BirminghamWatch
Celebrating eleven years of independent nonprofit local journalism in Birmingham
Eleven years: much to celebrate, much cause for concern. Our executive editor takes a moment to reflect.
Monday Morning Watch | Week of Sept. 28, 2026
Happy World News Day! This is BirminghamWatch’s weekly rundown of public meetings and agendas in the city of Birmingham and Jefferson County.
BW Recommends September 27, 2026
News and features you might have missed this week from around the region.
City previews transportation plans in town hall Tuesday
Birmingham’s Multimodal Transportation Plan, a year in the making, will be unveiled during a Transportation Town Hall at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Boutwell Auditorium.
City leaders, educators unite behind “radical collaboration” for Birmingham’s kids
New Cradle-to-Career Coalition created from the Birmingham Children and Youth Commission report released Thursday.
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Government
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City previews transportation plans in town hall Tuesday
Birmingham’s Multimodal Transportation Plan, a year in the making, will be unveiled during a Transportation Town Hall at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Boutwell Auditorium.
JeffCo approves incentive package for Kimberly retail development
The development would bring a Publix to what now is a food desert.
Birmingham Council approves deal for repairs to Valley Creek pedestrian bridge
The council also OK’d the Pratt-Ensley rezoning plan and a proposal for a sculpture in the roundabout near the zoo.
County considers incentives for development to address food desert in Kimberly area
The retail development would include a Publix Supermarket.
Education
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City leaders, educators unite behind “radical collaboration” for Birmingham’s kids
New Cradle-to-Career Coalition created from the Birmingham Children and Youth Commission report released Thursday.
PARCA survey highlights education concerns
Funding for schools was the biggest budget concern cited in the survey, released as Birmingham City Schools approves a budget with a more-than-10% increase.
$45M Capital Plan Proposed for Career Training Hub, Other School Projects
Birmingham’s mayor released a plan to use tax funds set aside for debt to pay for a career training hub, basketball court renovations and financial literacy program.
Coast Guard Ceremony Heralds New Day for Birmingham-Southern Campus
The ribbon was cut Friday for the new U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Birmingham-Southern.
Environment
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Freshwater Land Trust celebrates 30 years with new home along Rotary Trail
The land conservation and trail-building nonprofit now operates from the heart of one of the city’s most recognizable public spaces.
Cooling Stations Open for Relief From Extreme Heat
The area is under a heat advisory through Thursday.
SELC Calls on City to Maintain Data Center Provisions
The law center is pushing for the city to maintain a special exception provision — and the public hearings that go with it.
Effort Gains Ground To Turn Historic Mineral Springs Site Into Public Preserve
Supporters propose to create a natural preserve on the Hale Springs property in Bluff Park.
Culture
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Sidewalk Film Festival kicks off 28th year in downtown Birmingham
More than 200 films will be screened during the weeklong event.
Historic Preservation Expert and Birmingham Redevelopment Partner Irvin Henderson Dies
Words of praise have come from groups across the nation for the man who worked to redevelop the old Ramsay-McCormack property and revitalize the Prince Hall Masonic Temple, among many other projects.
Birmingham Art Alliance Opens New Gallery, Revives Downtown Corner
The BAA has opened a gallery on 20th Street at Third Avenue North to showcase local artists.
Healing and Legacy Continue in Gardens at Princeton Hospital
Former Birmingham City Councilor Carole Smitherman, with her daughter, current Councilor Crystal Smitherman, and the tree they planted at what is now Princeton Healing Gardens.