The Birmingham City Council on Oct. 28 referred a proposed 12‑month Urban Alchemy project — described as a fixed‑location outdoor “oasis” providing hydration, restrooms, snacks, naloxone and care coordination for people at high risk of opioid overdose — to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration.

The proposal, presented to council as Item 52, requested up to $600,000 and described a site open 12–14 hours per day, seven days a week, with staff trained in harm reduction and lived‑experience practitioners. Administration framed the oasis as a managed, non‑incarceratory alternative to clearing encampments: a dedicated, staffed space providing low‑barrier access to support services and a pathway to housing and treatment.

Councilors raised questions about program operations, staffing, the balance of funds for direct frontline staff versus technology and administrative support, and the site location. Administration and Urban Alchemy representatives pointed to similar models in other cities (Portland, Austin, San Francisco) and described monitoring and data collection systems. Concerns were raised about whether such sites can unintentionally concentrate public drug use; proponents said monitoring, data systems and on‑site coordination reduce risks and facilitate off‑ramp services.

Council called an executive session under Alabama Code §36‑25A‑7 for discussion related to real estate and potential litigation. After returning, the council voted to refer the item to Committee of the Whole for a fuller briefing, vendor presentation and follow‑up materials before a final vote.

Next steps: Administration agreed to schedule a Committee of the Whole update that will include additional documentation, performance metrics, vendor details and clarifications about wrap‑around services and site selection. The item will return to council after that committee review.