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August 2025 | Volume 16 | Issue 5
Serving the Birmingham area since 1958. SERVING MOUNTAIN BROOK, THE 280 CORRIDOR, HOMEWOOD, HOOVER, TRUSSVILLE AND VESTAVIA HILLS
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2025 VOTER GUIDE
Turning point Graham Smith Mayor (unopposed)
Mountain Brook prepares for significant leadership transition in municipal election By SARAH OWENS
T
he 2025 municipal election marks a historic period of transition for the city of Mountain Brook, with long-serving city leaders stepping down and a new generation preparing to take the reins. Voters will cast their ballots on Aug. 26 for two contested City Council seats, while the city’s next mayor and city manager have already been confirmed and are set to take office in November.
On the Ballot: Meet the candidates running to serve as the next mayor or City Council members. See page 26
Mayor Stewart Welch is retiring after two terms in office and will be replaced by Graham Smith, who was certified as the city’s next mayor on July 14. Longtime City Council President Virginia Smith will also step down after 25 years of service. Adding to the changing of the guard, City Manager Sam Gaston will retire after 32 years leading day-to-day operations for the city.
Gerald Garner Candidate for City Council Place 2
David Silverstein Candidate for City Council Place 2
Becky Holt Candidate for City Council Place 4
Joe Sandner IV Candidate for City Council Place 4
See VOTE | page 24
Ask the Candidates: Candidates for mayor and council share their views on key issues facing the city. See page 28
Follow us for more: Stay up to date with election news by connecting with us online.
New looks, new faces, greet Mountain Brook students this fall By EMILY REED
Workers have been busy putting the finishing touches on facility upgrades before students return to Mountain Brook Schools for the 2025-26 academic year. Photo courtesy of Mountain Brook Schools.
INSIDE
When Mountain Brook students return to class Aug. 11, they’ll step into refreshed spaces, meet new leaders and benefit from a community that continues to invest in its schools. From upgraded facilities and nationally recognized school resource officers to a record-setting $5.5 million foundation campaign fueling innovation, the 2025–26 school year promises to keep Mountain Brook at the head of the class — with Spartan teams like cross country and wrestling looking to defend state titles, and the famous Dorians dance team chasing a third consecutive national championship. Just months after 316 graduates from the Class of 2025
Sponsors.............................4 City.......................................6
Schoolhouse.......................8 Business.............................10
departed for 46 colleges across 21 states — with Auburn, Alabama and Ole Miss topping the list — the district now turns to another year of academic and extracurricular achievement.
NEW FACILITIES
Over the summer, construction and maintenance crews completed upgrades and renovations across the district: ► The library at Mountain Brook Elementary received a total renovation. ► The playground at Brookwood Forest was expanded.
See BACK TO SCHOOL | page 30
Real Estate........................13 Events.................................14
Sports.................................18 Community.......................20 facebook.com/villageliving
Under the Lights
Legacy of Strength
A powerful bond is pushing the Spartans to consistent success.
Sarah Simon’s academic triumph honors her mother’s memory.
See page 18
See page 20
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