Mayor Woodfin to offer citizens Birmingham's 'Big Picture' Dec. 3
It has been two years since Randall Woodfin was inaugurated as the mayor of Birmingham.
And Woodfin, who was sworn in on Nov. 28, 2017, will offer the citizens of Birmingham an overview of his administration’s plans and accomplishments at an event called “The Big Picture: Looking Back, Shaping Tomorrow,” to be held at Haven on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m.
“I will share where the city has been and where it is going as far as strategic initiatives,” Woodfin said during his weekly report to the City Council on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
In response to a question from Councilor Steven Hoyt, the mayor said that his presentation at Haven will include a detailed breakdown of “every single issue in individual (council) districts,” including street paving, repair of potholes and new sidewalks.
The timing of this anniversary coincides with Woodfin’s commitment to provide semi-annual public updates on the status of strategic initiatives, according to the city website.
Those who wish to attend the event should RSVP by Friday, Nov. 29, at birminghamal.gov/bigpicture.
Haven, an event space, is located at 2515 Sixth Ave. S. in Lakeview. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
Pardons for Progress initiative
Woodfin announced Nov. 25 that his office is beginning an initiative called Pardons for Progress to help remove barriers to employment for Birmingham residents who have been convicted of misdemeanor marijuana possession.The program will allow individuals previously convicted in municipal court in Birmingham of unlawful possession of marijuana, second degree — a Class A misdemeanor — to apply for a pardon.
“It is my firm belief that many men and women who have been convicted, deserve a second chance in order to secure a job that may be blocked due to a one-time possession conviction,” Woodfin said in a news release. “In the spirit of reconciliation, the Pardons for Progress initiative will establish a process for individuals convicted of one marijuana possession charge to receive a pardon if the individual meets certain requirements.”
A marijuana possession conviction can appear on an individual’s background check when seeking employment and, in some cases, may eliminate an opportunity for employment, the release states.
The initiative “will not apply to pending cases or multiple cases,” Woodfin told the Council during his Nov. 26 report.
For details about the program or to apply for a pardon, go to birminghamal.gov/pardons.