# City of Birmingham Workshop on October 5, 2026


**Body:** Bloomfield Community Television
**Date:** October 04, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Construction & Infrastructure, Physical Infrastructure


The City of Birmingham workshop on October 5, 2026, focused on potential public-private partnerships (P3s) for city-owned properties, especially parking assets. Consultant Doug Smith of Plantaran presented a Pierce Street parking-structure case study and recommended developing an asset-by-asset “playbook” before issuing an RFP. The framework would identify prioritized public outcomes, define what is in and out of scope, and clarify potential city contributions—such as a ground lease, financial participation, zoning flexibility, or access to public property—in exchange for benefits. Potential sites discussed included Pierce Street, Lot 6, North Old Woodward, and Park Street; the consultant suggested beginning with a relatively straightforward site with existing surface parking.

The Pierce Street analysis modeled replacing 706 public parking spaces and adding 150 residential units on a site of about 1.86 acres. Under the assumptions presented, the project was not economically feasible at the modeled heights; underground parking was estimated at nearly $100,000 per space, compared with roughly $65,000–$70,000 for above-ground parking, and the consultant said feasibility might require approximately 15–18 stories. Commissioners discussed whether parking replacement should be required, how to manage parking during construction, and how to weigh parking against other benefits such as housing, economic activity, public space, and stormwater management. No RFP, contract award, or spending authorization was approved. The session ended with a motion to adjourn; the transcript does not capture the vote result.

**Source:** Bloomfield Community Television