Brian Gunn, a member of Birmingham’s Planning Commission, announced his first bid for public office Tuesday at Woodlawn Theatre.

The 39-year-old is seeking the District 4 seat on the Birmingham City Council currently held by J.T. Moore.

“So why now?” Gunn asked rhetorically. “I think it’s the perfect opportunity. I see there’s so many different things happening in and around District 4 — and things that aren’t happening. As a resident, I felt compelled to not be part of the problem.”

The Norwood resident said he’s heard the complaints about increasing gun violence, dilapidated properties in the community, rundown streets and a need to renovate parks.

“Instead of me being part of that — the naysayers,” Gunn said. “I wanted to be part of the solution. My reconciliation was to run.”

Gunn’s to-do list if he’s elected begins with reducing crime

“I want to increase public safety in Birmingham,” he said. “There’s a lot of gun violence that’s happening throughout Birmingham, and particularly in my community. I could be on my couch watching a movie and then hear gunshots ring out. That’s not a normal way of life for anyone.”

Community development is another priority for Gunn.

“On my street alone in Norwood, there are 20 vacant lots,” he said.  “What can we do as a legislative body to encourage development in our neighborhoods? It’s time out for talking about, ‘Let’s create a plan.’ Or, ‘let’s do another strategic vision casting session.’

“We need action now,” the candidate said. “We can’t wait another administration to get something done.”

Gunn wants to bolster the city’s education system.

“There are young scholars,” he said. “They’re striving to meet state standards. Oftentimes, there are barriers at home that may prevent them from truly achieving it. We want to make sure that our scholars in Birmingham are geared for success.”

Gunn said he hopes to use his 10 years of experience working with REV Birmingham to bolster small businesses and create economic opportunity.

“Just looking at when I was at REV working in the Woodlawn business district, in particular, when I started, we had a vacancy rate of about 40%,” he said. “When I left REV, the vacancy rate for businesses and properties in Woodlawn was down to about 5%. I know the strategy to bring businesses and recruit businesses into the city. We just have to have that person at the table that’s willing and able to do that.”

Gunn is a political science graduate from Louisiana Tech. He is senior engagement manager with Measures for Justice, according to his LinkedIn profile, a group he said is working to reshape the criminal justice system through data transparency.

He’s been on the Planning Commission since 2019. He also has worked with CBG Strategies and Direct Communications as well as the Corporation for National and Community Service and AmeriCorps.

The candidate is unmarried and has no children. He does have Nala, his rescue dog that’s a blend of a Jack Russell Terrier and a beagle.

You can find more information and Gunn and his candidacy on his campaign website and his campaign Facebook page.