7PRthwKt6bE~54F9tSF7R-Bcz3LZ9Gm6qXjpUYrAp9Fe1LOTgNgmv2M0ci~nlx1DuGjZRLsxrdLSY5WU7fT1VcdVgNdQzMd5guIO7QYgB-qDGUT9xchQEUdW4cqvbzrLZD-Qk9mm9xCbZO0Mrzes7A62L7CfWEh27ye4eHkSPi0Uk6ZfEgMl~3lluNQ8V-ontYmiOS1ILHuTnF0C3M6aY2cAmIfwW2C93FICpbsYqtYy0d5RSNQGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Birmingham","date","2025-06-24T00:00:00Z","article","Mayor Randall L. Woodfin told the council on June 24 that the 2025 World Police and Fire Games — an international multi-sport event for law enforcement and firefighters — will begin with an opening ceremony on Friday, June 27, and continue through July 6. He said more than 7,500 athletes from more than 70 countries will compete in roughly 1,600 medal events at more than 30 venues across the city, including the BJCC, Legacy Arena and multiple parks and recreation facilities. He advised the public that events are free and encouraged attendance; a city website listed was bhm2025.com.

The mayor also introduced Crystal Mullen Johnson of Nurture of Alabama, who described a Mental Health Awareness Day during Food Truck Friday on Friday, June 27 at Linn Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mullen Johnson, president and founder of Nurture of Alabama and CEO/founder of Strive Counseling Services, said the free event provides depression screenings, licensed mental-health consultations, wellness screenings, chair massages, line dancing, yoga, a 15-minute boot camp class and other resources. She said the event has grown from 30 community partners in its first year to more than 60 and emphasized destigmatizing mental-health conversations and improving access to services.

Councilors and the mayor thanked Mullen Johnson and encouraged residents to attend. Councilor Woods noted partnership opportunities through ARPA projects and local youth programs; Councilor Moore, Councilor Smitherman and others extended condolences to Mullen Johnson for a recent personal loss she referenced and praised the event’s growth and community benefit.

Why it matters: The World Police and Fire Games will bring international visitors and free sporting events to venues across the city; Mental Health Awareness Day aims to connect residents with local mental-health resources and destigmatize help-seeking.

Looking ahead: The mayor invited residents and employees to attend events and the city directed attendees to bhm2025.com for schedules and NurtureBham.com for event details and ongoing programs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Birmingham - Regular City Council Meeting - Jun 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Mayor Woodfin announced Birmingham will host the 2025 World Police and Fire Games beginning June 27 and promoted a city-supported Mental Health Awareness Day at Food Truck Friday on June 27.","taxTitle","Birmingham City, Jefferson County, Alabama","taxId",3652,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6553768,"Council discussion centers on weed abatement, private lots and tree-removal authority amid heavy rains",1875,1815000,3690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5065733-df664e00af88e27b190d3f80741d16f0&start=1815&end=3690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5065733-df664e00af88e27b190d3f80741d16f0/thumbnail_1815000.jpg","/articles/6553768/Birmingham-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Council-discussion-centers-on-weed-abatement-private-lots-and-tree-removal-authority-amid-heavy-rains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6553768-0bbbae21096a3f30ef159b3e1c30fb94/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191460&Signature=YNP1BRmY2a2NgGy48g5OfVSq~8-fkl9R3mu66hodeR61Lnn8XZZ0OZDwzovFY3jwbES2VPJ17hEvgQtdyAp7tYt1knhNutf7y7ve2ff~WAg3OTFJSEYkQIgoCXI-E-g04ZVwTXfL--ak~ojMAC0~BNqLY0gx~f7Dh-RK7EaucPq6O6AqWL8xjiMagZ9i0IBxzXfQdeNacTGE1-h0HCtMxXEj~taEJuq5Uz1dcQVeX7fCmkNQPa7Uw3EnCDzru0Yk8qEXjfm2IgNCo34ikzMkzZutyULdxEQV1zX8A2qp2Q-dD4rsdn3PLfYWQLwcEVO5awyFrx4QeZH2P875K8g8eA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Randall L. Woodfin and council members spent significant time on June 24 discussing weed abatement, private-lot mowing, fallen trees and the limits of city authority after an unusually wet period.

The mayor said May and June rainfall in Birmingham had been well above normal — “in the last 55 days, it’s rained 36” — and that rain had contributed to faster grass growth and a backlog in mowing. He told the council that the city and contracted crews cut 400 acres and serviced 645 blocks in a seven-day window in June and collected 1,582 bags of litter in the same period. The mayor said the city had contracted out more than $2,000,000 in private-lot mowing this fiscal year and that the FY2025 budget included $2.7 million for weed abatement, with a recommended FY2026 allocation of $3,000,000.

