Councilor Josh Vasa

A lot of people have asked why I voted yes on the Data Center Ordinance.

First, this vote did not approve the Oxmoor Valley project. The ordinance established citywide regulations for data centers; it did not approve or deny any specific project.

The biggest factor in my decision was what happens if we do nothing. Based on information presented to the Council, existing permitted data centers could continue to expand under current regulations. We were advised that amending the ordinance would have required re-advertisement and a new public hearing, delaying action by approximately four weeks.

My concern was that during that time, existing permitted facilities could continue moving forward without the additional oversight provided by this ordinance.

Do I think the ordinance is perfect? No. There is more work to do on issues like noise, setbacks, environmental protections, and public input.

I voted to put regulations in place now so we would have some oversight and accountability while continuing the work of strengthening the ordinance in the weeks ahead.

Read my full statement below:

Why I voted the way I voted on the Birmingham data center ordinance: op-ed from City Council member My vote was not a vote for a specific data center project. It was a vote to establish regulations on data centers where none currently exist.

Tony Diliberto, D3 Community Engagement Director, stopped by EPIC Day on Friday. The scholars really enjoyed their last day of school.

Don't forget, we are collecting school supplies at the District 3 Summer Fest. Supplies will benefit EPIC, Avondale, and Glen Iris Elementary Schools.

🌳 Your Voice Matters! 🌳

Parks and green spaces continue to be one of Councilor Vasa’s top priorities for District 3. Whether it’s improving park amenities, expanding recreational opportunities, enhancing trails, or creating more welcoming community spaces, your feedback is essential.

The City of Birmingham is developing a Parks & Recreation Plan, and now is your chance to help shape the future of our parks.

✅ What improvements would you like to see?
✅ What parks do you use most often?
✅ What recreational programs are important to you and your family?

Please take a few minutes to complete the Community Parks & Recreation Survey and share your thoughts.

🔗 https://www.birminghamal.gov/government/city-departments/parks-recreation/birmingham-parks-recreation-plan/community-parks-recreation-survey

Your feedback will help guide future investments in parks, recreation, trails, and green spaces throughout our city.

Together, we can continue building a Birmingham where our parks are vibrant, accessible, and enjoyed by everyone.

Please share this survey with your neighbors and community members to help increase participation and ensure District 3 voices are well represented.

🎒📚 DISTRICT 3 SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE 📚🎒

District 3: Where Community Leads Change

As part of District 3 Summer Fest, we’re collecting school supplies to support students at:

🐊 Glen Iris Elementary School
🦅 Avondale Elementary School
⭐ EPIC Elementary School

Help us ensure local students start the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn.

Most-needed items include:
✏️ Pencils
📓 Composition Notebooks
📄 Wide-Ruled Paper
🖍️ Crayons & Markers
✂️ Scissors
🖇️ Glue Sticks
📁 Pocket Folders
📚 Binders & Dividers
🧻 Kleenex
🧴 Hand Sanitizer
🧼 Hand Soap
🧹 Disinfecting Wipes & Spray
🧻 Paper Towels
🥪 Ziploc Bags

🛒 Don’t have time to shop? We’ve made it easy!
You can purchase items directly from our Amazon Wish List and have them shipped to support our students.

🔗 Amazon Wish List: link in comments

📅 Saturday, June 20, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 George Ward Park
Bring your donations to Summer Fest and enjoy live music, food trucks, family activities, community organizations, and more.

Together, we can make a difference for District 3 students.

🎶🌳 DISTRICT 3 SUMMER FEST MUSIC LINEUP IS HERE! 🌳🎶

Get ready for an incredible day of live music, community, and family fun at District 3 Summer Fest!

Join us on Saturday, June 20th at George Ward Park as we showcase some of Birmingham's most talented artists.

🎧 DJ Suaze– Official Event DJ
Keeping the energy high throughout the day with the perfect mix of soul, jazz, funk, and feel-good vibes.

🎤 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Kanou Babèl
Experience soulful Caribbean-inspired rhythms, uplifting lyrics, and an energetic performance designed to bring people together through music and joy.

🎶 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Gabriel Tajeu
An internationally recognized soul artist whose powerful vocals and heartfelt songwriting have captivated audiences from Birmingham to Japan.

