Mountain Brook Mayor Graham Smith Discusses Stewardship, Safety & Regional Collaboration

RCB President Jeff Stone and Rotarian LeNá McDonald with Mayor Smith

This week, the Rotary Club of Birmingham (RCB) welcomed Graham Smith, who was elected Mayor of the City of Mountain Brook in 2025. Mayor Smith shared insights into the challenges and opportunities of municipal government, emphasizing responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, public safety, strong schools, and thoughtful planning in a city that is nearly fully developed. She described local government as being “invisible yet indispensable,” with success measured by the quality of services residents receive every day.

Mayor Smith stressed the importance of regional collaboration, pointing to partnerships with neighboring municipalities, Jefferson County, and state leaders on projects such as the Highway 280 bridge connection and the redevelopment of Brookwood Mall. She discussed ongoing investments in public safety, infrastructure, parks, public art, and the renovation of Mountain Brook’s library. She emphasized that effective local government depends on problem-solving, fiscal responsibility, and cooperation across jurisdictional boundaries to strengthen the entire Birmingham region.

Bio for Mayor Graham Smith

Graham Smith serves as Mayor of the City of Mountain Brook. She lives in Cherokee Bend with her husband, Harrison, and their two sons. She graduated from Washington & Lee University and later received an MBA from The University of Alabama. She previously worked in the Office of Advancement for The University of Alabama and served as U.S. Senator Richard Shelby’s Legislative Director. She has served on a number of civic boards and most recently served on the Mountain Brook City Council prior to her mayoral election. She is the past president of the Jefferson County City Councilor's Coalition, a member of the Leadership Birmingham Class of 2025, and the Birmingham Kiwanis Club. Previously, she served as the PTO President of Cherokee Bend Elementary School and as a member of the Mountain Brook Planning Commission and Editorial Board. She sits on the boards of the Friends of Jemison Park, The Alabama Trails Commission, The Metropolitan Planning Organization, The Alabama League of Municipalities.