Why You Should Know Who’s Running Birmingham: Civic Power Starts at Home

Emmica Spencer
May 14
3 min read

When people talk politics, it’s often about the White House, Congress, or national headlines. But let’s be honest: what happens in Washington, D.C. has far less impact on your day-to-day life than what’s happening right here in Birmingham, Alabama.

If you live in the Magic City, understanding how your city works—and who’s calling the shots—isn’t just smart. It’s essential.

Here’s why knowing Birmingham’s government matters:

1. Local Government Shapes Your Daily Life

Your commute, your water bill, the state of your neighborhood park, whether your streetlights work, whether new businesses pop up in your area—all of that is controlled by local decision-makers.

If you don’t know who they are or what they do, you're essentially handing over control of your environment to strangers. That’s a risky move when their decisions affect your home, your job, and your safety.

2. Birmingham’s Mayor & City Council Run the Show

Birmingham operates under a mayor-council form of government. That means:

The mayor serves as the city’s chief executive—proposing budgets, enforcing city laws, and managing departments like public works, parks, and economic development.
The City Council—nine elected representatives from across Birmingham—creates and passes local laws, approves budgets, and holds public hearings on matters that affect every resident.

Want safer neighborhoods? More jobs? Affordable housing? These are the people you should be watching—and voting for.

3. Budgets Reflect Priorities

Birmingham’s annual city budget tells you everything about what the city values. From police funding to public transportation, from youth programs to infrastructure, the budget is a moral document—it shows what gets attention, and what gets overlooked.

If you're not involved in conversations about where the money goes, don’t be surprised when your priorities get ignored.

4. Local Leaders Are Accessible—and Accountable

Your city councilor might live a few blocks from you. Unlike national politicians, you can email them, call them, attend a council meeting, or speak up during public comment sessions.

But if you don’t know their name, district, or contact info, how can you influence what they decide?

Birmingham leaders work for you. Knowing who they are is the first step in holding them accountable—and building a city that reflects your needs.

5. Real Change Starts Local

You care about justice, opportunity, and equity? Great. But tweeting about it won’t fix zoning laws, transportation deserts, or underfunded schools. Organizing locally can.

Birmingham has a long history of powerful, people-led change. That legacy is yours to carry forward—but only if you understand the system you’re trying to improve.

Take Action Today

Start by finding out:

What district you live in
Who your city councilor is
When city council meetings take place
How the city budget is structured
What issues are on the next election ballot

Because when you understand how Birmingham works, you’re no longer a bystander.

You’re a citizen leader—and Birmingham needs you right now.

Ready to Go Deeper?

Check out my quick course: 🎓 “What the Government Actually Does in Birmingham (And Why It Matters to You)” No politics. No fluff. Just the real deal on how power works—and how to use your voice wisely. Available May, 21, 2025.

📚 Citations & Sources

City of Birmingham Official Websitehttps://www.birminghamal.gov(For city structure, budget documents, city council details, and meeting schedules)
Birmingham City Council Informationhttps://www.birminghamal.gov/government/city-council
Form of Government – National League of Citieshttps://www.nlc.org/resource/local-government-structure-forms-of-municipal-government/
2023–2024 Birmingham City Budget Overview (Available via the Mayor’s Office or city clerk’s portal on the official site)
Local Civic Engagement Best Practices – ICMAhttps://icma.org/articles/article/why-local-government-matters