News Summary
Birmingham city officials, led by Mayor Randall Woodfin, have filed a federal lawsuit against Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to challenge Senate Bill 330. The bill proposes changes to the Birmingham Water Works Board that the city claims reflect racial discrimination and would considerably reduce its governance control. The Birmingham City Council has also shown support for local governance amid concerns over the legislation’s implications for racial equity. A court hearing is scheduled to address the lawsuit and its potential impacts on local versus regional control of water resources.
Birmingham
On May 6, 2025, Birmingham city officials, led by Mayor Randall Woodfin, filed a federal lawsuit against Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to block the enactment of Senate Bill 330. The city argues that the bill, which seeks to change the governance structure of the Birmingham Water Works Board, reflects blatant racial discrimination and undermines local oversight.
The contentious Senate Bill 330 proposes to transition the Birmingham Water Works Board from a local to a regional governance model, significantly altering the city’s control over its water utility. If enacted, Birmingham’s representation on the board would be slashed from six members to just two, increasing the influence of suburban areas in decision-making regarding water services.
Currently, the Birmingham Water Works Board is comprised of nine members, including two appointed by the Birmingham mayor, four by the City Council, and one each by the Jefferson County Mayors Association, Shelby County Commission, and Blount County Commission. The proposed changes would create a new seven-member board with appointments coming from the governor and the Birmingham City Council, introducing more external influences.
Officials in Birmingham have criticized SB 330, claiming it is unconstitutional and politicizes an essential public utility instead of aiming for more impartial governance. Concern was also raised regarding the rapid passage of the bill, which occurred in just four days, prompting ethical concerns about the legislative process. Birmingham’s City Attorney, Nicole King, added that the legislation misattributes operational challenges of the water utility to the representation from Birmingham, failing to adequately protect the interests of local ratepayers.
In a show of solidarity, the Birmingham City Council adopted multiple resolutions on the same day as the lawsuit was filed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining local control over the water works. Among these resolutions was an approval for the potential acquisition of the water system for $1, which would also involve assuming the system’s associated debts and contracts.
Furthermore, the City Council has authorized a budget of up to $95,000 to retain attorney Calvin Grigsby for civil litigation pertaining to SB 330. This legal action underscores Birmingham’s determination to fight for local governance amid proposed legislative changes that they view as detrimental to their community.
The legislation has sparked a wider discussion about its implications for racial equity in governance, as Birmingham’s majority Black appointments to the water board are expected to be disproportionately affected by the proposed changes. The city’s historical investments in the water utility are also cited as foundational to their argument against the bill. In response, representatives from the state, including the governor’s office, acknowledged receipt of the lawsuit and indicated their commitment to reviewing the matter thoroughly.
A hearing scheduled for May 15, 2025, in the U.S. District Court will address Birmingham’s request for a temporary restraining order against the enforcement of SB 330, marking a critical point in the ongoing dispute over local versus regional control of essential public resources.
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Additional Resources
- ABC 33/40
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- 1819 News
- Google Search: Birmingham Water Works Board
- My Journal Courier
- Google Scholar: Birmingham water works lawsuit
- AL.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Supply
- WBRC
- Google News: Alabama water board lawsuit
- Alabama Reporter
