Democracy doesn’t end at the ballot box. The core principles of our democracy are reflected in how decisions are made, how information is shared, and how residents shape the future of their city. In a time when trust in government is challenged, Mayor Woodfin believes Birmingham can be different. He’s committed to making City Hall more transparent and accessible, strengthening neighborhood leadership, and ensuring every citizen sees their identity reflected in the policies that impact their daily lives.

Policy Priorities

Expanding the Academy of Civic Engagement to build shared ownership of Birmingham’s democracy.

We believe residents should be empowered to enact positive change on their blocks and in their neighborhoods. We created our Academy of Civic Engagement through the Office of Social Justice and Racial Equity to equip residents with the knowledge, skills, and relationships to meaningfully participate in local government. We’ve turned City Hall into a classroom, welcoming over 1,200 participants since 2019. Now, we’re taking ACE to the next level: transforming it into a hands-on, community-rooted program that reimagines civic participation in Birmingham. Over the next four years, graduates will design class projects with a community focus and we’ll incorporate ACE into training and orientation materials, ensuring public service is rooted in the communities we all serve.

Pursuing digital equity standards across city service provision. 

Not only does the adoption of today’s technology help us to govern in the modern era, but it allows all residents to access city services in an efficient and effective manner. In 2023, we launched an initiative to bridge the digital divide, enrolling hundreds of residents in the Affordable Connectivity Program while providing hands-on digital skills training. We believe residents should be able to access information about basic services through our website regardless of income, ability, or primary language. We’ll expand on this work by setting new standards for digital equity in city service delivery, bringing more services online, removing the need for in-person paperwork where possible, and ensuring all digital materials are accessible in multiple languages.

Creating inclusive civic spaces that protect the dignity of every Birmingham resident.

Local government has a responsibility to make sure every resident feels safe enough to be heard. That’s why we’ve invested in community-based, service-focused partners like the Firehouse Shelter, the AIDS Alabama Waystation, the Magic City Acceptance Center, and Birmingham AIDS Outreach as they provide affirming services to our most vulnerable neighbors navigating housing insecurity. In our next term, we’ll continue funding community partners that offer trauma-informed care because participatory democracy only works when everyone can take part safely and with dignity.

Randall’s Record

• Graduated over 1,200 residents from our signature 7-week program, the Academy of Civic Engagement. 
• Earned a perfect 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, annually since 2018. 
• Implemented comprehensive non-discrimination laws protecting LBGTQ individuals in employment, housing, and public accommodations. 
• Created the city’s first Advisory Boards for the Birmingham Civil Rights District Stakeholders, Women’s Initiative, LGBTQ+ Advisory Group, Faith Leaders Roundtable, and Vanguard Young Leaders initiative.
• Removed the Confederate Monument at Linn Park. 
• Supported digital inclusivity by redesigning our city website in line with W3C web accessibility standards in mind.