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.

City of Birmingham Awarded $8 million Rail Safety Improvement Grant to alleviate dangerous crossings at Harris Homes

City of Birmingham Awarded $8 million Rail Safety Improvement Grant to alleviate crossing hazards at Harris Homes

Press Release 

September 25, 2023 
 

The City of Birmingham has been awarded an $8 million federal Consolidated Rail and Infrastructure Safety and Improvements (CRISI) Grant, the first major step in helping to alleviate the dangerous rail hazards in the Harris Homes Public Housing Community.
 
Residents living in this area have, for the better part of a century, been forced to endure trains parked at both entrances, completely encircling their homes every 7-10 days for over fifty years.
 
Councilor Darrell O’Quinn, who represents the neighborhood and who has spearheaded the Council’s efforts to secure this grant funding, hailed this as a huge win for the residents who’ve had to live with these unsafe conditions for years.
 
“It’s hard not to get a little emotional thinking about what this will mean for the residents of this area. This is an opportunity to drastically improve the quality of life for so many of my neighbors,” Councilor O’Quinn said. “I’d like to take a moment and thank our partners at Norfolk Southern, who own the rail corridor in question. They have been a tremendous partner in moving this initiative forward and will be committing $1.5 million in funding to this initial planning and engineering grant. It’s the largest financial commitment they’ve made to a project of this type, ever. My office has remained in close contact with their representatives over the last several years and we could not have gotten to this point without their dedication to improve the lives of those living near their tracks.”

“Norfolk Southern is committed to our communities, through the businesses we serve and the towns we call home," said Norfolk Southern President and CEO Alan H. Shaw. "Together, with the Cities of Birmingham and Trussville, we are making transportation infrastructure safer for residents, through the State of Alabama’s R.E.D.E.S.I.G.N Alabama program. This announcement is indicative of how businesses, communities, and local, state, and federal leaders can collaborate to improve safety.”

This isn’t just an issue about blocked train crossings. This is a project that is going to have far-reaching impacts on our local economy and the ability to construct more affordable housing.

For the last several years there has been well-documented global supply chain issues. Rail infrastructure is a big part of that and this corridor that passes through Birmingham is the most heavily trafficked in the entire state – 50 to 60 trains a day. These improvements will help address that issue on a local level and improve our capacity to move cargo.

“Today marks a major step forward in our fight against blocked railroad crossings in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District,” U.S. Congresswoman Terri Sewell said. “This funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law represents a critical part of our long-term strategy to alleviate blocked railroad crossings and will go a long way in improving the quality of life for those living in and around Birmingham. Securing this funding was truly a team effort, and I want to thank the City of Birmingham and our local leaders for their hard work in developing such a strong proposal and Norfolk Southern for their significant financial commitment to this project. I was so proud to advocate for this funding at the federal level and will continue working with our state and local partners to address blocked railroad crossings.”
 
The proposed project involves two segments of Norfolk Southern’s railway line and will help develop plans for various track, bridge, signal and road realignments to prevent the blockage of the roads leading in and out of Harris Homes. This will include grade separations and the closure of multiple crossings and will also have a positive impact on the freight and passenger rail operations in the city.
 
This is a multi-jurisdictional project and would not have been possible without the coordinated efforts of multiple partners and agencies.
 
“This is a great example of the kind of impact that regional cooperation can yield, especially when you have multiple municipalities collaborating on a project of this size. Trussville City Councilor Lisa Bright has helped lead the way on their end. I’d like to thank all our partners who helped make this possible for our residents: Congresswoman Terri Sewell, HABD and their CEO Dontrelle Foster, FRA Administrator Amit Bose – who visited Harris Homes – my colleagues on the Birmingham City Council -- Councilor JT Moore for his ARPA contributions -- Mayor Randall Woodfin and Woodlawn United for their support,” Councilor O’Quinn said.
 
Federal noise abatement standards are a big factor when constructing new affordable housing. In addition to helping alleviate dangerous crossings and improving rail logistics in Birmingham, this grant will help bring the possibility for more revitalization efforts and affordable housing units in Woodlawn, a goal that Woodlawn United has been focused on in recent years.
 
Councilor O’Quinn and Councilor JT Moore both contributed American Rescue Plan Act Funding to assist with this project. This grant funding is the first major step in remediating this issue for Harris Homes. This is a developing story and more information will be presented when it’s available.
 

Academy of Civic Engagement - New Session Starting September 7th!

