Birmingham City Councilor wants to improve the city’s environment, education, and economy

Birmingham City Councilor wants to improve the city’s environment, education, and economy

Crystal Smitherman, daughter of Sen. Rodger Smitherman (D- Birmingham) and Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Carole Smitherman, took on her family’s mantle of public service in 2019 and joined Birmingham’s City Council as the representative for District 6, the city’s southern district.

Although her first year as councilor was spent navigating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Smitherman said she has emerged on the other side with more dedication than ever as she works to create a strong workforce and a cleaner environment for the metro’s residents.

In her Q&A with the Lede this week, Smitherman said community engagement is the first step towards accomplishing the “3 E’s” she has prioritized for the city and she offered additional updates on where the city is at with their new towing ordinance.

This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

Tell me more about the “the 3 E’s” you wanted to focus on for District 6 during your campaign.