News You Can Use: June 29, 2023

THURSDAY, JUNE 29 

The Gaston Motel opens today! 

• The historic A.G. Gaston Motel opens to the public today for free visits for a limited time beginning Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, go here. All group and commercially operated tours must be pre-arranged to accommodate for the motel’s capacity. Schedule those at gastontours@birminghamal.gov. 

FRIDAY, JUNE 30 

Several of our city’s senior leaders have a message to COB men about “checking in”  

• Watch the video here.   

• Details: The City of Birmingham is hosting a Men’s Health Fair on Friday, June 30 at Linn Park. The event is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Come get tips on physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial health. See attached for details.  

SATURDAY, JULY 1 

Birmingham Stallions headed to the finals   

• Congratulations to the Birmingham Stallions. They will return to Canton, Ohio this week to compete for its second straight USFL Championship. You can watch the Stallions take on the Pittsburg Maulers on Saturday, July 1 on NBC at 7 p.m. Central Standard Time.  For details, go to theusfl.com. 

UAB DAY 

• July 1 is UAB Day in the city of Birmingham. It kicks off their official membership in the prestigious American Athletic Conference (AAC). Get more details here. 

MONDAY, JULY 3 

Movies in the Park 

• Enjoy a family evening under the stars at Memorial Park, located 524 6th Ave. South. The free event is at 7 p.m. Presented by District 6. See attached for details.  

Get fit with a free weekly bootcamp   

• Every Monday, Birmingham Park and Recreation hosts a free bootcamp at Boutwell from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. powered by IAM BHAM. See flyer for details.   

TUESDAY, JULY 4 

Titusville Community Day 

• Enjoy the Fourth of July with this event featuring music, BBQ and more at Memorial Park. 3-9 p.m. See attached for details. 

WEDNESDAY,  

Support area restaurants and bars with Magic City Sips   

• Magic City Sips is a summer-long, city-wide happy hour event series taking place every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m., during the months of June, July, and August. Participating bars and restaurants will host their own happy hours, highlighting Sips-specific drink and food specials. See attached flyer with a QR Code to scan for additional information. Follow them on Instagram @ieobirmingham.    

Get some financial tips and lunch on Wednesdays  

• Enjoy the financial workshops follow hosted by Birmingham City Credit Union, located at 2725 35th Ave. North. These events are on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided. Free to BCCU members. $10 for non-members.    

• How to Navigate Estate Planning – Wednesday, July 12  

• How to Navigate Life Development – Wednesday, July 19  

• How to Navigate Obtaining Healthy Food – Wednesday, July 26  

• See attached for details.    

SATURDAY, JULY 8 

Check out the District 6 Summer Farmers Market 

• Enjoy fresh fruit, vegetables, breads and honey jams at Memorial Park from 1:30-3:30 p.m. See attached for details. 

ONGOING 

Enjoy Treasure Island in the Park! 

• Birmingham Park and Recreation has partnered with Birmingham Childrens Theatre for performances of “Treasure Island” in parks across the city. See the attached for details! 

COMING UP 

Make plans to attend Wind Down Wednesday   

• The next Wind Down Wednesday after work inspire and empower series will take place at the Boutwell Auditorium on Wednesday, July 19. It’s free and all (21 and up) are welcome. 

Enjoy a photographic tribute to Historic Sloss Furnaces Opening Reception 

• Since the mid-1970s, Ken Boyd has been photographing Sloss Furnaces and has compiled his best works into this photographic exhibition at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. Come out on Thursday, July 20 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to the Sloss Visitor Center to see the exhibit and meet the artist. Ken Boyd has published several photography-based books on various topics and has taught at both Samford University and UAB. This is a free event and light refreshments will be provided. See attached for details. 

Jr. Archaeology Day is coming soon 

• Come out to the Sloss Furnaces Company Quarters Commissary (across the street from Sloss Furnaces and next to Back Forty) on Friday, July 21 from 1-5 p.m. for a free archaeological event! There will be K-12 activities and all ages are welcome to come out and observe. This is a great opportunity for anyone who may be interested in learning more about archaeology and how to pursue it as a career. Presented by The Alabama Archaeology Society. See attached for details. 

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Stay updated regarding the Forging Justice 60th Commemoration   

• All year long, the City of Birmingham is commemorating the heroic acts of our citizens during the 1963 civil and human rights campaign. June is themed “Break Every Chain.” There are free June posters on the first floor of City Hall. Check out this calendar for details regarding upcoming events: birminghamal.gov/forging justice. 
     

Submit your news to marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov.

Birmingham News You Can Use - Week of September 5

“We cannot solve problems with the kind of thinking we employed when we came up with them.”

— Albert Einstein

* Today’s Food Truck Friday event is canceled *  

• Currently, there is an 80 percent chance of rain and the threat of pop-up showers throughout the day. Due to this weather threat, today’s Food Truck Friday has been canceled.

