Council District three

Crestwood South, East Avondale, Five Points South, Forest Park/South Avondale, Glen Iris, Highland Park, Redmont Park

District Three Councilor

Valerie A. Abbott

Birmingham City Councilor Valerie A. Abbott is Chair of the Planning and Zoning Committee, and a member of the Budget and Finance and Community Development Committees.

Contact Me

Biography

With the future of the City of Birmingham at the forefront, Councilor Abbott has been a champion of The Comprehensive Plan. The plan will set out a 20-year policy and strategic framework for the City of Birmingham.

Her seemingly endless schedule of neighborhood meetings and community events is her way of learning about the needs and concerns of citizens throughout Birmingham and ensures that she is knowledgeable when issues affecting various neighborhoods come before the City Council.

Councilor Abbott serves on the boards of the Birmingham Planning Commission, Birmingham Tree Commission, Birmingham Historical Society, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and has served as Chairman of the Board of the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham.

She has collaborated with her fellow councilors and city staff to revise ordinances regulating noise, smoking, and fences. An avid gardener and nature enthusiast, her pursuit of neighborhood health and revitalization has resulted in two community gardens, including a national award-winning project in East Avondale. She is a proponent of all things green, including Birmingham’s recycling program, which is experiencing a rebirth.

Her credentials include a Bachelor’s Degree from the School of Architecture and Fine Arts at Auburn University and a Masters Degree in Public and Private Management from Birmingham Southern College. As an employee of AT&T Services, Inc. for the past 44 years, Councilor Abbott has deep roots in the community’s business sector as well as within its neighborhoods. The recipient of numerous volunteer awards from groups ranging from the Civitan Club to the Birmingham Tree Commission, Councilor Abbott was named Birmingham’s “Unsung Hero” in 1993.

District Contact Info

For District Information

Contact Councilor Abbott's Office

Call (205) 254-2355E-Mail Us

For Scheduling

Contact Darryl Lee

Call (205) 254-2355E-Mail to Schedule

For District Schools

 MARY BOEHM, BOARD MEMBER, DISTRICT 3

SCHOOLS:

Avondale Elementary

Glen Iris Elementary

Website

Committee Links

District Related Events

Current Month

Birmingham 365 Events


BIG RIVER: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

08-03-2025

Presented by Virginia Samford Theatre at Virginia Samford Theatre, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Jul 18 @ 12:00 am Sat, Jul 19 @ 12:00 am Sun, Jul 20 @ 12:00 am + 6 more dates and times

Fri, Jul 25 @ 12:00 am Sat, Jul 26 @ 12:00 am Sun, Jul 27 @ 12:00 am Fri, Aug 01 @ 12:00 am Sat, Aug 02 @ 12:00 am Sun, Aug 03 @ 12:00 am - less dates and times

Winner of seven Tony awards, including Best Musical. Big River is based on Mark Twain’s classic 1884 novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and features the music of Country legend Roger Miller. Stacy Alley (Head of the University of...

[more+]

Winner of seven Tony awards, including Best Musical. Big River is based on Mark Twain’s classic 1884 novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and features the music of Country legend Roger Miller. Stacy Alley (Head of the University of Alabama’s Musical Theatre Program) and Bobby Horton (‘Three on a String’ and Music Director for Ken Burns) will guide us on a fresh and authentic musical journey through Mark Twain’s timeless tale of humanity and redemption. “the musical Big River still has something to say and sing” Philip Brandes, Los Angeles Times

[less-]
Tags:   TheatreArt + Stage

SENIOR FIT MORNINGS

07-25-2025

Presented by Railroad Park at Railroad Park, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Jul 18 @ 8:00 am Tue, Jul 22 @ 8:00 am Fri, Jul 25 @ 8:00 am

This class focuses on strength, flexibility, endurance and balance. The group exercise setting provides a wonderful opportunity to stay healthy and meet new people while having fun.

This class focuses on strength, flexibility, endurance and balance. The group exercise setting provides a wonderful opportunity to stay healthy and meet new people while having fun.

[less-]
Tags:   Outdoor RecreationHealth + Wellness

Drawing | Grades 4–6

07-18-2025

Presented by Birmingham Museum of Art at Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Jul 18 @ 8:45 am

Education is fundamental to the mission of the Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA). We seek to provide quality art learning opportunities throughout the greater Birmingham area, improving the cultural and social wellbeing of our community. The BMA is...

