Jefferson County, Alabama, September 8, 2025
News Summary
The Jefferson County Mayors Association is set to incorporate at least 12 newly elected mayors following recent municipal elections. The organization aims to improve regional cooperation despite facing internal conflicts and challenges. A recent controversy surrounding the Birmingham Water Works Board appointment process has highlighted issues of fragmentation and unity among local governments, as well as concerns raised by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama regarding economic implications. Additionally, Birmingham officials have filed a federal lawsuit regarding a new law affecting the city’s representation on the board.
Jefferson County, Alabama – The Jefferson County Mayors Association is set to welcome several new members following the recent municipal elections, which resulted in at least 12 of the county’s cities electing new mayors. The organization, which includes city leaders from all municipalities in Jefferson County, aims to address pressing issues and foster regional cooperation amid a backdrop of political tensions and fragmentation.
Despite its potential as a collaborative body, the Mayors Association has often faced internal conflicts that challenge its ability to function effectively. A recent controversy emerged over the appointment process for an unfilled seat on the Birmingham Water Works Board, which has raised concerns about regional unity amongst local leaders. Midfield Mayor Gary Richardson, who recently lost his re-election bid on August 26, vocally criticized fellow mayors for allegedly delaying the appointment process to maintain existing power structures.
The Birmingham Water Works Board, following a reconfiguration by the Jefferson County Legislature, has eliminated the seat designated for the Mayors Association—unless the City of Birmingham chooses to overturn the new law. This legislative shift reflects the broader complexities within Jefferson County, which is made up of 36 municipalities, 13 different 911 facilities, and 54 fire stations, contributing to the area’s ongoing regional fragmentation.
Data from the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) highlights the detrimental effect of fragmented local governance on economic development. A 2017 report from PARCA found that more unified local governments tend to experience job growth rates ranging from 20-50%, while fragmented communities see growth rates plummet to between -12% and 5%. This fragmentation is particularly pronounced in the Birmingham metropolitan area, which incorporates Jefferson County alongside seven adjacent counties.
In response to these challenges, the Jefferson County Mayors Association was revitalized post-PARCA report, emphasizing collaborative efforts to tackle common concerns and enhance regional cooperation. Monthly meetings provide a platform for mayors to engage in discussions on issues that influence their municipalities, especially in light of recent economic and political hurdles.
One significant responsibility of the Mayors Association is its oversight of the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency, which coordinates disaster response efforts, including those related to tornadoes. The organization has also established a no-poaching agreement among municipalities—designed to prevent the undesirable practice of luring businesses away from each other, which has previously led to incentive wars.
The divide seen in the recent water board appointment controversy reflects ongoing struggles for unity and cooperation among local governments. Irondale Mayor James Stewart, who currently presides over the Mayors Association, defended the request for a resume from Richardson’s nominee for the water board. The differing perspectives of Richardson and Stewart on this matter underscore the disunity within the association itself.
In addition to internal challenges, the Birmingham officials have initiated a federal lawsuit against Senate Bill 330, a law that diminishes Birmingham’s representation on the Birmingham Water Works Board from six appointments to just one. The law also restructures the board into a regional authority. The lawsuit asserts that this reduction infringes on equal rights and due process, particularly impacting Birmingham’s large Black population by limiting their governmental representation. The Birmingham City Attorney has contended that the law potentially misrepresents the correlation between board management and the reduction of Birmingham’s appointments.
The lawsuit seeks to prevent the governor from enacting SB 330 and highlights the importance of appropriate representation for the city, emphasizing the significant changes it imposes on representation within the board.
FAQ Section
What is the Jefferson County Mayors Association?
The Jefferson County Mayors Association is a collaborative body that includes mayoral leaders from all municipalities in Jefferson County, focusing on regional cooperation and addressing local concerns.
How many new mayors were elected during the recent municipal elections?
At least 12 cities in Jefferson County will have new mayors following the recent elections.
What is the controversy surrounding the Birmingham Water Works Board?
The controversy involves the appointment process for an unfilled seat on the board and the elimination of the mayor’s association seat, leading to accusations of maintaining the status quo among local leaders.
What issues are raised by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) regarding fragmented local governments?
PARCA’s 2017 report indicates that fragmented local governance hinders economic growth, with unified governments showing significantly higher job growth rates compared to fragmented areas.
What legal action is Birmingham taking concerning Senate Bill 330?
Birmingham officials have filed a federal lawsuit against SB 330, asserting that it violates equal rights and due process by reducing the city’s representation on the Water Works Board.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Jefferson County Mayors Association | Collaborative body of local mayors seeking to enhance regional cooperation. |
| New Mayors | At least 12 of 36 cities in Jefferson County have new mayors post-elections. |
| Regional Fragmentation | Challenges include multiple municipalities, lack of unified governance impacting economic growth. |
| Birmingham Water Works Board Controversy | Dispute over appointment processes and reduced representation due to recent legislation. |
| PARCA Findings | Fragmented local governments lead to lower job growth compared to unified governance. |
| Federal Lawsuit | Birmingham challenges SB 330 for reducing elected representation and violating civil rights. |
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Birmingham Files Lawsuit Against Alabama Governor Over Water Bill
Birmingham Leaders Rally Against State Bill on Water Works Board
Birmingham Launches Comprehensive Sustainability Plan
Additional Resources
- AL.com: This Group Controls Much of What Happens in Jefferson County
- Alabama Reflector: Birmingham Mayor, City Council File Lawsuit Against State
- 1819 News: Birmingham Sues Ivey Over Water Works Reform Bill
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Government
- WVTM13: Alabama Birmingham Water Works Bill Passes House
- Google Search: Jefferson County Alabama
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
