City of Birmingham awards $808,000 to facilitate economic development through BOLD program

City of Birmingham awards $808,000 to facilitate economic development through BOLD program

The City of Birmingham has awarded more than $800,000 to seven area organizations whose missions are rooted in creating a more inclusive and resilient community. The BOLD funding program, which stands for Building Opportunities for Lasting Development, provides financial support to organizations and agencies that take creative, evidence-based approaches to advancing economic and community development in Birmingham.

“I am thrilled to continue funding local organizations through the BOLD program who work diligently to support our residents with innovative programming and resources,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “An investment in these organizations is an investment in the future of Birmingham.”

Funding was allocated across six categories: small businesses; minority-, women-, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MWDBEs); workforce development; overcoming barriers; Birmingham’s neighborhoods; and data-driven Innovation.

“We invest in partners through the BOLD funding program because they serving our residents to improve quality of life and place, which is the groundwork for advancing economic opportunity in Birmingham’s 99 neighborhoods.,” said Coreata Houser, deputy director of the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity. “BOLD has supported more than 5,000 Birmingham residents and 2,000 small businesses since it began five years ago.”

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Magic City Spotlight: Drop warmth supply drive donations at Boutwell today

Meet us at Boutwell Auditorium today and donate to the warmth supply drive

The City of Birmingham's warmth supply drive continues today to 4 p.m. in front of Boutwell Auditorium.

There is a critical need for bottled water donations.

Donors can drive in front of Boutwell, and someone will unload their vehicle.

Boutwell’s address is 1930 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd.

Volunteers will be accepting:

• Bottled water

• Toilet paper

• Paper towels

• New or gently-used coats

• New gloves and winter caps

• Hand warmers

Birmingham Water Works Board Finalizes 2024 Budget with Consideration of Public Input

Birmingham City Council Highlights 11.28.23

ITEM 3

The Birmingham City Council voted unanimously to approve two loans for Birmingham Southern College totaling $5 million.

The first $2.5 million loan will be forgiven if the terms of the agreement are satisfied, including the school being open for the fall 2024 semester – those funds will be immediately available. The other $2.5 million loan will be repaid over a 20-year term with one percent interest and will be made available to the school next year. The school is leveraging a portion of their existing property as collateral for the loan.

Council President Darrell O’Quinn, explained BSC is an anchor institution for two historic communities: College Hills and Bush Hills. This money is an investment into the stability and economic future of the area, he said.

“One of the things that I was excited about is that Birmingham Southern College, as part of the agreement, is extending three scholarship opportunities for graduates of Birmingham City Schools,” President O’Quinn said. “This isn't a decision we made lightly. All of the considerations in terms of jobs and economic impact to the entire city really factored in to why there was a unanimous decision among the Council to support this today.”

The school employs roughly 300 people (an additional 1,200 indirectly) and has an estimated annual economic impact of $45 million in the city. During the public speakers portion of Tuesday’s meeting, several local business owners expressed support for the aid, saying the success of their business is directly tied to the college.

Councilor JT Moore, who chairs the Community Development Committee, said the goal was to avoid another situation like Carraway Hospital, which was a blight in the community for over a decade.

“Having an empty 200 acre campus in the middle of a neighborhood that is on the verge of a resurgence will set this area back decades,” Councilor JT Moore said. “I understand the concerns of those who disagree with the decision to provide financial support to a private university. Over the last several months, the Birmingham City Council has continued to have these difficult conversations. In my opinion, this is an investment into the future of the surrounding area and our residents who live here.”

With other major institutions like Princeton Baptist Medical Center, Legion Field and the Birmingham CrossPlex all located within a couple miles of the school, losing an anchor like BSC could lead to further disinvestment in the community, lowered home values and a reduction in services, according to city officials.

BSC President Daniel Coleman told reporters following the meeting that they will also be seeking financial support from Jefferson County and urged the state’s executive leadership to re-evaluate their position on denying the loan that was approved by the Alabama State Legislature. The financial support provided by the City of Birmingham will allow BSC to continue operating throughout the remaining school year, according to President Coleman.

BOLD Grant Recipients

On Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council approved a total of seven program agreements through the Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (BOLD) Grant program with the City.

Now in the sixth year, BOLD supports the growth of women-owned, minority-owned, and disadvantaged businesses, and focuses on developing our small businesses environment.