Magic City Spotlight: Birmingham receives $50 million grant for Smithfield revitalization

HUD awards Birmingham $50 million grant to uplift Smithfield community

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia L. Fudge announced Wednesday the awarding of Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) Grants totaling $370 million to eight communities throughout the country. These awards support communities that have undergone a comprehensive local planning process and are ready to implement their “Transformation Plan” to redevelop the neighborhood.

Secretary Fudge made the announcement in Birmingham, Alabama, where she presented a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) Grant of $50 million to the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District and the City of Birmingham.  For decades, Birmingham’s Smithfield area was a thriving African American community, replete with creative character. But several factors led to the community’s decline, beginning with mortgage redlining and racial zoning in the 1930s; the construction of Interstates 65 and 20 in the 1950s, which cut off the area from Birmingham’s Central Business District; and a lack of investment in schools and infrastructure.

The Choice Neighborhood plan for neighborhood investment reflects the City of Birmingham and Housing Authority of the Birmingham District’s philosophy of ‘Putting People First’ with input from residents and community stakeholders.

“This investment represents HUD’s commitment to creating new housing for Birmingham residents and communities across the country,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “When we envision the future of public housing investment, we think of programs like Choice Neighborhoods. These awards promote the innovative collaboration needed to tackle the affordable housing crisis. A community-driven, whole-of-government approach to neighborhood revitalization is what leads to impactful changes in the neighborhoods that need it the most.”

The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants will help revitalize and transform the distressed public and/or assisted housing and neighborhoods across the country, while also providing residents with services focused on income, health, and education.

Click the button below to watch the press conference with Congresswoman Terri Sewell, Secretary Marcia L. Fudge, Mayor Randall Woodfin, and other leaders, officials, and members of the Smithfield community.

The Smithfield community is about to embark on a journey that will transform lives.

For some, that journey can be hard to imagine. So, allow us to introduce you to Ava.

Ava and her family are along for the ride. Click the button below to watch Ava's story and see the vision of where the impact of this investment and the support of her community will take her.

Want to know more about plans for Smithfield?

Click the buttons below to visit smithfieldchoice.org to learn more.

Birmingham City Council Highlights 7.18.23

Birmingham City Council Highlights 7.18.23

ITEM 13

On Tuesday, the Council approved and agreement to host the 2024 Transplant Games of America, which will be held July 5-10 at various venues around the city.

These games have been held every two years since their inception in 1990 and are aimed at uplifting and highlighting athletes who have survived transplant procedures.

These games bring together survivors, their families and medical professionals for a five-day event with over 20 sports. Last year, the United States saw roughly 40,000 organ transplants, which was a record number. However, there are still 100,000 people who are waiting for transplants. These games help raise awareness to this issue and will bring roughly 10,000 people to the city of Birmingham.

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 Transplant Life Foundation, under which Transplant Life Foundation will assist the City by providing organization, promotion, management, hosting, planning, record keeping and facilitation services related to the 2024 Transplant Games of America, which are to be held in Birmingham between July 5, 2024 and July 10, 2024, and the City will provide funding to Transplant Life Foundation in an amount not to exceed $500,000.00, in support of the event. [G/L Account: ARPA FIN039RM 99999A_005_006 -$335,000.00 and CDA DCP156CP - $65,000.00] (Submitted by the City Attorney) (Recommended by the Mayor and the Chief Community Planner)**

Statement from the City Council on the passing of Firefighter Jordan Melton:

"We are heartbroken to hear the news that we have lost one of our local heroes, firefighter Jordan Melton. We stand behind all the dedicated servants of the Birmingham Fire Department during this extremely challenging time. This exemplifies, even more, the dangers that they face every single day serving the citizens of Birmingham.

This is a time when we need for our community to rally around the men and women who continue put their lives on the line to keep us safe.

Jordan Melton’s family, friends and colleagues at Birmingham Fire and Rescue deserve answers and justice. Our City is hurting tonight -- and we are sending them our love, support, and deepest condolences."

Birmingham City Council Highlights 6.6.23

Birmingham City Council Highlights 6.6.23

Here are a few of the legislative highlights from Tuesday’s Birmingham City Council meeting, in case you missed it.
 

ITEM 10

The Birmingham City Council voted unanimously to approve the vacation of 154,638 square feet of unopened right of way near the Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport to pave the way for a new cargo facility.

This is part of a larger effort from the Birmingham Airport Authority to help bolster their standing as a hub for cargo transportation and logistics.

Above all else, airports require robust infrastructure to function effectively.

