Birmingham operates under a mayor-council form of government. The mayor is elected at large every four years; the nine council members are also elected at large, but on a staggered basis in odd-numbered years. Birmingham was one of the nation's first cities to participate in an innovative program whereby citizens serve on boards, make economic decisions, and undertake various neighborhood projects. The Birmingham City Council is divided into nine committees, with three Council Members on each committee. Committee chairpersons are assigned by the president of the council. Each committee is responsible for hearing items that fall under its jurisdiction and then making recommendations to the council as a whole.
Head Official: Mayor Bernard Kincaid (D) (since 1999; current term expires 2006)
Total Number of City Employees: 4,992 (2005)
City Information: City Hall, 710 N. 20th St., Birmingham, AL 35203; telephone (205)254-2000