[more+]

Education is fundamental to the mission of the Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA). We seek to provide quality art learning opportunities throughout the greater Birmingham area, improving the cultural and social wellbeing of our community. The BMA is excited to bring back our enriching summer art camp series this year to continue to nurture the youth in our area and encourage creativity, exploration, innovation, and imagination. For more information about Summer Camp visit artsbma.org

[less-]
Tags:   ElementaryArt + Stage

Intermediate Fiber Arts | Grades 7–9

07-18-2025

Presented by Birmingham Museum of Art at Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Jul 18 @ 8:45 am

Education is fundamental to the mission of the Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA). We seek to provide quality art learning opportunities throughout the greater Birmingham area, improving the cultural and social wellbeing of our community. The BMA is...

[more+]

Education is fundamental to the mission of the Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA). We seek to provide quality art learning opportunities throughout the greater Birmingham area, improving the cultural and social wellbeing of our community. The BMA is excited to bring back our enriching summer art camp series this year to continue to nurture the youth in our area and encourage creativity, exploration, innovation, and imagination. For more information about Summer Camp visit artsbma.org

[less-]
Tags:   Pre-TeensArt + Stage

stuck; lingering: New Works by Miriam Calleja

08-23-2025

Presented by Birmingham Public Library at The Birmingham Public Library, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Jul 18 @ 9:00 am Sat, Jul 19 @ 9:00 am Mon, Jul 21 @ 9:00 am + 29 more dates and times

Tue, Jul 22 @ 9:00 am Wed, Jul 23 @ 9:00 am Thu, Jul 24 @ 9:00 am Fri, Jul 25 @ 9:00 am Sat, Jul 26 @ 9:00 am Mon, Jul 28 @ 9:00 am Tue, Jul 29 @ 9:00 am Wed, Jul 30 @ 9:00 am Thu, Jul 31 @ 9:00 am Fri, Aug 01 @ 9:00 am Sat, Aug 02 @ 9:00 am Mon, Aug 04 @ 9:00 am Tue, Aug 05 @ 9:00 am Wed, Aug 06 @ 9:00 am Thu, Aug 07 @ 9:00 am Fri, Aug 08 @ 9:00 am Sat, Aug 09 @ 9:00 am Mon, Aug 11 @ 9:00 am Tue, Aug 12 @ 9:00 am Wed, Aug 13 @ 9:00 am Thu, Aug 14 @ 9:00 am Fri, Aug 15 @ 9:00 am Sat, Aug 16 @ 9:00 am Mon, Aug 18 @ 9:00 am Tue, Aug 19 @ 9:00 am Wed, Aug 20 @ 9:00 am Thu, Aug 21 @ 9:00 am Fri, Aug 22 @ 9:00 am Sat, Aug 23 @ 9:00 am - less dates and times

Using techniques such as collage, embroidery, and image transfer, artist Miriam Calleja works with acrylic paint, ink, watercolor, pencil, and found materials to incorporate her original verse into handmade books, assemblages, and mixed-media...

[more+]

Using techniques such as collage, embroidery, and image transfer, artist Miriam Calleja works with acrylic paint, ink, watercolor, pencil, and found materials to incorporate her original verse into handmade books, assemblages, and mixed-media pieces. Each of Calleja’s pieces contains a line or an entire poem from her repertoire, including some new unpublished work. The exhibition name is inspired by her poem “A choreography of almost." Poems featured in stuck; lingering are on display alongside Calleja’s artwork so that viewers can explore the correspondence between it and her poetry.

Calleja is an internationally published poet, artist, translator, and writer. A native of Malta, she has lived in Birmingham for the past three years. Her poetry collections include Pomegranate Heart (EDE Books, 2015) and Inside (EDE Books, 2016). Among her poetry chapbooks are Remember (Stamparija Reljic, 2020), Stranger Intimacy (Stamparija Reljic, 2020), and Come Closer, I Don’t Mind the Silence (BottleCap Press, 2023). Calleja’s upcoming book Variations on Silence (PoetryWala, 2025) is translated from Maltese. Learn more about Calleja at miriamcalleja.com.