With its central location, proximity to major highways, rail networks, an inland port, Birmingham serves as a key facilitator of trade and commerce throughout the state.

Recently, Councilor JT Moore spoke during a groundbreaking ceremony for the global shipping and logistics company Kuehne+Nagel, which will be expanding their operations to the airport.

“Birmingham's expansion in this sector will not only provide a boost to our local businesses but also position us as a critical player in the global market,” Councilor Moore said. “And despite recent reports about population growths in other Alabama cities, Birmingham remains the economic engine for the entire state and will remain so with the amazing work being done by our local partners and leadership on the Birmingham Airport Authority.”

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

ITEM 10. A Resolution assenting to the vacation of the following: 154,638 square feet of (Unopened) right of way that is located parallel to and between E. Lake Blvd and 15th Avenue N. and perpendicular to 50th Street N., on behalf of the Birmingham Airport Authority, owners, so that the owner can consolidate property and the hearing of all interested parties, Case No. SUB2023-00011. [Second Reading] (Submitted by Councilor Smitherman, Chairperson, Public Improvements and Beautification Committee) (Recommended by the Subdivision Committee of the Birmingham Planning Commission and the Public Improvements and Beautification Committee)**

Town Hall Meeting Reminder
 

The Birmingham City Council will be holding a town hall meeting to discuss parking and towing practices in the city of Birmingham. The meeting will be held on the second floor of the Boutwell Auditorium, beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7th.

Those interested in speaking will be able to sign up as they enter from 5:30 p.m. until when the meeting begins at 6 p.m.

“This is an important issue that we’ve been working on with city leaders for some time,” Council President Wardine Alexander said. “We understand this is an issue across our city, however towing often happens on private property. So this discussion is going to focus on solutions for our residents and letting them know where we currently are on this.”

Councilor Darrell O’Quinn, Chair of the Transportation Committee, explained that the format of the meeting will be for the Office of the City Attorney to give a presentation then members of the public will be able to respond.

“We want to make it abundantly clear that we have a serious problem in our city with predatory towing,” O’Quinn said. “We all receive many complaints about this practice. We want this to be a solution-based conversation and to get feedback from our residents.”

The meeting will be streamed on the Birmingham City Council’s Facebook Page.

WATCH THE FULL BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL MEETING HERE

The Latest News From The White House Intergovernmental Affairs Office

President Biden and Vice President Harris are delivering on their commitment to lower costs for American families. Through the historic legislation signed into law by President Biden (ARP, IRA, BIL), Americans are experiencing lower health care, home heating, and high-speed internet costs – affecting tens of millions of seniors, students, and families month-over-month. This week alone, the Biden Administration is announcing key actions to help blunt the impacts of inflation on American households and give families more breathing room.

• Lowering health care and prescription drug costs: The Department of Health and Human Services released new data showing that over 3.4 million seniors and people with disabilities are likely to save an average of $70 per year because of the Inflation Reduction Act’s provision that went into effect in January that allows Medicare beneficiaries to get recommended vaccines for free. HHS also announced that producers of 27 drugs – or 9% of all Medicare Part B drugs – will need to pay rebates back to Medicare because they raised their prices faster than inflation. This provision of the Inflation Reduction Act is putting a critical check on drug companies that try to excessively raise their prices and squeeze American seniors. And, some Medicare beneficiaries that take these drugs will save between $2 to $390 per dose of medication starting in April.

• Lowering high-speed internet costs: The Federal Communication Commission released additional funds to support the Affordable Connectivity Program, a program that is delivering affordable high-speed internet to over 16 million households, saving American families over $500 million per month. Last week, the FCC released a tranche of $66 million to help more people access the program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

• Lowering home energy costs: This week, HHS released over a half a billion dollars in LIHEAP funds to states to cover American families’ home heating costs. President Biden and Vice President Harris have significantly increased funding for the LIHEAP program, including $500 million in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and $4.5 billion in ARPA to give Americans breathing room on their winter heating bills. Over the past year, LIHEAP has helped more than 5.3 million households on heating and cooling bills, and on weatherization services.

Fact Sheet on President Biden's Prescription Drug Law Saving Millions
State by State Vaccine Savings
State by State Insulin Savings

President Biden Announces New Actions to Reduce Gun Violence and Make Our Communities Safer

This week, in Monterey Park, California, President Biden announced an Executive Order with the goal of increasing the number of background checks conducted before firearm sales, moving the U.S. as close to universal background checks as possible without additional legislation. The Executive Order will also keep more guns out of dangerous hands by increasing the effective use of “red flag” laws, strengthen efforts to hold the gun industry accountable, and accelerate law enforcement efforts to identify and apprehend the shooters menacing our communities. President Biden also encouraged the Federal Trade Commission to issue a public report analyzing how gun manufacturers market firearms to minors.

