BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After more than two decades of public service, Birmingham City Councilor Valerie Abbott is stepping down.
Abbott, who has represented District 3 since 2001, announced her retirement, marking the end of a 24-year tenure — the longest continuous service of any council member in the city’s history.
During her time on the council, Abbott served six consecutive four-year terms and worked alongside six different mayors. Her work focused heavily on neighborhood planning, land use, zoning reforms, and environmental initiatives such as community gardens and green spaces…