David Silverstein, a local businessman, attorney and real estate developer, is running for the Mountain Brook city council, Place 2.

Silverstein’s campaign focuses on increasing pedestrian safety and infrastructure, expanding resources and training for first-responders and supporting neighborhoods and schools. The candidate said he will use his leadership experience to continue advancing Mountain Brook while preserving its character.

Silverstein is running against incumbent, Gerald Garner, for the Place 2 seat.

Mountain Brook city council members are elected at-large, meaning all five council members represent the entirety of the city. The election will be held on Aug. 26.

“As a member of the city council, I’m committed to supporting our excellent school system…I’m proud to stand with our first responders and will work to ensure they have the best resources, training, and support they need to continue keeping our community safe,” Silverstein said in a statement.

He said his priorities include enhancing and expanding the sidewalk trail in the city and advancing plans for a pedestrian bridge that safely links Mountain Brook and Homewood across Hollywood Boulevard over Highway 280.

Silverstein said he has used his development experience to get things done.

Silverstein attended Birmingham University School, now The Altamont School, then graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1978 and the Cumberland School of Law in 1981.

He went on to become a partner in the Berkowitz, Lefkovits, Isom, and Kushner law firm. His legal practice focused on the acquisition, financing, leasing, management and development of commercial real estate projects.

In 1994, Silverstein joined Bayer Properties where he spent over two decades as a principal and helped lead developments like Cahaba Village, The Summit in Birmingham, and the Pizitz in downtown. He also helped to bring the first Target and Whole Foods to the Birmingham metro area.

Silverstein then founded The FiveStone Group, a Birmingham-based real estate firm and has led development projects across the Southeast.

“Mountain Brook has always been home to me and my family. We need leaders who understand how to solve problems, build consensus and ensure that Mountain Brook remains a thriving and forward-looking community, one that honors its history while preparing wisely for the future,” Silverstein said in a statement.

He has also served on the American Heart Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation local boards.

He is currently a board member of the Alabama Holocaust Education Center, Leadership Alabama and the UAB St. Vincent’s Advisory Board.

Silverstein and his wife, Susan, have five children and 14 grandchildren, 11 of which are current students in Mountain Brook schools or will be soon.

“I’ve lived in Mountain Brook nearly all my life. I married my high school sweetheart, Susan, and we raised our five kids just a few blocks from where we both grew up…This city isn’t just where I live, it’s where our whole family story has unfolded. That’s why I’m running for city council,” Silverstein said in a statement.