President Biden traveled to Monterey Park to grieve with the families and community impacted by the mass shooting that claimed 11 lives and injured nine others in January. Monterey Park is part of a growing list of communities all across the country that are forever changed due to gun violence—not only mass shootings, but also daily acts of gun violence that may not make national headlines.

Fact Sheet on President Biden's Actions to Reduce Gun violence and Make Our Communities Safer

The Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces New Actions to Lower High-Speed Internet Costs

This week, the Biden-Harris Administration announced new funding to lower the cost of high-speed internet, releasing $73 million in Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grants to help more Americans sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program and save on monthly internet costs.

In the 21st century, affordable, reliable high-speed internet is key to opportunity – to access education, healthcare, work, precision agriculture and keep in touch with loved ones. Still, too many are left without high-speed internet because they lack the infrastructure, or are inhibited by high costs or lack of technological skills. In particular, these inequities impact communities of color, rural communities and older Americans where the lack of affordable, reliable high-speed internet contributes to significant economic, health and other disparities.

Already, 16.75 million households are saving over $500 million per month on high-speed internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program. Now, the Biden-Harris Administration is releasing an additional $73 million in Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grants to help more Americans sign up for the program and save on internet costs. These investments include:  

• $66 million in the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Program to drive awareness and enrollment in the country’s newest and largest broadband affordability program in the nation’s history.  Building on its current community partnerships, the FCC is providing financial support to partner organizations nationwide to serve as trusted community messengers for the Affordable Connectivity Program and equip them with funding to pursue innovative outreach strategies to reach historically underserved communities, including money set aside for outreach to households on Tribal lands. The FCC selected 197 applicants representing 50 states and territories to pursue a broad range of outreach projects to promote the Affordable Connectivity Program. Partner organizations will now be able to use grant funds to conduct digital campaigns, door-to-door canvassing, operate phone banks, distribute direct mail, and host ACP application enrollment and outreach events. Of the 197 applicants selected for funding, 177 represent governmental and non-governmental entities from the National Competitive Outreach Program (NCOP), with $60 million in funding. The remaining 20 represent governmental and non-governmental funding recipients from the Tribal Competitive Outreach Program (TCOP), which is providing over $6 million in funding for ACP outreach and enrollment support targeting eligible households that live on qualifying Tribal lands.

Fact Sheet on the Biden-Harris Administration's New Actions to Lower High-Speed Internet Costs 

View The Latest News You Can Use!

CrossPlex seeking paid and volunteer help this week

• The Birmingham CrossPlex is hosting the 2023 NCAA DIII ITF Championships this week. They are in need of city employee staff to serve in paid roles and volunteers to serve in non-paid roles. City employees who are interested in serving March 8-11, 2023, please reach out to Charlicia R. Heard at charlicia.heard@birminghamal.gov. Non-city employees who would like to volunteer should see the attached flyer for details.

Awesomeness Day is March 10

• You are the reason Birmingham is a great place to work. COB HR is celebrating International AWESOMENESS Day. Spread joy and positivity by telling others how wonderful they are! Send your AWESOMENESS day moments to employeerelations@birminghamal.gov with the #COBAwesomenessDay hashtag to be featured on social media, as well as COB & HR's page. Printable cards are attached so that you can celebrate your coworkers!

Sign up today for the 2023 Women's Summit

• The City of Birmingham is hosting its 2023 Women’s Summit, which is themed “Telling Our Stories and Becoming____”* The event will take place on Thursday, March 23 at the Boutwell Exhibition Hall from 1-5 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of motivation, sharing, and forward-thinking. There will be a keynote speaker, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. Attendance is free, but registration is strongly recommended. All employees are invited. (Note: Please discuss your attendance with your department leadership.) Go to birminghamal.gov/cobwomen for details and to sign up.

• * You fill in the blank of what you want to gain and who you want to become.
  

The Perfect Note Express has new hours

• The Perfect Note Express, the café located in the basement of City Hall, has new hours of operation. They are now open Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. https://perfectnoteexpress.com/

Attend a financial Lunch and Learn in March

• The Birmingham City Credit Union is hosting a series of lunch and learn events this month. See attached for details. 

• Money 101 – March 15 at 11:30 a.m. 

