Recent changes and actions surrounding the BJCTA leadership and its board have raised serious concerns.

There have been four board chairs in the last five months. There have been five executive directors in the last eight years. This has created an instability in leadership.

My administration’s strategy to govern is based on three words, putting people first. Yet, the current situation at the BJCTA shakes public confidence and demands accountability and transparency.

I will take a closer look at operations before providing any additional funding to the budget for the BJCTA in the upcoming fiscal year. I want to repeat that. I will take a closer look at operations before providing any additional funding to the budget for the BJCTA in the upcoming fiscal year.

We are committed to an effective and efficient transit service with a priority on customer service for the people of Birmingham.

Again, the current situation surrounding the leadership of the BJCTA has raised concerns that must be reviewed.

The city is committed to its strategic partnership with the BJCTA, but must insist on a clear oversight process forward to ensure accountability and transparency.

Before I will agree to continued funding, the BJCTA board must respond to three critical actions:

Show my administration, the public and BJCTA employees a leadership stability plan that is attached to a timeline.

Mandate a minimum of 12 hours of board training.

Establish rules and procedures for the length of board officers’ terms.

I am not trying to run this board and have no appointing power to the BJCTA board, but with the city providing more than $10 million annually to the BJCTA, I must protect the city’s interest.