Homewood Mayoral Candidate Jennifer Andress—Bringing Results

Guest Opinion by Jennifer Andress

For nine years, I’ve had the honor of serving Ward 5 on the Homewood City Council, and in that time, my love for this community has only grown deeper. I love our schools, our parks, our neighborhoods, our businesses, our public servants—and most of all, the people who make this city home.

I’ve seen Homewood from every angle. My husband Keith and I raised our two boys here, and I’ve spent two decades as a community leader, listening, working, and getting things done.

Together, we’ve invested in our future. From a new police headquarters to strengthening our top-tier schools, to protecting the neighborhoods and parks that define us, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.

But there’s more to do. And I have the focus, energy, and dedication to keep Homewood strong.

We have delivered the following results for the citizens of Homewood:

City Manager

I fought to bring a City Manager to Homewood by way of the Council-Manager form of government, with a city manager handling day-to-day operations. This brings professional oversight, added accountability, and continuity across city departments, something Homewood has needed for a long time.

This new form of government means the mayor’s role becomes even more focused on leadership, communication, and collaboration, working closely with the City Manager, Council, and residents to set priorities, solve problems, and move Homewood forward.

This new structure is an opportunity, and it’s one I’m ready for. I’ve worked alongside department heads, staff, and multiple councils. I understand how City Hall functions, and I’ll be ready to hit the ground running on Day One.

Homewood City Schools

One of Homewood’s greatest strengths is our public schools and keeping them strong will always be a top priority for me.

Our family has experienced firsthand just how special Homewood schools are. Both of our sons went through the system, from pre-K at Hall Kent Elementary through graduation, and today they’re thriving in college because they were so well prepared.

Our schools were just ranked #1 in Alabama again by Niche.com. That kind of excellence takes consistent leadership and strong partnerships, and as mayor, I’ll continue to work closely with our Board of Education to make sure our schools have the support they need. Strong schools mean strong neighborhoods, strong families, and a stronger Homewood.

Quality of life

Connectivity has been a pillar of my service and will continue to be as mayor. That means more than sidewalks and trails (though I’ve helped bring plenty of those to life). It means safer streets, stronger neighborhoods, and a city where you can walk your kids to school, jog to your favorite park, or cross a major roadway without fear.

We’ve made real progress—new sidewalks, extending the Shades Creek Greenway by 1.4 miles, and going out to bid this fall: a $2 million grant to improve Highway 31 for pedestrians and commuters alike, and a new trail that will connect Central Park to Spring Park in Rosedale.

But there’s more to do. As mayor, I’ll keep pushing forward, block by block, to make sure every part of our city is safe, accessible, and linked to the heart of our community.

Communication

Good leadership starts with good communication. For the past nine years, I’ve made it a priority to keep residents in Ward 5 informed, through weekly newsletters, social media updates, and one-on-one conversations with neighbors across the community.

If I’m elected mayor, I’ll bring that same commitment to the entire city: accessibility, responsiveness, and proactive communication. You won’t have to wonder what’s happening at City Hall or how decisions are being made. I’ll keep the lines of communication open so that government doesn’t feel far away, it feels like a partnership.

Regional Cooperation

In a county with more than 30 municipalities, progress depends on leaders who know how to work together. Serving as Chair of the Jefferson County Councilor Coalition gave me the opportunity to collaborate across city lines on the issues we all face, whether it’s public safety, infrastructure, or development. I made sure Homewood had a voice at that table and brought back ideas and partnerships that moved our city forward.

I believe in leadership that lifts our city up; I am someone who knows the work, and I never stop showing up. You know my work ethic, my commitment to communication, and my passion for community service. I will bring that to the mayor’s office on Day One, working together as one to benefit the whole community.

As we near Homewood’s Centennial, I will be a mayor for Homewood’s next century, engaged and with dedication that delivers. Homewood deserves that type of leadership, and if entrusted with this role, I will bring you that enthusiastically! If that’s the kind of leadership you want in our city, then join me on August 26, and let’s keep moving our city forward!

Andress, who has served Ward 5 on the Homewood City Council for the past 9 years, will face Robin Litaker in the August 26th municipal election. For more information on the Homewood election, see this link.

For more information on Jennifer Andress, follow her on social media or visit her campaign website, jen4hwd.com.

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