In November 2023, the Hoover City Council approved a development package for Riverwalk Village that combines cash payments and multi‑category tax rebates for the developer, alongside new lease commitments by the City. This page compiles the official actions, independent reporting, and resident analyses so you can see who benefits, who pays, and what’s next.
Key Numbers
$16M pre‑paid rent commitments over 10 years (city cash).
Up to ~$25.8M in tax rebates over 20 years (85% retail, 85% construction sales tax [phase], 85% lodging + $2 room night, 50% property tax) as reported by Hoover Sun when the Council approved the package. management.
Additional ~$700k/yr for 10 years to lease city office space, per council meeting coverage.
Developer Benefits
Tax rebates across categories
Control over subleases
Rent inflows
Potential profits from land/hotel/retail
City Exposure
Pre‑Paid Rent
Additional Lease Costs (e.g., ±$700k/yr)
Operating Costs and Tenant Improvements borne by City/HHA
Opportunity Costs (services, infrastructure)
MYTHS VS. FACTS
Myth: “This project is a guaranteed win for taxpayers.”
FACT: The City approved a package including up to $16M in cash and estimated $25.8M in rebates; long‑term returns depend on occupancy, operators, and negotiated subleases.
Myth: “The building is already delivering medical services.”
FACT: As of late July–August 2025, the City moved to lease office space to ADOR while continuing to work on the healthcare operator piece for the ASC.
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Our News
Ken King: Alabama and its cities – a matter of priorities
Ken King - 1819 News - Oct 17, 2024
Recently, Hoover chose not to reduce its grocery tax from 3.5% to 3%, citing "complex state statutes" as the reason. This excuse came from the city’s CFO, who earns over $250,000 annually. Yet cities with much smaller budgets, like Clay, Ala., have successfully implemented grocery tax reductions. Even the state of Alabama reduced its grocery tax from 4% to 3% in 2023, proving that cutting the tax is not impossible.
Hoover residents seeking additional answers about the city’s forensic audit report
Aajene Robinson - WBRC - Oct 7, 2024
A group of Hoover residents plan to address the city council Monday with their concerns regarding the city’s recent forensic audit. The residents claim their questions surrounding the audit aren’t being answered and they say they want an opportunity to be heard. Hoover resident Ken King is part of this group called Our Hoover.
Group of Hoover residents call for investigation after results of forensic audit released
James Giles - WBRC - Sep 17, 2024
Tensions ran high at the Hoover City Council meeting during the public comment portion Monday night. While the mayor insists findings of a recent forensic audit shows no wrongdoing, some residents remain unconvinced. “I’ll keep asking the same straightforward questions: Where are the emails, Mr. Mayor? Where is the $30 million that was overstated in the general fund? That’s all. Thank you,” said Ken King during the meeting. King questioned the results of a forensic audit conducted by an external agency, which examined the city’s financial records beyond the scope of the annual audit.