A brief history of Homewood

As we approach city elections on August 28, it is helpful for Homewood to learn or be reminded of her history and government, why she is unique and why we need residents in all five wards to be informed and involved in helping decide priorities for her future.

1926

Homewood forms when the Edgewood Town Council authorized a special election to vote to expand the Town of Edgewood (est. 1920) to annex communities of Grove Park and Rosedale. The city has a population of 6,103.

1928

First city election is held for mayor, council president and ward representatives for North Edgewood, Rosedale and South Edgewood.

1929

Hollywood (est. 1926) is annexed, adding two new council wards.

1944

The five city wards are redrawn; population is 8,289. A planning firm recommends public works, residential subdivisions and zoning to prepare to grow to 20,000 people by 1965.

1945-1955

Oak Grove, Drexel Hills, Lakeshore Estates and other neighborhoods are annexed.

1960

Population hits 20,289.

1960-1970

Substantial neighborhood and commercial property is annexed, increasing tax revenue to fund infrastructure and building projects.

1992

Mayor Robert Waldrop ends the city’s longest mayoral term (1968-1992).

2010

Census population is 25,167 in 8.3 square miles.

2012

Elections for the next four-year term will be held August 28: city council president; two representatives from each of five wards and mayor, a part-time position that oversees nine department heads, a chief of staff and city hall support staff.