Homewood Daily Brief: City Manager Finalists and Zoning Decisions
Homewood, AL — February 7, 2026 — City Council narrows search for first city manager as zoning board holds firm on setback rules across neighborhoods.
Homewood Daily Briefing: February 7, 2026
Good morning, Homewood. Here is a quick look at what local leaders and boards have been working on as the weekend gets underway.
Council narrows search for first city manager
Homewood is one step closer to hiring its first permanent city manager. City officials have named five finalists after reviewing more than 60 applications and conducting initial interviews. Resumes for each candidate have been made available for public review so residents can see the range of experience under consideration.
The council plans to meet again in the coming days to discuss the finalists and is expected to vote on an offer no later than February 16. That timeline keeps the transition on track following the shift to a council–manager form of government. Once hired, the city manager will oversee day-to-day operations and help carry forward priorities set by the mayor and council.
Zoning board holds firm on setback relief
The Board of Zoning Adjustments used its February 5 meeting to send a clear signal on lot coverage and setback rules. A request for variance at a home on Acton Avenue was denied after discussion about how much building coverage is appropriate on smaller neighborhood lots.
A second case involving a property on La Prado Circle was continued to a future meeting. Board members and the applicant agreed more work was needed to verify impervious surface calculations after recent changes to a deck and other site features. By delaying the vote, the board left room for updated drawings and data while keeping its overall standards intact.
Around town today
Families looking to get out of the house have a few easy options. The public library is hosting a Saturday LEGOS session this afternoon, giving kids a chance to build and play while parents connect with neighbors. Other winter events, from theatre performances to concerts and centennial activities, continue across the city through February.
Looking ahead
The coming week will be important for both long-range planning and everyday quality of life. As the city manager search moves into its final stretch, residents will soon learn who will be asked to guide budgets, staffing and major projects. At the same time, ongoing work on the comprehensive plan and steady decisions from zoning officials will shape how Homewood grows block by block.