This exhibition is made possible by a grant awarded to the Friends Foundation of BPL by the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

[less-]
Tags:   Books + Film Libraries Literature Multicultural Places Visual ArtsArt + Stage

Hogwarts Mystery (at RMT)

07-18-2025

Presented by Red Mountain Theatre at Red Mountain Theatre Art Campus, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Jul 18 @ 9:30 am

Ages 7-12 By cultivating original characters, students will explore what it would be like to attend Hogwarts. They’ll participate in magical classes, in addition to being sorted into one of the four houses. But there’s a mystery in the castle...

[more+]

Ages 7-12 By cultivating original characters, students will explore what it would be like to attend Hogwarts. They’ll participate in magical classes, in addition to being sorted into one of the four houses. But there’s a mystery in the castle that needs uncovering – do you have what it takes? Through imagination, you’ll travel beyond the pages of the books and create your own original character in the world of magic. At the end of the week, students use their newly learned acting and characterization skills in a sharing for family and friends. Through imagination and creativity, you’ll learn basic theatre fundamentals and have a great time! The students will be split into 4 groups of 15-25 students based on age. If you would like to request that your student be placed in the same group as their friend or sibling who may not be the same age, please send us an email at education@redmountaintheatre.org.

[less-]
Tags:   TheatreFamily + Camps

SNL 50: Happy Gilmore (1996)

07-24-2025

Presented by Sidewalk Film Festival + Center at Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Jul 18 @ 4:30 pm Sat, Jul 19 @ 10:30 am Sat, Jul 19 @ 5:15 pm + 1 more dates and times

Thu, Jul 24 @ 4:00 pm - less dates and times

All Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler) has ever wanted is to be a professional hockey player. But he soon discovers he may actually have a talent for playing an entirely different sport: golf. When his grandmother (Frances Bay) learns she is about to...

[more+]

All Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler) has ever wanted is to be a professional hockey player. But he soon discovers he may actually have a talent for playing an entirely different sport: golf. When his grandmother (Frances Bay) learns she is about to lose her home, Happy joins a golf tournament to try and win enough money to buy it for her. With his powerful driving skills and foulmouthed attitude, Happy becomes an unlikely golf hero — much to the chagrin of the well-mannered golf professionals.

[less-]
Tags:   FilmBooks + Film

Ran (1985) 40th Anniversary 4K Restoration

07-24-2025

Presented by Sidewalk Film Festival + Center at Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Jul 18 @ 5:30 pm Fri, Jul 18 @ 8:45 pm Sat, Jul 19 @ 10:45 am + 7 more dates and times

Sat, Jul 19 @ 2:00 pm Sat, Jul 19 @ 5:30 pm Sat, Jul 19 @ 8:45 pm Sun, Jul 20 @ 2:00 pm Sun, Jul 20 @ 5:30 pm Thu, Jul 24 @ 2:15 pm Thu, Jul 24 @ 5:30 pm - less dates and times

Akira Kurosawa’s Academy Award-winning adaptation of William Shakespeare’s King Lear, Ran considers the disastrous consequences of Lord Hidetora Ichimonji’s (Tatsuya Nakadai) decision to split his kingdom among his three sons.

Akira Kurosawa’s Academy Award-winning adaptation of William Shakespeare’s King Lear, Ran considers the disastrous consequences of Lord Hidetora Ichimonji’s (Tatsuya Nakadai) decision to split his kingdom among his three sons.

[less-]
Tags:   FilmBooks + Film

BIG RIVER: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

08-03-2025

Presented by Virginia Samford Theatre at Virginia Samford Theatre, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Jul 18 @ 12:00 am Sat, Jul 19 @ 12:00 am Sun, Jul 20 @ 12:00 am + 6 more dates and times

Fri, Jul 25 @ 12:00 am Sat, Jul 26 @ 12:00 am Sun, Jul 27 @ 12:00 am Fri, Aug 01 @ 12:00 am Sat, Aug 02 @ 12:00 am Sun, Aug 03 @ 12:00 am - less dates and times

Winner of seven Tony awards, including Best Musical. Big River is based on Mark Twain’s classic 1884 novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and features the music of Country legend Roger Miller. Stacy Alley (Head of the University of...

