Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has presented a proposed $615 million fiscal year 2027 operating budget to the Birmingham City Council, advancing investments in neighborhood revitalization, youth development, public safety, public transportation, homelessness services and city employees.
The proposed budget builds on a $31.8 million surplus investment plan approved earlier this year and reflects the administration’s focus on creating safe and thriving neighborhoods while expanding opportunities for Birmingham residents.
“As a city, we continue to show what is possible when we work together with shared purpose and a united vision for Birmingham’s future,” Woodfin said. “This proposed budget reflects our shared priorities and continues investments in neighborhoods, young people, public safety, and the employees who serve Birmingham every day.”
More than $19 million is proposed for neighborhood revitalization initiatives, including:
- $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 Façade Improvement Program
This complements additional neighborhood investments approved through the March 2026 surplus spending plan, including $2 million for sidewalk repairs, $1.2 million for interstate lighting improvements and additional capital improvement funding citywide. Since FY2019, the city of Birmingham has committed more than $113 million toward street resurfacing through the operating budget alone.
The city’s Cradle to Career strategy will continue through proposed investments in expanded youth and education, including:
- $2 million for the 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
Public safety remains a central focus of the FY2027 proposal with increased support for violence intervention and re-entry programming, including:
- $3 million for Community Violence Intervention programs, a $1.5 million increase
- $450,000 for the RESTORE Youth Re-entry Initiative
- Continued support for conflict resolution programming in Birmingham City Schools
The proposed budget continues the city’s historic investment in public transportation with more than $17 million allocated for transit services and accessibility initiatives, including:
- $11.5 million for the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority
- $3 million for the Birmingham Xpress Bus Rapid Transit system
- $2.5 million for Birmingham On Demand microtransit
- $300,000 for ClasTran
Increased support is being proposed for homelessness services and housing stability efforts through:
- $3 million for services for the unhoused, a $1.5 million increase
- Approximately $800,000 annually in Community Development Block Grant support
Significant investments in city employees is proposed through salary adjustments, healthcare support, and premium pay. Highlights include:
- Approximately $10 million for salary adjustments, including merit and longevity pay increases
- More than $5 million in additional healthcare investments by the city
- A $500 premium payment for all active full-time employees, totaling approximately $1.7 million
The proposed FY2027 budget will now move before the Birmingham City Council for review and consideration.
