The Birmingham City Council's budget hearing on June 4, 2025, highlighted pressing concerns from District 8 residents, particularly those from the Central Park neighborhood. Community members voiced urgent needs for infrastructure improvements, specifically funding for street repairs and stormwater drainage systems.

A resident emphasized the dire condition of local streets, noting that some areas have been repaired multiple times yet remain problematic. The resident called for immediate emergency repairs to a stormwater drainage site that has caved in, causing flooding that threatens homes and yards in the area. The need for safety measures, such as zoning flashlights around Central Park Elementary School, was also raised to protect children crossing the street.

The discussion included a mention of $3 million allocated from the mayor's office, which residents feel should be directed toward their neighborhoods. The council acknowledged that while funds have been allocated, implementation is still in progress, which may explain the lack of visible improvements.

Additionally, a new state law mandates the establishment of school zones around all schools in Alabama, which will require signage but comes without additional state funding. The council is expected to address these issues as they finalize the budget for 2026, with residents advocating strongly for their community's needs to be prioritized.