[more+]

Winner of seven Tony awards, including Best Musical. Big River is based on Mark Twain’s classic 1884 novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and features the music of Country legend Roger Miller. Stacy Alley (Head of the University of Alabama’s Musical Theatre Program) and Bobby Horton (‘Three on a String’ and Music Director for Ken Burns) will guide us on a fresh and authentic musical journey through Mark Twain’s timeless tale of humanity and redemption. “the musical Big River still has something to say and sing” Philip Brandes, Los Angeles Times

[less-]
Tags:   TheatreArt + Stage

SENIOR FIT MORNINGS

07-25-2025

Presented by Railroad Park at Railroad Park, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Jul 18 @ 8:00 am Tue, Jul 22 @ 8:00 am Fri, Jul 25 @ 8:00 am

This class focuses on strength, flexibility, endurance and balance. The group exercise setting provides a wonderful opportunity to stay healthy and meet new people while having fun.

This class focuses on strength, flexibility, endurance and balance. The group exercise setting provides a wonderful opportunity to stay healthy and meet new people while having fun.

[less-]
Tags:   Outdoor RecreationHealth + Wellness

Drawing | Grades 4–6

07-18-2025

Presented by Birmingham Museum of Art at Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Jul 18 @ 8:45 am

Education is fundamental to the mission of the Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA). We seek to provide quality art learning opportunities throughout the greater Birmingham area, improving the cultural and social wellbeing of our community. The BMA is...

[more+]

Education is fundamental to the mission of the Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA). We seek to provide quality art learning opportunities throughout the greater Birmingham area, improving the cultural and social wellbeing of our community. The BMA is excited to bring back our enriching summer art camp series this year to continue to nurture the youth in our area and encourage creativity, exploration, innovation, and imagination. For more information about Summer Camp visit artsbma.org

[less-]
Tags:   ElementaryArt + Stage

Intermediate Fiber Arts | Grades 7–9

07-18-2025

Presented by Birmingham Museum of Art at Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Jul 18 @ 8:45 am

Education is fundamental to the mission of the Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA). We seek to provide quality art learning opportunities throughout the greater Birmingham area, improving the cultural and social wellbeing of our community. The BMA is...

[more+]

Education is fundamental to the mission of the Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA). We seek to provide quality art learning opportunities throughout the greater Birmingham area, improving the cultural and social wellbeing of our community. The BMA is excited to bring back our enriching summer art camp series this year to continue to nurture the youth in our area and encourage creativity, exploration, innovation, and imagination. For more information about Summer Camp visit artsbma.org

[less-]
Tags:   Pre-TeensArt + Stage

stuck; lingering: New Works by Miriam Calleja

08-23-2025

Presented by Birmingham Public Library at The Birmingham Public Library, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Jul 18 @ 9:00 am Sat, Jul 19 @ 9:00 am Mon, Jul 21 @ 9:00 am + 29 more dates and times

Tue, Jul 22 @ 9:00 am Wed, Jul 23 @ 9:00 am Thu, Jul 24 @ 9:00 am Fri, Jul 25 @ 9:00 am Sat, Jul 26 @ 9:00 am Mon, Jul 28 @ 9:00 am Tue, Jul 29 @ 9:00 am Wed, Jul 30 @ 9:00 am Thu, Jul 31 @ 9:00 am Fri, Aug 01 @ 9:00 am Sat, Aug 02 @ 9:00 am Mon, Aug 04 @ 9:00 am Tue, Aug 05 @ 9:00 am Wed, Aug 06 @ 9:00 am Thu, Aug 07 @ 9:00 am Fri, Aug 08 @ 9:00 am Sat, Aug 09 @ 9:00 am Mon, Aug 11 @ 9:00 am Tue, Aug 12 @ 9:00 am Wed, Aug 13 @ 9:00 am Thu, Aug 14 @ 9:00 am Fri, Aug 15 @ 9:00 am Sat, Aug 16 @ 9:00 am Mon, Aug 18 @ 9:00 am Tue, Aug 19 @ 9:00 am Wed, Aug 20 @ 9:00 am Thu, Aug 21 @ 9:00 am Fri, Aug 22 @ 9:00 am Sat, Aug 23 @ 9:00 am - less dates and times

Using techniques such as collage, embroidery, and image transfer, artist Miriam Calleja works with acrylic paint, ink, watercolor, pencil, and found materials to incorporate her original verse into handmade books, assemblages, and mixed-media...