Today’s BOLD funding agreements are as follows:

Birthwell Partners: A Resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a BOLD Program Agreement with Birthwell Partners, Inc. to help overcome barriers to economic opportunities for 80 residents by providing birth doula services, childbirth and parenting classes, and maternal health advocacy workshops. The project also includes workforce development through Birthwell’s need-based work-study program, which will expand access to doula training for three Birmingham residents and offer continuing education to further develop the skillset of 10 community doulas working with Birmingham’s at-risk families for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $90,000.

Bundles of Hope Diaper Bank: A Resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a BOLD Program Agreement with Bundles of Hope Diaper Bank through the BOLD funding program to help overcome barriers to economic opportunities for 1,500 Birmingham residents by distributing diapers, wipes, and menstruation products to community partners and schools for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $120,000.

MedPLUS Consulting, LLC: A Resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a BOLD Program Agreement with MedPLUS Consulting, LLC. Through the BOLD Funding Program to support workforce development for three (3) Birmingham residents to become community health workers and to help overcome barriers to economic opportunities for 60 Birmingham residents by providing diabetes prevention for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $104,695.00.

Diane’s Heart: A Resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a BOLD Program Agreement with Diane’s Heart, Inc. (Diane’s Heart) under which Diane’s Heart as part of the City’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (“BOLD”) Program to support workforce development, overcoming economic barriers, and revitalizing Birmingham’s neighborhoods through the “She Knew There Was More” coaching and mentoring program for 30 Birmingham residents for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $138,413.00

Urban Impact: A Resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a BOLD Program Agreement with the Urban Impact, Inc. (Urban Impact) under which Urban Impact as part of the City’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (“BOLD”) Program to support small businesses and minority-women-and disadvantaged business enterprises through the Legacy Entrepreneurship Program, which will train 24 legacy businesses in succession planning, safeguarding the legacies of long-established businesses, and facilitating the intergenerational transfer of wealth and business ownership in Black communities for a term of twelve (12) months for an amount not to exceed $150,000.

Is-Able Ministries: A Resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a BOLD Program Agreement with the Is-Able Ministries though the BOLD Funding Program to support workforce development, overcoming economic barriers, and minority-women and disadvantaged business enterprises through employment training, wraparound services, and financial management training to 60 Birmingham resident for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $87,050.

Momentum Alumnae Program: A Resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a BOLD Program Agreement with Momentum Alumnae Program, Inc. through the BOLD Funding Program to support workforce development and overcoming barriers for minority – women- and disadvantaged business enterprises through Momentum Work, an initiative that will provide professional leadership training, wrap-around services, and access to professional expert resources for 50 Birmingham residents for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $117,500.00.

BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL: Week in Review, November 6th - November 12th

Honoring Our Veterans at the Oldest Veterans Day Parade in the Country

Did you know that Birmingham is home to America's first and oldest Veteran's Day Parade?  This Saturday, District 4 Councilor J.T. Moore participated in the festivities for the 76th annual event, and he brought along a few friends!

Councilors Host 'Days of Giving' Ahead of the Holidays

Council President Pro Tem Wardine Alexander (D7) and Councilor J.T. Moore (D4) hosted some exciting giveaways over the weekend.  Both Councilors had Thanksgiving events where they distributed food to families in need this holiday season.

Councilor Moore Speaks at Building Black Wealth Summit

On Thursday, Councilor JT Moore spoke with an esteemed group of panelists at the National Associations of Real Estate Brokers for their Black Wealth Summit at Miles College. Building wealth in historically underserved communities requires action from all sorts of stakeholders, banks, schools, public and private partnerships, transportation services and so much more.

These conversations are crucial if we are going to continue to make progress and bring more affordable housing opportunities to our neighborhoods.

Birmingham City Council Highlights 11.7.23

ITEM 1

The Birmingham City Council has voted unanimously to deny a request for a rezoned property in the Oxmoor Valley Neighborhood following a lengthy public hearing.

During the meeting, over a dozen residents spoke against rezoning the currently undeveloped property located at 3100 and 3060 Oxmoor Road. The plans were to have this be a convenience store/gas station with a quick service restaurant. However, residents said there were already too many gas stations in the area and this was an unwelcomed addition to the corridor.

