The newly elected Birmingham City Council has officially begun the new term. The council of nine; seven who are returning and two who are new, will serve for four years until October 2017.
All nine council members were officially sworn-in on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 in a brief ceremony just outside of City Hall. The inaugural week also included an Inauguration Ball with the Mayor and the new Birmingham City School Board, a ceremonial swearing-in of the councilors and a music festival at Railroad Park to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Birmingham City Council.
The new term begins with a new Council President, Maxine Herring Parker and President Pro-tempore, James “Jay” Roberson, Jr., also elected on Tuesday by the council.
“I’m truly humbled that my colleagues on the council have confidence in my leadership and elected me as President Pro Tempore. We now need to define success as a Birmingham City Council and really strategically plan in unison with Council President Parker and with all our colleagues on the council to work together for the betterment of our city. That also means building bridges with the Mayor, working in consortium with him to get projects done that will enhance our communities and the quality of life for all citizens,” said Council Pro-tem Jay Roberson.
The council now consists of returning Councilors: Council President, Maxine Parker; President Pro-tem, Jay Roberson; Valerie Abbott, Johnathan Austin, Steven Hoyt, Kim Rafferty and Lashunda Scales; and newly elected Councilors Sheila Tyson and Marcus Lundy.
Birmingham City Council, the legislative branch of city government, enacts all local laws and policies that govern the city.
Bio information on each councilor and contact information for their offices can be found on the Birmingham City Council’s web site at www.birminghamALcitycouncil.org.
