The Birmingham City Council held a budget hearing on June 4, 2025, where community members voiced their concerns and suggestions regarding the city's financial priorities. The meeting highlighted several key issues, including public infrastructure maintenance, garbage services, and public transit funding.

One speaker praised the recent installation of a protected bike lane on Rugby Avenue, emphasizing its importance for community safety, especially for children. However, the speaker also raised concerns about the allocation of funds for maintaining private property while public infrastructure, such as benches in Fairview Park, remains in disrepair. The speaker noted that screws were protruding from benches, indicating a need for urgent maintenance across public spaces in the city.

Another significant topic discussed was the city's two-tier garbage collection system. The speaker pointed out that residents in certain buildings must hire private contractors for garbage removal, while others receive subsidized services from the city. This disparity has created a $10 million gap in the Department of Public Works budget, raising questions about the fairness of the current system.

Additionally, the budget hearing addressed the allocation of $16 million for public transit. The speaker expressed hope that the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) would focus these funds within the city, reinforcing the city's commitment to improving public transportation.

The meeting concluded with a call for further community engagement and consideration of these pressing issues as the council moves forward with budget decisions. The discussions underscored the need for balanced funding that addresses both public infrastructure and essential services for all residents.