[more+]

Using techniques such as collage, embroidery, and image transfer, artist Miriam Calleja works with acrylic paint, ink, watercolor, pencil, and found materials to incorporate her original verse into handmade books, assemblages, and mixed-media pieces. Each of Calleja’s pieces contains a line or an entire poem from her repertoire, including some new unpublished work. The exhibition name is inspired by her poem “A choreography of almost." Poems featured in stuck; lingering are on display alongside Calleja’s artwork so that viewers can explore the correspondence between it and her poetry.

Calleja is an internationally published poet, artist, translator, and writer. A native of Malta, she has lived in Birmingham for the past three years. Her poetry collections include Pomegranate Heart (EDE Books, 2015) and Inside (EDE Books, 2016). Among her poetry chapbooks are Remember (Stamparija Reljic, 2020), Stranger Intimacy (Stamparija Reljic, 2020), and Come Closer, I Don’t Mind the Silence (BottleCap Press, 2023). Calleja’s upcoming book Variations on Silence (PoetryWala, 2025) is translated from Maltese. Learn more about Calleja at miriamcalleja.com.

This exhibition is made possible by a grant awarded to the Friends Foundation of BPL by the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

[less-]
Tags:   Books + Film Libraries Literature Multicultural Places Visual ArtsArt + Stage

Hogwarts Mystery (at RMT)

07-18-2025

Presented by Red Mountain Theatre at Red Mountain Theatre Art Campus, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Jul 18 @ 9:30 am

Ages 7-12 By cultivating original characters, students will explore what it would be like to attend Hogwarts. They’ll participate in magical classes, in addition to being sorted into one of the four houses. But there’s a mystery in the castle...

[more+]

Ages 7-12 By cultivating original characters, students will explore what it would be like to attend Hogwarts. They’ll participate in magical classes, in addition to being sorted into one of the four houses. But there’s a mystery in the castle that needs uncovering – do you have what it takes? Through imagination, you’ll travel beyond the pages of the books and create your own original character in the world of magic. At the end of the week, students use their newly learned acting and characterization skills in a sharing for family and friends. Through imagination and creativity, you’ll learn basic theatre fundamentals and have a great time! The students will be split into 4 groups of 15-25 students based on age. If you would like to request that your student be placed in the same group as their friend or sibling who may not be the same age, please send us an email at education@redmountaintheatre.org.

[less-]
Tags:   TheatreFamily + Camps

SNL 50: Happy Gilmore (1996)

07-24-2025

Presented by Sidewalk Film Festival + Center at Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Jul 18 @ 4:30 pm Sat, Jul 19 @ 10:30 am Sat, Jul 19 @ 5:15 pm + 1 more dates and times

Thu, Jul 24 @ 4:00 pm - less dates and times

All Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler) has ever wanted is to be a professional hockey player. But he soon discovers he may actually have a talent for playing an entirely different sport: golf. When his grandmother (Frances Bay) learns she is about to...

[more+]

All Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler) has ever wanted is to be a professional hockey player. But he soon discovers he may actually have a talent for playing an entirely different sport: golf. When his grandmother (Frances Bay) learns she is about to lose her home, Happy joins a golf tournament to try and win enough money to buy it for her. With his powerful driving skills and foulmouthed attitude, Happy becomes an unlikely golf hero — much to the chagrin of the well-mannered golf professionals.

[less-]
Tags:   FilmBooks + Film

Ran (1985) 40th Anniversary 4K Restoration

07-24-2025

Presented by Sidewalk Film Festival + Center at Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Fri, Jul 18 @ 5:30 pm Fri, Jul 18 @ 8:45 pm Sat, Jul 19 @ 10:45 am + 7 more dates and times

Sat, Jul 19 @ 2:00 pm Sat, Jul 19 @ 5:30 pm Sat, Jul 19 @ 8:45 pm Sun, Jul 20 @ 2:00 pm Sun, Jul 20 @ 5:30 pm Thu, Jul 24 @ 2:15 pm Thu, Jul 24 @ 5:30 pm - less dates and times

Akira Kurosawa’s Academy Award-winning adaptation of William Shakespeare’s King Lear, Ran considers the disastrous consequences of Lord Hidetora Ichimonji’s (Tatsuya Nakadai) decision to split his kingdom among his three sons.

Akira Kurosawa’s Academy Award-winning adaptation of William Shakespeare’s King Lear, Ran considers the disastrous consequences of Lord Hidetora Ichimonji’s (Tatsuya Nakadai) decision to split his kingdom among his three sons.

[less-]
Tags:   FilmBooks + Film