Key takeaways
- Alabama state government spent $38.1 billion in fiscal 2024, the 28th most of any state.
- Statewide purchasing runs through the Office of Procurement, and vendors register and find bids in STAARS Vendor Self Service.
- The fiscal year starts Oct. 1; the governor's FY2028 budget proposal usually comes in February, by the 2nd legislative day.
- The 2027 legislative session convenes Feb. 2 and is scheduled to adjourn May 13.
- A new governor, Tommy Tuberville, takes office Jan. 18, 2027.
Alabama government at a glance
| Fact | Alabama |
|---|---|
| State spending, FY 2024 | $38.1 billion (28th of 50) |
| Fiscal year starts | Oct. 1 |
| Next budget | FY2028 · proposal usually in February, by the 2nd legislative day |
| 2027 legislative session | Feb. 2 to May 13 (101 days) |
| Governor-elect | Tommy Tuberville, takes office Jan. 18, 2027 |
| Central procurement office | Office of Procurement |
| Bid and vendor portal | STAARS Vendor Self Service |
| State CIO | Daniel Urquhart, Secretary of Information Technology |
| Local governments | 1,208 total, including 541 special districts and 138 school districts |
| Public power and co-op utilities | 36 public power utilities and 24 electric co-ops |
| State prison population | 27,181 (end of 2023) |
How Alabama buys
- Central purchasing. The Office of Procurement handles statewide contracts and purchasing rules for state agencies.
- Where bids are posted. STAARS Vendor Self Service is where vendors register and find state solicitations.
- Registering as a vendor. Our Alabama vendor registration guide walks through the steps, fees and documents.
- Agencies and local buyers. Many agencies, universities, cities, counties and school districts buy on their own or through cooperative contracts; see our cooperative purchasing guide.
Budget and legislative calendar
- Fiscal year. Alabama's fiscal year starts Oct. 1. The next budget covers FY2028.
- Governor's proposal. Usually released in February, by the 2nd legislative day. Status as of Nov. 8, 2026: not yet released. Track it in our governor budget proposals tracker.
- 2027 session. Convenes Feb. 2 and is scheduled to adjourn May 13. Organizational session January 12. See the 2027 legislative session calendar.
- New administration. Governor-elect Tommy Tuberville takes office Jan. 18, 2027. New administrations often bring new agency leaders and priorities; see new governors in 2027.
Technology and AI
- State CIO. Daniel Urquhart, Secretary of Information Technology, leads the Office of Information Technology. See the full state CIO directory.
- AI policy. Our tracker counts 1 executive order, no laws and 1 agency policy on government AI use, plus an AI office or council. See the state AI policy tracker.
- How IT buying works. See how state agencies buy technology.
Largest public buyers in Alabama
The biggest Alabama entities on our national rankings. Each one runs its own budget and, in most cases, its own purchasing.
| Buyer | Type | Size | National rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntsville | City | 233,627 residents (2025) | 100 of 100 largest cities |
| Mobile County | School district | 52,614 students (fall 2021) | 77 of 100 largest districts |
| Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International | Airport | 1,615,940 passengers boarded (2025) | 83 of 100 busiest |
| Birmingham Water Works Board | Water utility | 585,000 people served | 56 of 208 largest |
| Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS) | Water utility | 279,000 people served | 129 of 208 largest |
| Huntsville Utilities | Public power utility | 220,576 electric customers (2024) | 17 of 50 largest |
| Birmingham (AL) Police | Police department | 830 sworn officers (2016) | 50 of 50 largest |
| Jefferson County Sheriff's Office | Sheriff's office | 519 sworn personnel (2016) | 30 of 50 largest |
| Port of Mobile | Port | 629,837 TEUs (2025) | 15 of 16 largest |
Sources: KSG rankings of the largest cities, counties, school districts, public universities, transit agencies, airports, water utilities, public power utilities, police departments and other lists. Figures are from each list's source year.
Local government and utilities
- 1,208 local governments. That includes 541 special districts and 138 school districts. See special districts by state.
- Utilities. 36 public power utilities and 24 electric cooperatives serve 1,248,847 customers, 45% of the state. See Alabama utilities.
- Budget cycles. Cities, counties and school districts set their own fiscal years; see city and county budget calendars.
Alabama state holidays in 2027
Besides the 11 federal holidays, Alabama state offices close on these days in 2027:
- Mardi Gras: Tuesday, Feb. 9 (Louisiana; Baldwin and Mobile counties in Alabama)
- Confederate Memorial Day: Monday, April 26 (Alabama, Mississippi (South Carolina observes May 10))
- Jefferson Davis' Birthday: Monday, June 7
See the full 2027 federal and state holiday calendar.
How KSG helps
Kensington Sales Group's SDRs book meetings with public agencies across Federal, SLED, K-12 & Higher Ed, Healthcare, Tribal, Special Districts and Utilities. We research Alabama buyers, time outreach to state and local budget cycles and get you in front of the people who own the problem you solve. See how our state and local sales development works.
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