• Credit 101 – March 22 at 11:30 a.m. 

• How to Navigate Kids and Money – March 29 at 11:30 a.m.  

Volunteers sought for the Birmingham Community Emergency Response Team

• Birmingham Fire & Rescue Service is preparing for its upcoming Community Emergency Response Team class this fall and is currently seeking volunteers to participate. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a CERT member, email your name, phone number, and email address to pubed@birminghamal.gov.

• The classes are from April 11 to May 23, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Fire Station No. 2, located at 600-11th Street South.

BPD hosts a hygiene drive

• As a part of Women’s History Month, the Birmingham Police Department will be hosting a women’s hygiene drive until March 24. All items collected will be donated to a local women’s shelter. The following sites are drop-off locations:

• Birmingham Police Headquarters: 1701 1st Ave N

• South Precinct: 1320 19th Street S

• East Precinct: 600 Red Lane Road

• West Precinct: 2236 47th Street

• North Precinct: 2600 31st Avenue North

• Please see attached flyer for additional information

Get your tickets for the A Novel Tasting event

• The Birmingham Public Library cordially invites you to the second annual A Novel Tasting! This festive event will take place on Thursday, April 6, from 6-8:30 p.m. at the downtown Central Library. The evening will feature a tasting of fine wines, locally crafted beers, and distilled spirits. Live music by Eric Essix, catered food, and complimentary drinks will entertain guests throughout the evening. A cigar bar will be set up outside for aficionados of fine tobacco, and a VIP reception will be held between 5 and 6 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase now on Eventbrite.  

Enjoy lunch at the Arlington House

• Enjoy a three-course lunch at the historic Arlington Antebellum House on Thursday, March 23. Seatings are 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. $20 per person. Reservations required. Click here for more info.

Get tickets for Mother’s Day Celebration!

• Celebrate mom with an evening of music featuring Pastor Mike Jr. LeAndria Johnson, Shirley Caesar, and Marvin Sapp with comedian Jonathan Slocumb. Friday, May 12. 7:30 p.m. Boutwell Auditorium. Get tickets at Etix.com or call 254-2820. 

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

Birmingham City Council Highlights 2.7.23

Here are a few of the legislative highlights from Tuesday’s Birmingham City Council meeting, in case you missed it. 

On Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council received an update on the Critical Repair Program, which is now offering up to $30,000 in home repairs for residents who meet the guidelines established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

This year’s program is the largest ever, with more that $4 million committed to serve at least 250 homes. This is in comparison to the $2 million spent on 224 homes over the last three years of the program.

This year, the City will also be doubling the amount of funding for each home from $15,000 to $30,000.

In addition to the allocated funding, several Birmingham City Councilors have committed money from their individual district’s American Rescue Plan Act funds to help bolster the program in their districts.

Applications are now available at all Birmingham Public Libraries and the online application portal will go live on Friday, February 17th.

“I’m very excited to see the Critical Repair Program opening up and expanding its reach,” Council President Wardine Alexander said. “I had a neighbor who spoke to me the other day and was saying how excited she was about potentially participating in this program. I know there is a great deal of interest across all nine districts so I look forward to seeing this continue to grow.”

There will be an application fair at the Fountain Heights Recreation Center on Friday, February 17th from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm – city officials will be available to assist residents filling out their applications. The window to submit applications will be from February 17th to February 28th and they will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Applications will be accepted in person on the 10th floor of City Hall or online at Birminghamal.gov/community-development.

“I know a lot of our elderly residents and those on fixed incomes may not have the funding to make these much-needed repairs themselves. This program could be life changing for those residents,” Council President Crystal Smitherman said.

According to the application, “Eligible program participants must own and occupy the home to be repaired and have no intent of discontinuing occupancy of the home in the foreseeable future. Eligible program participants must meet the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) income requirements for low-and-moderate income households at the time of application. Eligible program participants must be current on property taxes for the assisted unit.”

Here are some of the eligible repairs that qualify under this program:

• Roof Replacement

• · HVAC repair of replacement

• ·Plumbing repairs

• ·Electrical repairs

• · • Limited sewer repairs

• · • Limited structural repairs

• · • Exterior painting

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

There are two terms expiring on the Commercial Development Authority. The five-member body partners with the City to create economic development opportunities that expand the tax base of the City.

The qualifications to serve are as follows: Member may not be an officer of the state, county or city. Must be a duly qualified elector of the city. The term limits are four years.

All interested parties, please submit your resumes to India.Bailey@Birminghamal.gov