Council members pressed staff on legal limits for city action on private lots and on whether public funds may be used to remove trees on private property. The administration explained the process for contracting to cut private lots — which requires permits, planning and legal review and can be time-consuming — and noted that state law limits immediate city action against private property owners. Regarding trees, the council referenced city code Section 2-5-321, which authorizes the city to require removal of dead or diseased trees on private property when such trees constitute a hazard to life or property; the code requires written notice to the owner and excludes acts of God.

Council members and staff encouraged neighbors and community groups to help seniors and others who cannot maintain lots. Several councilors suggested partnering with churches, volunteer tool banks and neighborhood groups for service days. Councilor Moore and others urged residents to use the city’s GIS and Jefferson County tax records to locate and notify property owners. Council discussion also noted the role of the county and state in tax-lien sales and enforcement, which affects accountability for absentee owners.

Public comment reinforced the council discussion. A resident, Tyrone Richardson, asked why 311 had not resolved an ongoing dumping and drainage problem on his street; staff later confirmed the case was under investigation by Public Works, PEP and planning staff.

Why it matters: Overgrown private lots and fallen trees affect neighborhood health, property values and public safety. The council identified constrained city capacity, legal limits under state law and heavy rainfall as compounding factors and emphasized neighborhood-level cooperation while staff pursues enforcement channels.

Looking ahead: Staff said the city will continue to use contractors and city crews where authorized, follow the code notification process for hazardous trees per Section 2-5-321, and work with community partners to encourage neighborly assistance for maintenance.","Following a wet spring, the mayor and council debated the limits of city authority, contractor capacity and resident responsibilities for overgrown private lots and fallen trees. The city reported recent cuts and cited code section authorizing removal of hazardous trees.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6553773,"Mayor proclaims June Homeownership Month; city highlights $16.7 million investment and critical-repair work",321,800000,1121000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5065733-df664e00af88e27b190d3f80741d16f0&start=800&end=1121","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5065733-df664e00af88e27b190d3f80741d16f0/thumbnail_800000.jpg","/articles/6553773/Birmingham-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Mayor-proclaims-June-Homeownership-Month-city-highlights-167-million-investment-and-critical-repair-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6553773-ca43f8db9a4fb1520653174d4cbb46a7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191460&Signature=SVouX~e4CttAHjGlBRYCPKL4N2i1a~v88gCfyN8Obc0UivU4sBSSdKUHliXSZYEM-XXPQF2e4JCpblQtjrYMs6qZP54VqgYKNC3aWV7hv9dxXhihleagc4JIVU7UNzK5Fll-LNmE4DUJGZ8sL3o69-OvetQjXc7oV-bXz2aMnjJCHxsFsE8~6zKYnXOiyD5x3esFj5-IWoSk9z5UI52a3w42iS8rGWV-MwA1gv12lcvin8gSfYsTPr-5v6z8eRssvBsx~ImloTDU6cXrwm3gTEx385RxKPISDYB3xaUeDz0qrx5MK2gqlttnLTb56fHi1LPtkL2nXKYYgYCT0kO-Pg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Randall L. Woodfin and the city’s Department of Community Development used the June 24 council meeting to proclaim June 2025 as Homeownership Month and to highlight local programs that support home preservation and pathways to ownership.

Senior Director Corey Stallworth said the city and council have invested $16,700,000 in homeownership efforts. Stallworth told the council that the city’s critical repair program has helped roughly 250 homeowners with work such as roof replacement, kitchen and bathroom improvements, and that the Birmingham Ready to Own program provided down-payment assistance to about 50 homeowners. He also said approximately 250 additional households were “in the pipeline” receiving counseling, credit repair support and other services.

Stallworth introduced two homeowners, Belinda Wine (Inglewood neighborhood) and Rosa Evans (Pratt City), who described receiving critical-repair support and, in Evans’s case, achieving homeownership after participating in tenant-to-homeowner pathways. Stallworth praised public-private partnerships, noted participation by more than 100 partner organizations, and thanked Mayor Woodfin, the council and the Department of Community Development staff for supporting the work.

Council members congratulated the homeowners and emphasized homeownership as a tool to reduce vacancies and stabilize neighborhoods. Councilor Moore and Councilor Abbott both described homeownership and critical repairs as ways to reduce blight, improve neighborhood safety and enable generational wealth building.

Why it matters: The city’s investment and programs aim to preserve existing housing stock, reduce blight and create pathways to ownership for low- and moderate-income residents. The figures the department presented — 250 critical repairs completed and 50 down-payment assistance awards — were offered as program results and pipeline activity at the council meeting.

