Homewood Names Former Engineer Cale Smith as Interim City Manager

The city of Homewood has appointed Cale Smith as the interim city manager. Smith, a former engineer and city employee, previously served as the director of engineering and zoning. His experience in infrastructure development will be crucial as he takes on this new role.

Cale Smith’s Vision for Homewood

As interim city manager, Smith will manage daily operations and oversee the city budget. He expressed his commitment to community engagement, stating, “People want to be heard and participate in decision-making processes.” His goal is to facilitate open lines of communication between residents and the city council.

Challenges and Changes Ahead

In November, the Homewood City Council reduced its membership from eleven to four to increase efficiency. Smith noted that he aims to support a smooth transition for the next permanent city manager, who will be selected by the council.

Key Goals and Initiatives

• Budget Review: Smith plans to ensure the city budget remains fiscally responsible.
• Master Plan Development: He will assist in initiating the creation of a comprehensive master plan for the city, soliciting public input starting in January.
• Community Survey: Smith intends to launch a community survey to gauge local needs and effectively allocate resources.

Smith has dedicated his first month to learning about other municipalities with a council-manager structure, including those in Jefferson County, Vestavia Hills, and Pelham. This knowledge will inform his interim strategies and support a collaborative approach in Homewood’s governance.

Professional Background

A native of Greenville, Alabama, Smith moved to Homewood in 2004 after obtaining a civil engineering degree from Auburn University. He has 17 years of experience in engineering, managing projects for significant institutions including the University of Alabama at Birmingham and various corporate entities like Aldi and Walmart. Prior to this role, he directed engineering and zoning for Homewood.

Smith takes over from Glen Adams, Homewood’s first city manager, whose contract expired in November. Mayor Jennifer Andress expressed confidence in Smith, highlighting his leadership skills and dedication to the community.

In his own words, “I’m excited to be here. I love this community.” With a focus on future growth, Smith is poised to lead Homewood with a commitment to smart, responsible decision-making.