-October 12, 2023 –

Over the last few months, I’ve been going door-to-door in Birmingham neighborhoods and spending Sunday mornings talking with people at the Farmers Market. I like getting out of the house, love people, and enjoy fresh produce. But that’s not what this is all about. 

As I explain to people who answer their doorbell or come up and shake my hand, I’ve got this crazy idea that because the citizens of Birmingham elected me to the City Commission, it’s my job to actually represent them. To do that effectively, I need to know what’s most important to my neighbors and their families. And the best way to do that is to talk with them and listen. 

Thankfully, people in Birmingham couldn’t be nicer. I haven’t had a door slammed in my face or been arrested for trespassing yet. Even the dogs are generally friendly. And residents have lots on their minds they want to share.

First and foremost, they want me to know that they love Birmingham. We’re all lucky to be living in one of the most welcoming, beautiful communities not just in Michigan but on the face of the Earth. When my wife Laura and I decided almost 50 years ago to make Birmingham the place to raise our family, it was the best decision we ever made. 

They also understand that great cities don’t automatically stay great and the character of their neighborhoods won’t stay appealing without diligence and citizen involvement. There are things that need to be addressed. 

Top of mind, especially after the “500-year storm” we experienced in August, are our unimproved roads and 100-year-old sewers. Flooded streets and water in basements can make life miserable wherever you live. 

Residents also want to know what can be done about the noise on Woodward. They’re not satisfied with the excuse that it’s the county’s or state’s issue to solve. 

And there is a growing concern that short-term rentals are a threat to the peace and quiet of our residential neighborhoods. I’ve heard horror stories about the disruption on weekends caused by transient tenants.

I do more than listen to these and other issues. I take what I’ve learned back to the Commission and do my best to move them up on our agenda. That keeps us on track and helps me have good answers to the most important questions I get, which begin with these words: “What are you going to do about it?” 

Since July, I’ve visited with folks in the Pierce, Torry, Poppleton Park and Quarton Lake neighborhoods. If my shoes hold out and the weather cooperates, I’ll get to most of Birmingham by November 7, election day. If I don’t see you at the Farmers Market or knock on your door before then and you have an issue you want to discuss, email me at BradHost@BradHostBirmingham.com 

Thanks for helping me represent you on the Commission.

Birmingham City Commissioner Brad Host Announces Reelection Bid

-July 7, 2023 –

Brad Host has filed his petition to run for a second term on the Birmingham City Commission. Birmingham residents will be voting on November 7 to fill four of the seven City Commission seats.

“It’s an honor to represent the people of Birmingham,” said Host. “Making sure their voices are heard and priorities are understood by city government is a responsibility I take very seriously.” In 2019, Host received the highest vote total of the candidates on the ballot. Commissioners are elected at large for four-year terms. Non-partisan elections are held in November of each odd-numbered year.

“We’ve made progress in a number of areas, but there’s a lot of work to be done,” said Host. “The unacceptable noise-levels on Woodward, the threat to our neighborhoods of short-term rentals, attempts to commercialize our parks, the deficit of daytime parking in our ever-growing downtown, and desperately needed budget for unimproved roads and aging infrastructure are among the issues the Commission must address with a greater sense of urgency.