About Aaron

Aaron’s leadership is defined by integrity, diligence, and empathy. He’s built a record of smart investments—enhancing transparency, balancing progress with accountability, improving the quality of life for Irondale families for now, and for those to come. With a servant’s heart, he’s hands-on in Council debates, community projects, and neighborhood conversations—always aiming to raise Irondale’s bar.

Lifelong Irondale Resident & Family Man

Aaron  Sims has proudly called Irondale home for over 30 years. Married to Carla for 18 years, they’re raising six children together—a close family at the heart of District 5.

Marine Corps Veteran & VMI Graduate

Aaron served his country as a United States Marine and holds a degree in Computer Science from the Virginia Military Institute.

Experienced Public Servant

Aaron has represented District 5 on the Irondale City Council for four years. His approach is defined by a servant’s heart—committed to listening first, serving second, and delivering results every time.

I have worked with fellow councilors and the Mayor to pass impactful ordinances and launch meaningful initiatives. Here are some things I have accomplished during my term.

PUBLIC SAFETY AND COMMUNITY WELL-BUILDING

• Sponsored ordinances empowering our police to act in emergencies, including rescuing animals from hot cars

• Initiated an agreement between Irondale and the Jefferson County Board to utilize a local school as an emergency storm shelter if needed

• Amended outdated leash laws to be more practical for pet owners

• Helped regulate fireworks in neighborhoods to reduce noise and safety complaints

• Created and funded the "Irondale School Safety Initiative," with support for active shooter training and human trafficking awareness for educators and students

• A Public safety Ordinance aimed at expanding our officer’s ability to combat illegal activities and protect neighborhoods

STRONG NEIGHBORHOODS AND SCHOOLS

• A proposed ordinance to allow tenants to opt-in for on-time rent reporting to credit bureaus, helping residents build credit

• Proposed Ordinance to strengthen code enforcement tools for illegal signage and littering in public rights-of-way

• The Feasibility of zoning changes to allow manufactured housing in some areas to fill vacant lots and other potential changes to produce more affordable housing in parts of the city.

• Better accountability for landlords, holding them accountable for code violations occurring on properties, as well as looking into our ability to strengthen any ordinances pertaining to rentals to ensure better compliance with our codes and ordinances for absentee owners.

• Supported Heidi’s Kids, who work with our schools and the community to provide children in need with food and other needs as well as it’s yearly Christmas Drive

• Partnering with H20 (Help To Others Foundation) to provide assistance to those in need with their water bill and or plumbing issues

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH

I fully supported this administration’s bold vision to Build Community and Grow Irondale.

Supported the Dog Park, Ruffner Ball Fields, and New Library projects. 

Will support the Irondale Civic Center remodel and work to get as many of the amenities that we can get into the final project. 

Will continue to support the new Municipal Complex on Crestwood as well as working towards transitioning the old municipal complex into a Mixed-Use entertainment district.   

I supported and attended all of the Alabama League of Municipalities’ Inaugural Economic Development Academy in 2022 which Irondale was just recognized for with an article looking at our recent growth and development in the ALM’s Quarterly Magazine.

I have supported out City Employees, who are one of our greatest assets, to ensure they have had all the tools needed to provide our residents with the level of services they deserve.

Initiated reform of Council appointments to citizen boards: creating standardized and consistent processes for appointments and proposed training for all appointees

Consistently supported our youth through funding for JROTC, STEM programs, robotics, FBLA, arts, school libraries, athletics, and schools.

Annually supported our summer movies in the park to provide Snow Cones and Lemonade.

Supported the Irondale Music Festivals, I love Irondale Day, Yo Amo Irondale Festival, and other Community events the last 4 years.

I believe in continuous improvement and community-driven solutions. I’ve met with citizens, business owners, and community leaders to hear concerns and build consensus. I’ve seen first hand how effective communication can lead to real compromise and progress. Sometimes, it means adjusting an ordinance after hearing public input. Other times, it means holding the line when a decision is right for the long-term health of our city.

I support our vision for growing Irondale with intention. That includes investing in parks and public spaces, encouraging responsible commercial and residential development, and bringing in new businesses that create jobs and expand our tax base. Growth should benefit all residents, and I want to ensure it does.

We’ve accomplished a lot, but there’s still more to do. I’m just hitting my stride, and I want to keep working for you in District 5 and all of Irondale.

I respectfully ask for your vote on August 26 to continue building our community and keeping Irondale growing strong.