* Veggies Giveaway *

• The Arlington Historic Home and Gardens is giving away free fresh food. It's the end of the summer harvest and fresh vegetables are a plenty from their vegetable gardens. Come and receive a free bag of veggies now through Saturday, Sept. 10. Arlington Historic Home and Garden is open from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information call (205) 780-5656.

* Birmingham City Credit Union is moving *

• The Birmingham City Credit Union is moving on Tuesday, Oct. 25 and will be closed, but reopen at their new location, 2725 35th Ave. North, on Thursday, Oct. 26. See attached for details.

* Medical Minute with Dr. Kre ofBWell*  

• September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

• Prostate health is important. Remember all men need to start having regular prostate checks at the age of 40 years for African Americans and 50 years for Caucasian Americans. Also, make sure to ask about your family history of all the men in your family.

• Here are a few good prostate health tips:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is often a risk factor for cancers.

• Decrease red meat and increase your vegetables

• Exercise more & quit smoking

• To come get your blood work to check your PSA (prostate level) at NO COPAYMENT, enroll at cobclinic.com or give us a call at Brownstone BWell 205-202-5650.

* Family Movie Night in the park *  

• Birmingham Park and Rec is hosting Family Movie Night at different city parks through October 13. This special program, known as “Parks After Dark,” is for all ages and free to the public. The movies will start at sunset.

• Dates and locations include:

• Central Park Rec Center – Sept. 15

• Wiggins Park Rec Center – Sept. 22

• North Bham Rec Center – Sept. 29

• Fountain Heights Rec Center – Oct. 6

• Memorial Park Rec Center – Oct. 13

UPCOMING EVENTS    

Saturday, September 10  

• Fall Plant Sale at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

• The nonprofit Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens will host its annual Fall Plant Sale at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.8 a.m.–2 p.m. Bring a portable cart or wagon. Learn more at bbgardens.org/fallplantsale

Thursday, September 15

• 16th Street Baptist Church hosts its annual commemoration

• On Thursday, Sept. 15, the 16th Street Baptist Church will host its annual day of remembrance with a special guest speaker and community luncheon. See attached for details.

Through Thursday, September 15  

• Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), is proud to announce its partnership with the Alabama Power Foundation, launching the first statewide Alabama Launchpad: Social Impact Competition. This inaugural Social Impact Competition is fit for entrepreneurs who are intent on making a positive impact on society through their startup. Applications are open now through Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022. Applicants must be committed to fostering both economic growth and social impact in the state of Alabama. For more information on the application process, please click here.

Saturday, September 17

• Birmingham Museum of Art to host its Latin American Heritage Festival

• Celebrate Latin culture at the Birmingham Museum of Art during their sixth annual Latin American Heritage Festival in collaboration with Fiesta Birmingham. Join BMA for a day of festivities, featuring Spanish-language gallery tours and delicious Latin cuisine. Enjoy family-friendly art activities, face painting, and much more! Sept. 17 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free.
  

• Back in School Chess Tournament

• The Arlington House and Gardens, along with ChessNation and Birmingham Public Libraries, will present a chess tournament. See details attached.

Thursday, September 29

• Birmingham Museum of Art’s Season Opening: ReFRAME Party

• Join BMA at The ReFRAME, an immersive celebration with a fresh perspective, inspired by art and culture from around the world. As the seasons change, so do our galleries. Come see what’s new at the BMA as they enliven their art-filled spaces with music, performances, and curator-led gallery talks. Inspired by their current exhibition, Light Play, this evening will celebrate the role of LIGHT in art and cultures across the globe. Thursday, September 29 from 5 – 9 p.m. Get more details here: https://www.artsbma.org/event/season-opening-the-fall-reframe-party/

Saturday, October 1

• Employee Appreciation Day

• Birmingham-Southern College will have a City of Birmingham Employee Appreciation Day during its 6 p.m. game on Saturday, Oct. 1 on its campus. What this means is that City of Birmingham employees who show their ID badge at any gate, will receive free entrance. All employees attending the game will also be entered in a drawing. **There is limited parking around the stadium, so fans will most likely need to park in the parking lot by the college's soccer fields and walk down the hill to the stadium.

Send your News You Can Use submissions to marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov.

Tri Nations Wheelchair Rugby Tournament - July 20 - 23

What:  Tri Nations Wheelchair Rugby Tournament

When:  July 20 – July 23, 2022

Where:  Lakeshore Foundation, 4000 Ridgeway Drive, Homewood

Info:  On the heels of the World Games, more international competition is coming to Birmingham for the 2022 Tri Nations Wheelchair Rugby Tournament at Lakeshore Foundation. Team USA takes on Canada and Great Britain in some hard-hitting, fast-paced wheelchair rugby action as they continue down their journey to the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. USA Wheelchair Rugby is the most successful wheelchair rugby team in Paralympic history. This is your chance to see the U.S. squad in action before they compete in the World Championship in Denmark in October. Admission is free and open to the public.

