Mayor Woodfin proposes largest budget in Birmingham history

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin proposed to the city council the largest budget in city history, thanks to a projected $75.6 million increase in revenue over the current year. 

“The City of Birmingham is experiencing an unprecedented time of investment and growth. Our business taxes are up in many categories and it’s enabling us to expand our investments and our shared priorities,” said Woodfin.

Some of the big winners in the Mayor’s proposed 2022-23  budget include:

• City Employees – A 5% pay increase and the city’s pension fund fully funded
• Neighborhoods – Increased funding for street resurfacing and repavement, demolition and weed abatement
• Public Transportation – More than $12 million split between the BJCTA, Xpress Bus Rapid Transit and Via, an on demand ride service
• Youth Programs – Over $7 million on programs ranging from financial literacy, early childhood development and continued support of Birmingham Promise

At a news conference where he outlined his priorities, Woodfin passionately described how the youth programs will make a big difference. In the community.

“For the first time we have a robust curriculum that involves investments and financial literacy, working in partnership with the school system and  other organizations.  That will be a game changer. We got an opportunity to keep our children safer in the summertime, by reimagining how we use our rec centers so they can feel safe and have fun. That’s all reflected here, because that’s our job — to invest in the youngest and next generation.” 

Woodfin also talked about an innovative conflict resolution program and an initiative to place a mental health professional in all 43 Birmingham City Schools.

Agency Funding and Libraries

More good news. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit two years ago numerous agencies and the libraries had their budgets reduced. The proposed 2023 budget returns to pre-pandemic appropriation levels and in many cases increases funding for places like Red Mountain Park, Rickwood Field and the libraries.

Next Up – The City Council

Of course, this is only the Mayor’s proposed budget. The Birmingham City Council will hold two public hearings on the budget on June 6 and June 16. Visit their Events page for details on where and when the hearings will be held. The fiscal year starts July 1. Want to read the Mayor’s proposed budget? Read it HERE. Tell us what you think by tagging us on social media at @bhamnow