The Oxmoor Neighborhood Association had already voted down the proposed plan 32-4 of those in attendance. Of all the residents who spoke at the meeting, all of them were against the plan, signaling it would negatively impact the quality of life in the area.

“I have an immense amount of respect for the residents who came down to speak on this and raise the concerns they have with this development,” Councilor Clinton Woods said. “I think it shows what residents can accomplish when they unite and it’s what we love to see. We want to hear from y’all and we want y’all to be involved. I think we have a much better understanding now about what the community wants to see as a whole. I don’t see any overwhelming reason as to why we need to force this new development on a community that does not have a need for it nor do they want it.”

Council President Pro Tem Wardine Alexander, who represents the district, said she was proud of the residents who came and spoke about this issue because their opposition made a big difference.

“We want to ensure that the residents who live in these places where we consider rezoning parcels of land, they deserve to have their voices heard and to have a seat at the table. I want to be sure that we don’t get into a situation where we think we know what’s best for people who have to live by these developments. I’m very glad to see that not be the case here today,” Council President Pro Tem Alexander said.

Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:

ITEM 1. An Ordinance “TO FURTHER AMEND THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM” (Case No. ZAC2022-00001) to change zone district boundaries from MXD Planned Mixed-Use District to “Q”C-1 Qualified Neighborhood Commercial District, filed by Charles Beavers, applicant, on behalf of the owner, OXMORE USA, INC, for properties located at 3100 and 3060 Shannon Oxmoor Road, and situated - in the NE¼ of Section 06, Township 19-S, Range 3-West, and the hearing of all interested parties. [Second Reading] (Submitted by Councilor Abbott, Chair,

Planning and Zoning Committee) (Recommended by the Z.A.C. and the Planning and Zoning Committee)**

Magic City Spotlight: City gets $4 million federal investment for Valley Creek Rails to Trails project

City receives $4 million federal investment for Valley Creek Rails-to-Trail project

Congresswoman Terri Sewell presented Mayor Woodfin and local leaders with $4 million to support the Valley Creek Rails-to-Trail project.

The Valley Creek Rails-to-Trail project is a vital piece of the Red Rock Trail network that will help Freshwater Land Trust build an almost 22-mile loop around the City of Birmingham. Additionally, it will connect residents of Qualified Census Tracts in west Jefferson County to the Jefferson County Department of Health’s Western Health Clinic, Red Mountain Park, Birmingham CrossPlex, and the new Bus Rapid Transit Station planned within the Birmingham CrossPlex complex.

Congrats to the Hornets! Recap of the 2023 Magic City Classic

 In an exciting battle, the Hornets defeated the Bulldogs 31-16 at the historic Legion Field at the 82nd Magic City Classic.

Click the button below to see photos from the Magic City Classic this past weekend!

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Mayor Woodfin: More than ever, Birmingham can’t afford to lose Birmingham-Southern College

In this week's InSync Birmingham, Mayor Woodfin gives his thoughts on State Treasurer Young J. Boozer III's decision to decline a multi-million dollar loan to Birmigham-Southern College (BSC).



He writes, "The Treasurer’s denial of the loan after months of back and forth with BSC is puzzling. BSC meets the eligibility requirements, has sufficient collateral to back it, has a financial restructuring plan that makes sense, and has a reasonable timeline for repaying it.

His denial leaves 731 students stranded — 240 of them seniors who are expecting to receive their BSC diplomas in May 2024. And it harms the nearly 1,500 people who work directly or indirectly for the College.

Birmingham City Council Highlights 10.31.23

Birmingham City Council Highlights 10.31.23

Item 20

On Tuesday, the Council approved an agreement with Common Thread Community, opening the door for the organization to expand their small business incubator in District 6.

The Common Thread Community initiative will provide services to the City by supporting 10-15 new small business by expanding its existing Cultural Center in the Titusville Project (“The Project”) through the redevelopment, rehabilitation, and enhancement of their facility located on the existing premises at 222 6th Avenue SW.

Councilor Smitherman supported this project with $100,000 from her ARPA funds.

“This is a great initiative for my office to be able to utilize the federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars that we were allocated,” Councilor Smitherman said. “When I first came into office, my number one mission was to revitalize the small business corridor along 6th Avenue South. By providing this kind of assistance to small businesses, we’re looking to get homegrown, local businesses on their feet and out into the community. We’d love to see some of these companies eventually occupy buildings along that corridor that have been vacant.”