Schedule:

 July 20  

10:00 AM Canada vs GB  

2:30 PM USA vs GB  

7:00 PM USA vs Canada  

July 21  

10:00 AM GB vs Canada  

2:30 PM Canada vs USA  

7:00 PM GB vs USA  

July 22  

10:00 AM USA vs Canada  

2:30 PM GB vs Canada 

7:00 PM GB vs USA  

July 23  

10:00 AM 2nd vs 3rd Semifinal  

3:00 PM Championship  

7 PM Banquet 

President Biden Signs the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into Law

Yesterday, President Biden signed into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, historic legislation that will reduce gun violence and save lives.

The President has worked on this issue his entire career, and knows both how hard it is and what it takes – he was there 30 years ago, the last time this country passed meaningful gun safety laws.

We have lost too many to gun violence. When the President traveled to Uvalde, he heard a clear message: do something. Yesterday, we did.

This bill doesn’t do everything the President wanted want it to, but it does include actions he has long called for and that will save lives:

• It funds crisis intervention, including red flag laws to keep guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves and to others.

• It finally closes what’s known as the “boyfriend loophole,” so if you assault your girlfriend or boyfriend you can’t buy or own a gun.

• It requires young people aged 18-21 to undergo enhanced background checks.

• It includes the first federal law that makes gun trafficking and straw purchases distinct federal crimes.

• It clarifies who needs to register as a federally licensed gun dealer and run background checks before selling a gun.

• And it provides historic funding to address the youth mental health crisis in this country, especially the trauma experienced by survivors of gun violence.

• And it invests in anti-violence programs to work directly with people who are most likely to commit gun crimes or become victims of gun crimes.

At a time when it seems impossible to get anything done in Washington, bipartisan lawmakers and President Biden delivered for the American people.

And the President believes that if we can reach a compromise on guns, we ought to be able to reach compromise on other critical issues, from veteran’s health care to cutting-edge American innovation and more.

Updates From The Regional Planning Commission

Read the latest news from the RPCGB

Economic Development

RPCGB awarded an EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant

The RPCGB has been awarded a $500,000 EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant. This grant allows RPC and its partners to inventory, characterize, assess, conduct a range of planning activities, develop site-specific cleanup plans, and conduct community involvement related to brownfield sites. RPC will be partnering with PM Environmental, Jefferson County, Walker County, and the City of Cordova for this ongoing project.

Economic Impact Modeling Program

The RPCGB Economic Development Department has launched a new Economic Impact Modeling program. With this program we can model specific impacts of economic development projects within communities using IMPLAN Economic Software. From these analyses, member governments will be able to better understand small- and large-scale effects of their projects and more effectively plan future development efforts. For more information on this program, please contact Sarah Thomas, Economic Development Coordinator at sthomas@rpcgb.org.

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Current grant and funding opportunities:

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA)Community Development Block Grant (CDGB) Program

• Deadline: Noon, July 18, 2022

• More Information: https://adeca.alabama.gov/cdbg/cdbg-application-manual/

Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)

• Deadline: Noon, July 18, 2022

• Grant Ceiling: $350,000

• More Information: https://adeca.alabama.gov/arc/arc-application-information/

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ADECA Alabama Community Broadband and Technical Assistance Program

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is planning to kick off the Alabama Community Broadband Technical Assistance Program (ACB TAP), a competitive program that will provide technical assistance for communities seeking to expand broadband infrastructure and services in response to the critical need for internet access around the state. To kick off the project, ADECA is holding three webinars to provide information about ACB TAP, broadband infrastructure, and recent federal broadband funding. Separate registration for each session is required; click the links to register.

Broadband 101 Webinar:

June 30, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. CT

This webinar explains the fundamentals of broadband infrastructure, technology, and strategy for communities.

Alabama Community Broadband Technical Assistance Program Webinar:

June 30, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. CT

This webinar explains ACB TAP and the upcoming Technical Assistance Application.

Federal Broadband Funding Webinar:

June 30, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. CT

This webinar explains the updated federal broadband funding landscape given recent information on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

If your community or organization needs grant writing or application assistance, RPCGB is here to help. For questions about funding application assistance, please contact Jesslan Wilson, Economic Development Specialist, at jwilson@rpcgb.org or 205-264-8417.

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Projects recently completed or adopted:

Morris Master Plan:

The Morris Planning and Zoning Board adopted the city’s first master plan earlier this month. Visit the project website at www.MorrisMasterPlan.com to learn more and view the plan.

