Images from the Department of Public Works Cleanup of George Ward Park
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!
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.
Senior Fit Health Fair at Railroad Park
The City of Birmingham honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month
During the month of October, the City of Birmingham is honoring the strength, courage, and resilience of our Breast Cancer fighters, thrivers, and survivors. BWELL BHM kicked off its Breast Awareness campaign last Friday, Oct. 3 with the WISDOM study during Food Truck Friday. On this Friday, Oct. 13, BWELL BHM is asking all employees to wear pink. Let’s flood city hall with lots of different shades as we show our support. Send your pictures to marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov. You may be featured on our social media channels.
On Tuesday, Oct. 17, City of Birmingham employees are invited to an informative Lunch & Learn, themed Sheroes Wear Pink. The event will feature Dr. Erica Reasor, director of UAB’s Breast Cancer Program, and Raquel Owen, founder of Pinktopps LLC, in the Hall of Distinguished Citizens. Complimentary lunch and sweet treats will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Afterward, be sure to check out a special tribute mural that will be unveiled on the second floor of City Hall near the Boutwell crosswalk.
Upcoming Southside Community Framework Plan Meetings
Magic City Spotlight: Sign up for ACE and learn how to make change in your community
The next Academy of Civic Engagement (ACE) cohort is beginning soon!
ACE is a city-wide leadership initiative aimed at bringing residents together for a deeper understanding of how the City works for them and how they can plug into various opportunities. Orientation begins September 7.
Click the image above or the button below to watch Mayor Woodfin's message offering more details about this comprehensive six-week program designed to prepare residents to go out into their communities to act, serve, and lead.
Learn more and sign up at birminghamal.gov/ace.
The City of Birmingham Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for poetry in Birmingham.
This is an honorary position, and roles and responsibilities include making local appearances, facilitating public and educational programs, and building advocacy and community through poetry.
The poet laureate will receive an honorarium of $5,000 over the course of their term. Additional funds will be available for materials and other approved costs associated with community engagement programs that the poet laureate facilitates.
Click the button below to learn more and access the application portal.
Applications close on October 2.
You're invited to join Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan and Mayor Randall Woodfin for the Rally For Reading on August 28.
Join us to instill the joy of reading in our students and prepare them for academic success.
Click the image above or the button below to watch the video to learn more.
See you there!
Fwd: News You Can Use: 8-18-23
Tenants’ rights educational seminar this Saturday
Learn your rights. Saturday, Aug. 19. 9 a.m.-12 noon. Five Points West Library. Free. There is no need to register. For more information, call 205-324-0111.
Come out to the KIDS Kasino
As the YWCA celebrates its 120th year of serving the Greater Birmingham community, we invite you to go “all in” for KIDS Kasino on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 6-10 p.m. at the YWCA Central Alabama for an evening of casino-style gaming, food, and fun! We hope you will bring your whole family for a night out with childcare available for the evening on site. See attached for details.
Learn about Municipal Court and get credit for doing so
Make plans to attend the 2023 Municipal Court Summit to complete your continuing education requirements! The Summit has been approved for:
12 hours of continuing education by the Alabama Judicial College
12 hours of continuing legal education by the Alabama State Bar
6 hours of continuing education by the Alabama Administrative Office of the Courts
9.5 hours of continuing education for Social Workers
With sessions engaging sessions on Procedural Justice, Trauma-Informed Criminal Justice Responses, Understanding Human Trafficking, and Workplace Mental Health, coupled with Criminal Justice Ethics, Legislative Updates, and an exciting panel discussion on Exploring the Duties of a Court Clerk, we are confident you will walk away with effective tips, tools, and strategies to get Back to the Basics! The summit is August 24-25 at the Boutwell Auditorium. Click here to check out the agenda and reserve your spot today!
Titusville Library presents several events:
Arts at Crafts: Cotton Swab Flower Painting, Aug. 29 at 3:30 p.m.; Silly Putty, Aug. 22 at 3:30 p.m.
Book Signing: The Titusville Library will host author Sonya “Sam” Mitchell for a book signing of her table book “Picture the Picture.” Tuesday, Aug. 29 at 4 p.m. See attached for details.