Currently, Building One of the Cultural Center houses important community-based organizations such as BuildUp, A4One Sports Facility, Step-by-Step and Cahaba Medical. This expansion will allow for more start-ups to be able to scale their businesses and serve residents in the surrounding areas.

Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver an agreement between the City of Birmingham and The Common Thread Community in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00, under which The Common Thread Community will provide services to the City by supporting 10-15 new small businesses by expanding its existing Cultural Center in Titusville Project (“the Project”) through the redevelopment, rehabilitation, and enhancement of Building 2, located on the existing premises at 222 6th Avenue SW, Birmingham, Alabama, into 15,000 sq. ft. of additional office collaborating space for a totaled combined office collaborating space of 60,000 sq. ft., inclusive of both Buildings 1 & 2, with an estimated investment of approximately $525,000.00 by Consultant for improvements to Building 2. [Funding Source: ARPA-District 6] (Submitted by the City Attorney) (Recommended by the Mayor and the Chief Community Planner) **

ITEM 21

In an effort to assist small businesses that have been impacted by hardships brought on by the COVID-19 health crisis, the Council approved an agreement with Urban Impact, under which they will provide support for 18 small businesses that qualify for a grant.

“I want small businesses to know that there will be assistance available through Urban Impact following today’s vote,” Council President Darrell O’Quinn said. “We know that these are some of the hardest hit industries in the last couple years and we want our small business owners to understand that we are here to help because they are the backbone of our community.”

Council President Darrell O’Quinn contributed $25,000 of this office’s ARPA funding, Councilor Clinton Woods contributed $15,000 and Councilor JT Moore contributed $10,000. The small business grants are available for up to $4,100 for those who qualify. For more information please visit https://urbanimpactbirmingham.org/

ITEM 27

One of Birmingham’s lowest graded sidewalks will soon be getting repairs made following the Council’s vote on Tuesday.

“I’m so excited about this because we all hear from our residents about the need to repair sidewalks. This is an issue that impacts every single neighborhood in this city so it’s good to see a project like this moving forward. I’m hopeful that this indicates more projects like this coming soon,” Councilor Valerie Abbott said.

Mayor Randall Woodfin indicated that the City is currently working on leveraging federal grant funding to bolster the city’s general fund allocation for a massive set of citywide sidewalk repairs. More details about that will be released when they are made available.

Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:

A Resolution accepting the unit price bid of C.P. Construction, LLC, 905 – 24th Street SW, Birmingham in the amount of $170,995.00 for City Wide Sidewalk Repairs this being the lowest responsible and responsive bid submitted, and authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with C.P. Construction, LLC, in substantially the form contained within the bid documents and in accordance with said bid, providing that the total compensation payable under the contract not exceed the appropriation.

[Funding Sources: DOT103CP 003818 and DOT102CP 003818] (Submitted by the Mayor) (Recommended by the Director of Capital Projects) (Three Bids Submitted

Senior Fit Health Fair at Railroad Park

BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL: Week in Review, October 16th - October 22nd

Love Doesn't Hurt, Council Pro Tem Crystal Smitherman Hosts Relationship Violence Awareness Seminar

Council President Pro Tem Crystal Smitherman hosted the first ever Love Doesn’t Hurt event over the weekend. The seminar featured a variety of domestic violence experts from the YWCA, a self-defense session, a presentation from the Family Justice Center and more.

“By discussing relationship violence openly, we can reduce the stigma associated with being a victim. This can make it easier for survivors to seek help without feeling judged or blamed,” Councilor Crystal Smitherman said. “It’s a goal of mine to foster more partnerships between the government, organizations, and individuals to help increase the amount of available resources to address domestic violence and better understand its scope and impact. We heard a lot of powerful and inspiring messages during this event.”

See more from the event here...

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Dropping Science: Councilors Combine Hip Hop and STEM with the McWane Science Center

We bet you didn't know your Councilors have BARS!  Districts 4 and 5 represented C.W.A. (Councilors With Attitude) at the McWane Science Center's Dropping Science event on Saturday.

This event was all about exploring the impact of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) on hip hip, and visa-versa!  Education Chairman Councilor J.T. Moore and Councilor Darrell O'Quinn took over the main stage to perform their rendition of some children's picture books -- and the crowd went wild.