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Mayor Woodfin appoints Abra Barnes to HABD Board

Birmingham, AL — Mayor Randall L. Woodfin has appointed Abra Barnes to the Housing Authority of Birmingham District’s Board of Commissioners. Barnes, who is filling a previously unexpired term, will serve effective immediately through August 13, 2022.

“It is important to have a thriving housing community and selecting an experienced servant leader for this essential agency was vital,” Mayor Woodfin said. “I feel confident that Abra will serve well.”

With more than 20 years of award-winning experience in real estate, Barnes serves as president and broker of Barnes & Associates, the largest Black-owned realty firm in Alabama. She is also the founder and principal of Barnes School of Real Estate and director of the Birmingham Association of Realtors.

I am honored to be appointed to the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District Board of Commissioners,” Barnes said. “I will be joining a group of Commissioners who work tirelessly to ensure the vision of HABD is carried out. It is a holistic vision to empower self-sufficiency, economic advancement, and quality living for a successful future. As a 20-year veteran in the real estate industry, my company has put thousands of people in homes. Thus, I know firsthand the importance of quality housing. And quality housing is essential to having quality of life! 

In addition to her influence within real estate, Barnes is a community leader. She serves as a board member for the Supreme Youth Leadership Academy, Southern Christian Leadership Conference as well as founder of both Urban Blessings and the Magic City Bike Club.

The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) is the largest public housing agency within the State of Alabama with approximately 5,100 conventional public housing units located at 14 sites within the Birmingham city limits. HABD serves a population of more than 4,800 families in public housing. Additionally, HABD administers a Section 8 program which consists of more than 5,240 vouchers. HABD is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners appointed by the mayor of the City of Birmingham.