Celebrating T Shirt Day. Titusville Library. Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. Adult book club with make their own shirts. See attached for details.
It’s time for the 25th Sidewalk Film Festival 2023
The 25th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival will take place August 21-27 in Downtown Birmingham's Historic Theatre District. For details, go to https://sidewalkfest.com/how-to-fest/
Support the COB Back 2 School Supply Drive
Let’s support our Birmingham City Schools students with needed school supplies. Donations accepted include pens, pencils, paper, markers, crayons, notebooks, glue, erasers, calculators, hand sanitizer, tissue, etc. Donation boxes are located on the first floor of city hall. Drop off now through Aug. 25. For more information, contact Employee Engagement via email at cobengagement@birminghamal.gov. Or call 205-254-2084.
Support the District 7 Community Clean Up
Help clean up our community. Saturday, Aug. 26. Wenonah High School, 2800 Wilson Road SW. Volunteer registration and supply pick-up at 8:30 a.m. Starts at 8:45 a.m. See attached for details.
Join the reading rally and help our scholars
Let’s rally to support Birmingham’s young scholars. Monday, Aug. 28 at Bill Harris Arena. Featuring door prizes, free books for families and opportunities to volunteer. Warm up with dancing at 5 p.m. The rally begins at 6 p.m. See attached for details.
Wind Down Wednesday to celebrate women
Honoring the women in the upcoming StrongHER Book. Wednesday, Aug. 30. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cash bar, vendors and food trucks and live DJ. Boutwell Auditorium. See attached for details.
COMING UP next month
Enjoy movies in the park
Memorial Park, 524 6th Ave. South. Saturday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. See attached for details.
Make plans to come out the Summer Music Vibes event
Sunday, Sept. 3. 4 p.m. Free. Music, food trucks, voter registration. 633 Cotton Ave. SW. See attached for details.
Join the Birmingham CERT Team
Learn first aid, lite search and rescue, disaster recovery, CPR, and more. Every Tuesday, beginning Sept. 5-Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the upstairs classroom of Fire Station No. 2, located at 600 11th St. South. Get details attached. For questions, email pubed@birminghamal.gov or call 205-254-6560. See attached.
Sign up to be a part of ACE
The Academy of Civic Engagement (ACE) is a City of Birmingham initiative, with the central goal of getting residents directly involved and engaged with their local municipal government. ACE focuses on bringing everyday citizens together for a deeper understanding of how the city works for them and how they can plug into a variety of opportunities. ACE wants to prepare residents to go into their communities to act, serve, and lead. You must be a resident of the City of Birmingham to participate. Click here to apply now! Orientation is on Thursday, Sept. 7!
Upcoming PEP workshops planned
The Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits (PEP) will be hosting three workshops in the month of September that will cover several topics related to permitting and inspections within the City of Birmingham. These three workshops will help better inform the public of the requirements for pulling a permit within Birmingham and the inspection processes related to each permit. These informational workshops will be beneficial to both citizens and developers. Each event is designed to be 2 hours. All the events are free and open to the public.
Session A: The first session, which will take place at the CrossPlex on Thursday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., will cover topics such as zoning requirements, pre-permitting meetings, and a new online permit guide for the city.
Session B: The second session, which will take place at the CrossPlex on Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., will cover the permitting process from A to Z as well as a discussion around contractor education and ensuring citizens have the correct information when selecting a contractor.
Session C: The final session, which will take place at the CrossPlex on Thursday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., will cover the inspections and enforcement aspects related to permitted and unpermitted work within the city.
The Get Down at Avondale Park
Presented by Seasick Records and Yellowhammer Print Shop. Featuring arts, music, records, and vintage. With William Tyler & The Impossible Truth, Will Stewart, and Jahnah Camille. Sunday, Sept. 17. See attached for details.
FORGING JUSTICE
The city's 60th commemoration poster series continues
August is the month we reflect upon the writers, poets, journalists, photographers, and creatives who help tell the story of justice. August's poster is themed “Raise Your Voice" and features a collage of past and present storytellers across our city. Free copies of this month’s poster are available in city hall. You can also check out the calendar of events for the 60th commemoration events happening all year at birminghamal.gov/forgingjustice.
Submit your news to marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov.
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."
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.
***
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.