About Lashunda Scales | Jefferson County Commissioner District 1
Lashunda
Scales
Jefferson County Commission, AL Commissioner, District 1
Biography
The Honorable Lashunda Scales was elected November 2018 as the Jefferson County Commissioner for District 1 – making her tenure historic as the first woman elected to represent her district. In 2022, she was overwhelmingly re-elected to continue delivering outstanding results for the stakeholders in District 1.
Prior to serving on the Jefferson County Commission, Scales was the first Black, three-term Birmingham Council Member to represent District 1 (2009–2018). For more than 15 years in public office, she has focused on economic development opportunities for local residents, public safety, infrastructure investment, and transparency in government. A 26-year public relations and marketing professional, Commissioner Scales is best known for building regional partnerships to strengthen communities while expanding opportunities for working families.
She holds an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Stillman College, an alumna of Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Leadership Birmingham, Leadership Alabama, and Jefferson State Community College. Commissioner Lashunda Scales and her husband Michael have been married for 34 years. They are proud parents, grandparents, and active members of Faith Chapel Christian Center in Birmingham, Alabama.
Bold Visionary
Leadership
As Jefferson County Commissioner, Lashunda Scales has helped oversee a $999.6+ million annual budget while supporting responsible fiscal management and long-term financial stability. In 2024, she worked with the Commission to refinance the County’s $2.24 billion sewer debt saving ratepayers approximately $1.1 billion and earning national recognition.
She currently serves as Chair of the Public Works, Community Services, Inter-Governmental Relations, and NACO/NOBCO Committees, and as the County’s HBCU Liaison. Her leadership prioritizes infrastructure improvements, workforce development, public safety funding, and economic growth in District 1.
Commissioner Scales leads with accountability, transparency, and a commitment to delivering measurable outcomes.
measurable outcomes
Proven Results
Real Impact
Jefferson County Commissioner ǀ Accomplishments: 2018-Present
Helped oversee and manage a $999.6+ million county budget
In 2024, refinanced the County’s $2.24 billion sewer debt, saving ratepayers approximately $1.1 billion with a 3.49% annual rate increase — awarded The Bond Buyer’s Southeast Region Deal of the Year and finalist for National Deal of the Year
Established a $2 million Payment Assistance Fund to assist ratepayers
Approved $1 billion+ in economic development incentives supporting District 1 projects and creating 907 good-paying jobs with benefits
Approved $23 million+ for workforce development, including $3.5 million+ for Jefferson State Community College’s Student Success Center
Approved $676 million+ to support the Sheriff’s Department and ensure safe neighborhoods
Approved $100 million+ for sewer infrastructure improvements
Approved $16 million+ for road improvements in District 1
Invested $125,000 in security cameras along Birmingham-area roadways in District 1
Invested $2 million to keep Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED in Birmingham — preserving 750 jobs and creating 50 new jobs
Invested $1 million to support schools in District 1
Invested $1.9 million for the NEW Northeast YMCA Affordable Housing Program & Childcare Center
Invested $400,000 annually as HBCU Liaison to support the Magic City Classic
Directed $470,000+ in ARPA funding for the Daniel Payne Pantry pilot program supporting Pratt City and surrounding neighborhoods
Became the first Commissioner to broadcast Jefferson County meetings on social media to increase transparency and public oversight
Committed
to Service
For more than 25 years, Lashunda Scales has been committed to serving the people of Jefferson County.
Her work reflects a belief that government must be accessible, transparent, and responsive. She was the first Commissioner to broadcast Jefferson County meetings on social media ensuring public oversight and greater community engagement.
From investing in road and sewer infrastructure projects to supporting workforce development and strengthening partnerships with local schools, Commissioner Lashunda Scales remains focused on improving daily life for District 1 stakeholders.
Service is not a slogan — it's a responsibility.
Empowering brands
Why I Chose to Serve
Lashunda Scales sought public office because she believed District 1 deserved strong, independent leadership focused on results, not politics.
Throughout her tenure, she has remained a strong advocate for underserved communities to receive equal government resources and access to viable economic opportunities. She stepped forward to ensure District 1 stakeholders have a seat at the decision making table.
Her mission has remained the same: protect taxpayer dollars, strengthen neighborhoods, and expand opportunity for every resident of Jefferson County.
Saved for ratepayers through sewer debt refinancing.
0Jobs
Created through economic development investments.
$0Million
Approved to support the Sheriff’s Department.
$0Million
for essential sewer improvement projects
$0+ Million
Invested in workforce development programs.