Birmingham can solve its own problems if Montgomery steps back
In both municipal government and urban planning, we need fewer “one-size-fits-all plans” and more people willing to try whatever works.
municipalities
Gov. Kay Ivey proclaims Municipal Government Week
There are currently 465 incorporated municipalities in the state.
May 10, 2024
Senate committee OKs bill to reduce occupational taxes for cities
The Alabama League of Municipalities and several mayors and public officials expressed opposition to the bill, saying it would decimate their revenue streams.
Montgomery’s new occupation tax likely to be challenged by the legislature
Tuesday night, the Montgomery City Council voted to impose an occupation tax on everyone who works in the city of Montgomery. Tens of thousands of people would be adversely impacted by the move. The Alabama legislature appears to be on the verge of blocking the controversial measure. Earlier that day that Senate Government Affairs committee … Continued
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See recent postsTaxation without representation: Clearing up the confusion between cities, counties caused by exterritorial jurisdictions
Just before the Revolutionary War and largely in response to the Stamp Act imposed by the British on the American colonies, the Massachusetts lawyer James Otis famously proclaimed, “Taxation without Representation is Tyranny.” Today, Alabama is one of only three states that permits municipalities to impose police, planning, and other exterritorial jurisdictions in areas well … Continued
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See recent postsOnline sales tax collection: What does this really mean for Alabama’s municipalities?
The steady increase in online sales over the past decade has triggered an alarming shift in consumer purchasing habits from shopping at local brick and mortar establishments (which support community-owned businesses) to buying via remote sellers. The significant decrease in local sales and use tax collections make it more difficult for Alabama’s municipalities to provide basic … Continued
The changing of Alabama’s judicial system
By Josh Moon Alabama Political Reporter State Sen. Cam Ward is still trying to fix Alabama’s judicial system. He doesn’t put it that way. The Republican state senator from Shelby County instead just keeps saying he has a problem with this thing or that thing, and he wants to fix it all. Like charging 13- … Continued
Law Enforcement Informs Ethics Commission Sen.Williams Under Criminal Investigation
By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—A high-ranking public official has informed the Alabama Political Reporter that State Law Enforcement has sent a letter to the State Ethics Commission confirming that State Senator Phil Williams (R-Rainbow City) is under criminal investigation. In a scathing, statewide press release, Williams accused this publication and me personally of … Continued