Mayor McLain resigns, new mayor selected

By Grace Lovins

A familiar face returned to the seat of Birmingham mayor during the Monday, November 18, city commission meeting as commissioners selected former mayor Therese Longe to take on the position once again and commissioner Clinton Baller to serve as mayor pro tem.

Current mayor pro tem Katie Schafer declined possible appointment as mayor due to time constraints involving her medical practice and family.

Longe previously held the title of mayor beginning in November 2021. She was reselected by the commission to serve another term in November 2022 before passing the torch to McLain at the end of her term in 2023. This will be Baller’s first time holding the title of mayor pro tem.

After thanking the commission for their support, Longe remarked that she hopes the commission will continue its momentum of this past year and work collaboratively to move forward on important issues.

Following Monday night’s meeting, Birmingham Communications Director Marianne Gamboa issued a press release announcing commissioner and previous mayor Elaine McLain’s resignation from the board. McLain has been absent from city commission meetings since August but no reason has been given for the extended absences.

“On Monday, November 18, 2024, McLain resigned from her position on the City Commission following a leave of absence for undisclosed personal reasons,” Gamboa wrote. The city will be accepting applications to fill the vacancy in December.

Commissioners recognized McLain’s legacy in public service, having been involved in the city’s government for nearly two decades. She began as a board member and chairperson on the Birmingham Area Cable Board, serving 15 years, before being elected as a city commissioner in November 2021.

McLain served as mayor pro tem under Longe from November 2022 to November 2023 and was then selected to serve as mayor. Outside of the commission, she served as a board member for Next senior services and volunteered as a driver for Meals on Wheels.

“Mayor McLain’s service on the commission was distinguished by her commitment to professionalism, civility and inclusion,” Longe said. “She championed transparent processes, communication and teamwork. At each meeting, she worked to make sure that everyone was heard and respected.”