Brian Gunn
Brian Gunn
Residence: Birmingham (District 4 native)
Professional experience: Engagement manager for the Rochester, New York-based nonprofit Measures for Justice, 2023-present; member, Birmingham Planning Commission, 2019-present; senior communications specialist, CBG Strategies, 2022-‘23; senior account manager, Direct Communications; 2020-’22; program officer, Corporation for National and Community Service, 2018-’19; district coordinator, REV Birmingham, 2013-’18; AmeriCorps member, REV Birmingham and Woodlawn Foundation, 2012-’13; crew leader assistant, U.S. Census Bureau, 2010.
Educational experience: Bachelor’s in political science, Louisiana Tech University, 2009.
Civic experience: Board of Influence, Empowered to Conquer; chairman of the board of directors, Offender Alumni Association; board member, Mid-Alabama American Red Cross. Previously co-chair, Alabama Humanities Foundation junior board; membership chair, Woodlawn High Business and Finance Academy advisory board; member, Crestwood Civitan Club; and junior board member, WBHM.
Main issues: Improve public safety with community policing initiatives, better street lighting and other infrastructure, and partnerships with community organizations. Promote community development by improving infrastructure, supporting affordable housing options in the district, working with neighborhood associations to address local concerns and push for improved public transit. Grow small businesses by supporting tax incentives, streamlining the business permitting process, investing in entrepreneurship programs and fostering partnerships among businesses and the community to create opportunities. And improving education and workforce development by promoting job training programs, advocating for more city resources for school programs, promoting trade programs and higher education, and working to increase access to scholarships, apprenticeships and mentorship opportunities for students.
