By David Sher
I’m dumbfounded.
I’ve written and hosted ComebackTown columns for 14 years on how Birmingham might do better.
Fourteen years of hoping, pushing, and prodding. And then the world turns upside down. Continue reading Time to Pay Close Attention to Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin
By David Sher
I recently met with the CEO of a large private company to discuss how greater Birmingham might progress. He’s a well-known name from a well-known firm.
He was totally engaged in our conversation. He took copious notes and asked thoughtful questions about what I presented. Continue reading Big Problem: Moneyed People in the Suburbs Love Birmingham Too Much
By David Sher
Let me get this out of the way: Some people are going to accuse me of being a bit too optimistic.
That is all okay.
A dose of optimism is likely what we need. Continue reading Birmingham Doing What No One Thought Possible
By David Sher
I’m writing this column for one reason.
This piece is for the folks who take Birmingham’s strengths for granted and feel we’re falling behind Huntsville. Continue reading You and Your Family May Not Need Birmingham until You Do
By David Sher
Walk down 3rd Avenue North outside the Alabama Theatre.
Look down.
See those stars embedded in rose-colored marble?
Birmingham residents have walked past them a thousand times without a second glance. Continue reading The Idea that Could Bring Excitement Back to Downtown Birmingham
By David Sher,
I have the deepest respect and admiration for people who are brave and unselfish enough to go out and make the world better.
Not people who talk about making the world better.
Not people who share articles about it on social media.
People who actually give something up — real comfort, real security, real stability — to go do the hard, unglamorous, sometimes thankless work that changes lives. Continue reading Birmingham Woman Walked Away from a Dream Job. Now Being Recognized for Oscar-Nominated Film
By David Sher
Quite frankly, I am stunned.
Year after year, Alabama has been a punching bag for the press.
What a breath of fresh air.
Canada’s Globe and Mail — widely regarded as Canada’s most influential national publication —sent a reporter to the Deep South to figure out how Alabama had become richer than their country. Continue reading Most prominent Newspaper in Canada Declares Canada is Poorer than Alabama
By David Sher
I couldn’t believe my eyes or ears.
It was like a scene from a science fiction movie. Continue reading Birmingham robs Hoover, and the winner is…
By David Sher
Editor’s note: PIease read entire column before jumping to conclusions–the proposed change may not be what you expect.
I was asked by al.com to write about the best thing that happened to Birmingham in 2025.
I’m still thinking.
Meanwhile, huge economic development announcements keep rolling in from across the South. Many come from Huntsville. If you’re tired of reading about their wins in ComebackTown, I understand. But I’m writing about them because Birmingham isn’t making these headlines–not because I’m jealous of Huntsville.
Huntsville’s successes are great for our state and prove what’s possible. Continue reading The Surprising Change That Could Save Greater Birmingham in 2026
By David Sher
Editor’s note: This column is based on the podcast, Talking Headways: A Streetsblog Podcast. Episode 552: Under a Highway in Birmingham, Alabama.
If you look at an aerial photograph of downtown Birmingham, you’ll notice something peculiar: Interstate 59 and Interstate 20 make a sharp, inexplicable bend as they pass through the city center. That bend tells a story—one of the darkest chapters in American urban planning. Continue reading Birmingham: Ingenious idea in peril