North Birmingham Times

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Birmingham City Council approved Mayor Randall L. Woodfin’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget which prioritizes neighborhood revitalization, youth, public safety and transportation. The 8-0 vote on Tuesday puts in place the $554 million budget which goes into effect July 1.

“I want to thank members of the council for working with me to identify our shared priorities,” Mayor Woodfin said. “Throughout the process, we have discussed the individual needs of each council district and put together a plan that will focus on neighborhood revitalization. We are responding to what our residents have identified as their top priorities.” 

The budget includes $14.5 million for street resurfacing throughout the city. That is a $2 million increase. The budget includes $2 million for weed abatement, $1 million for demolition of blighted structures, an increase to $250,000 for traffic calming and $200,000 for sidewalk improvements. The budget also provides $500,000 to increase the number of staff for code enforcement. Spending specifically related to neighborhood revitalization totals more than $19 million. 

Also included is $6 million specifically targeted to youth programs. These include allocations to Birmingham Promise, mental health services support in Birmingham City Schools, financial literacy and conflict resolution curriculums in schools, a safe haven program in Birmingham Parks and Recreation, the Kids and Jobs program and juvenile justice re-entry. 

More than $16 million supports public transportation with an increase to the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority for services including the Birmingham Xpress bus rapid transit system and the city’s Birmingham On Demand shared mobility service.  

The budget provides a 5% cost of living adjustment for firefighters and police officers, funding for merit pay for eligible city employees and longevity pay for eligible employees. 

The budget is available for review at www.birminghamal.gov/2024budget.

Original source can be found here