Hoover approves Home Building Academy
On Feb. 9, 2026, the Hoover City Council voted to approve an ordinance supporting the creation of the Central Alabama Home Building Academy, a workforce development initiative designed to address a growing labor shortage in the residential construction industry. The ordinance authorizes a $20 fee on residential building permits issued in the City of Hoover, with proceeds dedicated to funding the academy. The program will provide no-cost training to eligible participants ages 17 and older, preparing them for careers in residential construction trades such as plumbing, electrical work, HVAC and other related fields.
“Investing in trade education is about more than filling a labor gap; it’s about opening doors to sustainable, respectable careers that offer a path to achieving the American dream,” said Hoover City Council President Casey Middlebrooks. “By supporting this Academy, Hoover is taking a proactive step to strengthen our local economy and provide a clear pathway for the next generation of skilled professionals. The Council is proud to have built in strong measures for transparency and retention to ensure this program delivers a real, measurable return for both our taxpayers and our workforce.”
