Magic City Spotlight: Mayor Woodfin heads to Washington to urge cannabis reform

Mayor Woodfin testified before a House Oversight Committee on Tuesday to urge action on reforming cannabis laws.

“Congress must push the Department of Justice to process far more clemency petitions such that every American unjustly incarcerated is released and given an opportunity to participate in this new industry,” Woodfin said.

Click the buttons below to watch the video of Mayor Woodfin's testimony and to read coverage by The Birmingham Times.

The City of Birmingham announces Connect99, an Internet subsidy program

The City of Birmingham, in partnership with the Affordable Connectivity Program and EducationSuperHighway, is presenting Connect99, an awareness campaign to inform residents about a federal subsidy towards internet service.

“Having the ability to connect to high-speed internet is now a basic need,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “We are thrilled that our federal government is providing this service and want to do all we can to make sure eligible residents in all 99 neighborhoods have access to this resource.”

Financial Freedom Project educates students on financial literacy

Financial literacy can be found at the core of many challenges in life. The City of Birmingham has invested $1 million for a financial literacy initiative that will benefit Birmingham area students. 

In partnership with Birmingham City Schools, IMC Financial Consulting, and Goalsetter, participating scholars gain lifelong financial skills, receive coaching, and create their own stock portfolios.

This initiative is the first in the country to couple grade-appropriate and culturally relevant financial education with a savings account, an investment platform, and classroom curriculum powered by Goalsetter and Goalsetter Classroom.

We’re working to improve garbage pickup and protect workers. Here’s how

Mayor Woodfin recently wrote about his experience working alongside our Public Works crews:

I’ve always made it a point to seek out and listen to the people who are closest to the services we provide our residents. When it comes to residential garbage pickup, I decided earlier this year to go a step beyond listening to our crews — and to join them on the job.

I rode the back of a garbage truck, worked the routes and picked up bag after bag of household garbage. To be clear, I have always respected the important work these crews perform for our city. But being on the back of the truck alongside them gave me a whole new perspective.

Click the button below to learn more about the city’s investment in an updated garbage collection service and subscribe to InSync Birmingham.