Looking ahead: Stallworth said the department is continuing to manage about 250 households in its pipeline and working with partners on development and rehab projects; council members asked for continued reporting and thanked the department for program outreach.","Mayor Woodfin and the Department of Community Development marked National Homeownership Month, saying the city has invested $16.7 million in homeownership programs and reporting outcomes from critical repair and down-payment assistance initiatives.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6553778,"City Council approves FY2026 budgets and related measures; several items approved with abstentions",3453,2877000,6330000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5065733-df664e00af88e27b190d3f80741d16f0&start=2877&end=6330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5065733-df664e00af88e27b190d3f80741d16f0/thumbnail_2877000.jpg","/articles/6553778/Birmingham-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/City-Council-approves-FY2026-budgets-and-related-measures-several-items-approved-with-abstentions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6553778-ede3da4e4c296aa49bce070bff547d7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191460&Signature=XgHepLCdCDhikV6EVh3mTTeMpzauHSyZ9~WhEIwiPaI5Hfib-Xr6NB8e2lz4ESWsYFM3jfIZbdh7KmKyFQXXzgdmTWIRVcdNc1iZheakgmRiRoKRIDRSzzcngfMD6FtpACbmh1sg30aVNfJEhXaBuDoB034N9o8jBFIeK~21X~pKI9JCRH6sW9ynK4-wEr-ULH7c2-iGhKZxgAItbhindbkGjFyb5hulWWYAtosezE8fMelobZbODlS38UO9WdCdXVkhqrIuL67THMHW6fvw7oFyDzX3qP1jFbjzFY8MzcY0s75K9Yzx2Hp66zC9bqVb4d7CPQGLwOlXy17Txh3g5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Birmingham City Council on June 24 approved a package of annual budgets for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, after debate among council members over enforcement resources, transit reliability and the need for periodic budget reporting.

The council approved ordinances adopting multiple fund budgets — including the general fund, capital improvement fund, stormwater, highway improvement fund and several special funds — by voice vote after discussion. Councilors also approved a 1% cost-of-living allowance for applicable city employees effective July 1, 2025. The council later considered the Land Bank Authority fund and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budgets separately; both were approved, with recorded abstentions on the separate votes.

Council members said they wanted more regular financial reporting and more clarity on enforcement and service delivery before and after adoption. Councilor Abbott, who initially asked to delay the package to schedule a detailed council meeting, withdrew that motion after a wide-ranging floor discussion and moved to approve the items. Council members raised particular concerns about the local transit authority’s on-time performance and about enforcement capacity for code, housing and animal control issues.

Council members exchanged several specific requests during debate. Councilor Clark asked for quarterly budget reconciliations and clearer, summarized financial presentations; Chief Chaz Mitchell (finance/administration) said the administration committed to producing deeper monthly/quarterly analyses and briefing the council. Councilor Abbott and others emphasized enforcement staffing shortfalls and the potential need to dedicate future budget surpluses to enforcement or other priority services. Concerns about trash-truck availability and brush pickup were also raised.

Votes at a glance:
- Items 16–30 and 33 (package of FY2026 budgets across multiple funds and a 1% COLA for applicable employees): Approved by voice vote after motion and second. (Motion to delay withdrawn; motion to approve moved by Councilor Abbott; second recorded.)
- Item 31 (Land Bank Authority fund budget): Approved; Councilor Clark recorded an abstention.
- Item 32 (Community Development Block Grant fund budget): Approved; one abstention was recorded.

The council also approved numerous consent items at the start of the meeting in a single motion (consent agenda), and voted to set a public hearing on a zoning map amendment (see separate “Votes at a glance” article for other individual actions). The administration confirmed the FY2024 audit is complete and under peer review, with a briefing to the mayor and a follow-up presentation to the council planned.

Why it matters: The adopted budgets set city spending priorities for FY2026 across general operations, capital projects, stormwater, transportation and neighborhood programs. Council debate underscored gaps in enforcement capacity and public services the council said it wants tracked with quarterly financial reporting.

Looking ahead: Councilors asked staff to provide periodic (monthly/quarterly) budget reconciliations and analysis so the council can monitor implementation. The administration committed to delivering more in-depth financial briefings and continuing to coordinate follow-up on specific service issues raised during the meeting.","Birmingham City Council voted June 24 to adopt multiple fiscal-year 2026 budgets and related measures after debate on enforcement, transit performance and budget transparency. Several items were approved; two items recorded abstentions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

World Police & Fire Games open June 27 in Birmingham; city highlights Mental Health Awareness Day at Food Truck Friday

Council discussion centers on weed abatement, private lots and tree-removal authority amid heavy rains

Mayor proclaims June Homeownership Month; city highlights $16.7 million investment and critical-repair work

City Council approves FY2026 budgets and related measures; several items approved with abstentions