Birmingham Mayor, Council to Host Budget Town Hall on March 18
In an effort to promote transparency and deepen the understanding of municipal governance, Mayor Randall Woodfin and the Birmingham City Council will host a 2024 Budget Town Hall on Monday, March 18. The meeting will take place at the Boutwell Auditorium, located at 1930 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard, from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Informing and Educating Residents
Council leaders share that the town hall meeting aims to not only inform residents about the city’s finances, but also provide a more insightful look into City Hall’s operations. The initiative is devised to offer comprehensive information about the city budget, decision-making process, and the support mechanisms in place for its 99 neighborhoods.
According to Council President Darrell O’Quinn, this endeavor is a part of a more extensive education initiative. He stated, “Folks often don’t realize that the same three branches of government that they see at the federal and state level also exist at the municipal level.”
A Collective Government
Councilor Crystal Smitherman emphasized the council’s vision to manifest unity within the government. Smitherman recalled her mother’s time on the Birmingham City Council, which taught her the importance of constructive dialogues and transparency, particularly regarding the city budget.
“Just seeing…the strife, a lot of fighting between the council and the mayor, I actually learned from that administration that it’s better for us to talk…about the budget and make sure there’s a lot more transparency with it,” said Councilor Smitherman.
She hopes that this transparency will help residents to recognize that the council and mayor operate as one government, working on their behalf, and will reflect any priorities they would like to see in their neighborhoods.
budget Cycle
The fiscal year for the City of Birmingham starts on July 1 and wraps up on June 30. It is mandatory for the mayor to submit a proposed General Fund Operating Budget for the fiscal year commencing the following July 1 to the City Council on or before May 20.
However, Mayor Woodfin could not attend the Tuesday’s council meeting as he was partaking in an education conference (SXSW EDU) in Austin, TX.
Bringing Citizens into the Process
This open initiative by the mayor and council represents a significant step in involving residents in the city’s financial planning. By conveying information about the budgetary workings and deliberations of city governance, Birmingham’s leaders are bringing citizens directly into the process. The result is a more engaged and informed public, able to provide constructive input to shape the city’s future.