🎤 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Shaheed & DJ Supreme
Birmingham hip-hop legends bringing authentic lyricism, community-centered messages, and decades of musical excellence to the stage.

🎵 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM
Erin Mitchell
The Soul Songbird of Birmingham closes out our live performances with her signature blend of soul, blues, rock, and country influences.

📅 June 20, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 George Ward Park

🎒 FREE School Supply Drive
🎟 FREE Admission
🤝 Community Organizations
🎨 Family Activities
🍔 Food Vendors
🎶 Live Local Music

Good Music. Good People. Great Community.

We can't wait to see you there!

🎤✨ DISTRICT 3 SUMMER FEST ARTIST SPOTLIGHT ✨🎤

We're excited to announce the final artist in our District 3 Summer Fest lineup — Erin Mitchell, Birmingham's own Soul Songbird!

For more than two decades, Erin Mitchell's soulful, blues-soaked voice has been a defining presence on the Southeastern music scene. Rooted in soul and blues, with touches of rock and country, her sound brings the perfect balance of grit, grace, authenticity, and heart to every performance.

Known for her powerful vocals and ability to connect with audiences of all backgrounds, Erin creates unforgettable musical experiences that leave a lasting impression. As she steps into an exciting new chapter focused on original music and an upcoming record, we're honored to have her bring her incredible talent to the District 3 Summer Fest stage.

Erin Mitchell joins an amazing lineup of local artists who represent the creativity, culture, and community spirit that make Birmingham special.

📅 June 20, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 George Ward Park

🎟 FREE Community Event
🎒 School Supply Drive
🎶 Live Music & Entertainment
🤝 Community Organizations
🌳 Family-Friendly Fun

Come celebrate with us as we close out an incredible artist lineup and enjoy a day of music, community, and connection in District 3!

🌴🥁 DISTRICT 3 SUMMER FEST ARTIST SPOTLIGHT 🥁🌴

Get ready for an unforgettable performance as we welcome Kanou Babèl to the District 3 Summer Fest stage!

Drawing from his Caribbean roots, Kanou Babèl creates music that blends organic rhythms, captivating lyrics, and soulful energy into a truly unique experience. Joined by drummer Open Jar, the duo delivers a vibrant, high-energy performance designed to move both the body and the spirit.

Their music is about more than entertainment, it's about connection, healing, and community. Through powerful rhythms and uplifting messages, they invite audiences into a joyful communal experience that encourages reflection, hope, and possibility. Their goal is simple: leave every space brighter than they found it and remind us all that more is possible.

Come experience the energy, the rhythm, and the joy for yourself at District 3 Summer Fest!

📅 June 20, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 George Ward Park

🎟 FREE Community Event
🎒 School Supply Drive
🎶 Live Music & Entertainment
🤝 Community Organizations
🌳 Family-Friendly Fun

Follow the artist:

Stay tuned as we continue announcing the incredible artists and performers joining us for District 3 Summer Fest!

🎶✨ DISTRICT 3 SUMMER FEST ARTIST SPOTLIGHT ✨🎶

We're excited to announce another incredible performer joining the District 3 Summer Fest lineup — Gabriel Tajeu!

Known for his soulful voice, powerful songwriting, and captivating live performances, Gabriel Tajeu brings a sound deeply rooted in classic soul, R&B, and singer-songwriter traditions. Influenced by legends such as Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Al Green, and Marvin Gaye, Gabriel has crafted a musical style that is both timeless and uniquely his own.

His talent has reached audiences far beyond Birmingham. Through a successful partnership with Japan's Sweet Soul Records, Gabriel's debut album Finding My Way climbed to #11 on the iTunes Japan R&B Chart, while his single Raindrops reached the Tokyo Top 100. His follow-up album, Southern Skies, was recorded at the legendary FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals and featured musicians who helped shape the iconic Muscle Shoals sound.

From his soaring falsetto and rich harmonies to his heartfelt lyrics and soulful delivery, Gabriel Tajeu continues to represent Birmingham's vibrant music scene on a global stage.

Join us as he brings his incredible talent to George Ward Park for a day of music, community, and fun!

📅 June 20, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 George Ward Park

🎟 FREE Community Event
🎒 School Supply Drive
🎶 Live Music & Entertainment
🤝 Community Organizations
🌳 Family-Friendly Fun

Stay tuned as we continue unveiling our amazing District 3 Summer Fest lineup!