Fairfield Master Plan:

In March of this year, the Fairfield Planning and Zoning Commission adopted the new master plan, which was developed by a consultant team led by PlaceMakers LLC.

The plan focuses on three main topics: enhancing economic development, addressing abandoned and dilapidated housing in the Inter Urban Heights neighborhood, and infrastructure improvements.

Visit the project website at www.FairfieldMasterPlan.com to learn more and read the plan.

Irondale Comprehensive Plan Update:

In December 2021, the Irondale Planning and Zoning Board adopted this update to the city’s 2016 Irondale on the Move Comprehensive Plan.

The consulting firm of KPS assisted the RPCGB with creating redevelopment and policy ideas for three focus areas: Downtown Irondale, Grants Mill Station, and the I-459 at Grants Mill Road area.

Click the link here to read the plan or visit the City's website at https://cityofirondaleal.gov/community/irondales-new-comprehensive-plan/

City of Birmingham to open temporary satellite location for certain services during World Games

From The City Of Birmingham Website

Birmingham, AL – The City of Birmingham will open a temporary satellite office for permitting and finance services during the upcoming World Games. The office will be located at 1200 Tuscaloosa Ave. on weekdays from Monday, June 27 through Friday, July 15. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for permits and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for finance.

All permitting applications will be available at the satellite office as well as the following finance operations: business licenses, business taxes, payment of permit fees, and cash management functions. Checks and debit/credit cards are preferred for all payments.

The satellite office is being offered because City Hall will have limited access due to its location within a secure perimeter during the World Games, which takes place July 7-17. City services will continue at City Hall with reduced staff and limited parking because of road restrictions. In an effort to provide ease of entry and quicker access to services, the satellite location is being made available.

For questions about permitting services offered at the satellite office, call 205-254-2252 and 205-254-2904. Inquiries about finance services offered at the temporary site, call 205-254-2188 for cash management and 205-254-2198 for tax and license

Statement of President Joe Biden On Passage of the Build Back Better Act

[Yesterday] the United States House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act to take another giant step forward in carrying out my economic plan to create jobs, reduce costs, make our country more competitive, and give working people and the middle class a fighting chance.

The Build Back Better Act is fiscally responsible. It reduces the deficit over the long-term. It’s fully paid for by making sure that the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations begin to pay their fair share in federal taxes. It keeps my commitment that no one earning less than $400,000 a year will pay a penny more in federal taxes.

Leading economists and independent experts on Wall Street have confirmed that it will not add to inflationary pressures. Instead, it will boost the capacity of our economy and reduce costs for millions of families.

Here are some key parts of the Build Back Better Act:

• It lowers your costs to save you money on things like prescription drugs and health care and housing.

• It gets Americans back to work by providing child care and care for seniors so workers can get back on the job knowing their loved ones have the care they need.

• It cuts taxes for working families and the middle class – including extending the Child Tax Credit that is already helping the families of more than 61 million children and getting us closer to cutting child poverty in half this year.

• It provides universal pre-Kindergarten for every 3-and 4-year old in America and makes education beyond high school more affordable – with historic investments in Pell Grants and Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions and other Minority Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities.

• Together with the bipartisan infrastructure law, it makes the most significant investment in our fight against the climate crisis ever by creating jobs that build a clean energy future for our children and grandchildren.

• Above all, it puts us on the path to build our economy back better than before by rebuilding the backbone of America: working people and the middle class.

I thank Speaker Pelosi and the House leadership and every House member who worked so hard and voted to pass this bill.

For the second time in just two weeks, the House of Representatives has moved on critical and consequential pieces of my legislative agenda.

Now, the Build Back Better Act goes to the United States Senate, where I look forward to it passing as soon as possible so I can sign it into law.

BUILD BACK BETTER FACT SHEETS

Key Fact Sheets

• Build Back Better Main Fact Sheet

• Build Back Better Prescription Drug Pricing Plan

State Fact Sheets

• Build Back Better State Fact Sheets

Constituency Fact Sheets

• Black Communities

• Latino Communities

• AAPI Communities

• Native American Communities

• LGBTQI+ Communities

• Rural Communities

Scheduling Update for the Southern Area Framework Plan Input Meeting

Alabama Statewide Mask Requirement Has Been Extended Through October 2nd

Yesterday, August 27th, Governor Kay Ivey issued her seventeenth supplemental emergency proclamation containing an amended Safer at Home Order that includes a statewide mask requirement. Individuals will be required to wear a mask or other facial covering when in public and in close contact with other people, as described in the order. This amended order extends until Friday, October 2, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

• Amended Safer at Home Order

• Safer at Home Info Sheet 1

• Safer at Home Info Sheet 2

• Safer at Home Info Sheet 3

• Seventeenth Supplemental Emergency Proclamation

• Resources for Businesses