Birmingham’s Biggest Budget Yet? What the $591M Proposal Means for Residents

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin introduced a proposed $591 million budget for Fiscal 2026 on Tuesday, earmarking funds for street repairs, public safety, and allocating $500,000 for youth sports in Park and Recreation for the first time. Earlier this year, the Birmingham Crime Commission recommended enhancing after-school programs and recreational activities to deter youth from crime by reinstating the Police Athletic Teams/League (P.A.T.).Woodfin hinted at an upcoming comprehensive plan for youth sports that embraces a diverse range of activities. While the youth sports funding is modest compared to the overall budget, which increased from $582 million, it contributes to nearly $10 million in youth initiatives. Woodfin emphasized commitment to resident priorities, promising to enhance neighborhoods through street resurfacing, sidewalk investment, and blight removal.Budget priorities include: **NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION**- Street Paving: $15 million- Weed Abatement: $3 million- Demolition: $2 million- Sidewalks: $1 million- Traffic Calming: $500,000- Recycling: $300,000**PUBLIC SAFETY AND VIOLENCE REDUCTION**-...