Virginia Martin

LaTanya Millhouse, Alabama House of Representatives, District 52

LaTanya Millhouse Party: Democratic Residence: Birmingham Political experience: Ran unsuccessfully for House District 52 seat in 2022, Birmingham City Council, District 6, in 2019. Professional experience: Community relations manager, Oak Street Health, 2023-present; senior program manager, The Alpha Omega Group, which fosters programs that promote community involvement, employment, training, education and healthy social behaviors; former County chair

by BirminghamWatch

Eric Major, Alabama House of Representatives, District 52

Eric Major Party: Democratic Age: 56 Residence: Fairfield Political experience: Served in Alabama House of Representatives, District 55, 1998-2006; ran for Jefferson County Commission, 2007 and 2018; executive committee member, National Conference of Black State Legislators, 2002; former executive committee member, National Conference of Mayors. Professional experience: Small business owner, principal consultant with Absolute Solutions, a public

by BirminghamWatch

Kelvin Datcher, Alabama House of Representatives, District 52

Kelvin Datcher Party: Democratic Political experience: Alabama state director for the Bernie Sanders 2016 presidential campaign. Professional experience: Deputy director community development for the city of Birmingham, 2017-present; also has worked at Alabama State University, the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Jefferson County Health Department, REV Birmingham and the Birmingham City Council. Civic experience: Has served in

by BirminghamWatch

Dedra Campbell, Alabama House of Representatives, District 52

Dedra Campbell Party: Democrat Age: 49 Residence: Birmingham Political experience: Volunteered for candidates, serve on the Jefferson County Democratic Executive Committee, GOTV efforts, phone banking and canvassing. Professional experience: Works with zoning with city of Birmingham. Education: Bachelor’s in information technology and business management, Herzing University, juris doctorate, Miles Law School. Main issues: Women’s reproductive rights; Medicaid for

by BirminghamWatch

Alabama Ranks 46th in Ease of Voting: PARCA Report

UPDATED — Alabama trails the nation in terms of convenience and access to the ballot — ranking 46th in ease of voting — according to a recent report released by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama. PARCA found that reasons for the state’s high cost for voting include a lack of early in-person voting, restrictive absentee voting requirements and a lack of automatic voter registration. Read more.

by Daniel Gaddy

‘We’re in the Jobs Business,’ JCEIDA Leader Says in Announcing New North JeffCo Industrial Park

Jefferson County Economic & Industrial Development Authority has added about 1,100 acres to its inventory of developable land to create its latest industrial park in north Jefferson County. JeffMet North Industrial Park, off Interstate 65 at Exit 275 near the Gardendale/Morris area, sets the stage for the creation of an estimated 4,700 new jobs and is expected to be a lure for auto suppliers. Read more.

by Solomon Crenshaw Jr.

Work Begins on First New Home in Fountain Heights Through Home Ownership Program

The Birmingham Land Bank Authority on Friday held a ceremonial groundbreaking on what will be the newest home built in the Fountain Heights Neighborhood, marking the official launch of the Land Bank’s Accelerated Home Ownership Program. AHOP launched last year with a goal to help 25 individuals become owners of newly built homes in the historic community. It is a collaborative effort among the Birmingham Land Bank Authority, a local lender and home builders to create a pathway to homeownership. “Everybody deserves a home,” said Caroline W. Douglas, executive director for the authority. Read more.

by Solomon Crenshaw Jr.

Commissioners Grant Tax Break to Keep Distribution Center in JeffCo

In an effort to keep a longtime business in the county, the Jefferson County Commission agreed to reimburse Red Mountain Distributing for 60% of the 1-cent sales tax the company pays to the county. Red Mountain, which does business as Ashley Furniture, has outgrown its warehouse in Bessemer. That warehouse serves four stores in the northern half of Alabama. Read more.

by Solomon Crenshaw Jr.

JeffCo Commission Moves to Secure Employee Investments

County Manager Cal Markert gave credit Tuesday to Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens in helping county employees get a better deal on investment funds. Read more.

by Solomon Crenshaw Jr.

Birmingham Council Approves $1M for Mental Health Services in Schools

The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday approved $1 million to create a mental health program for students at Birmingham City Schools. The money is part of a yearlong agreement with the Birmingham Board of Education, under which the board will increase the number of school-based licensed counselors and provide students with school-based consulting services. Read more.

by Daniel Gaddy