Read the latest news from the RPCGB
Economic Development
RPCGB Awarded Grants to Assist Local Communities
EPA Brownfields: The RPCGB was awarded a $500,000 EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant, which will allow RPCGB and its partners, Jefferson County, Walker County, and the City of Cordova to develop a regional brownfield inventory, complete environmental assessments, and develop site specific cleanup plans. The agency is working with PM Environmental group to conduct the project. To read more, click here.
USDA Rural Development: The RPCGB was also granted a $250,000 cooperative agreement award through the USDA’s “Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge” program. This project will be used to conduct Economic Development Strategic Plans (EDSPs) for three communities - Dora, Nauvoo, and Parrish - in Walker County. These plans will evaluate current market conditions, assets, and gaps, conduct community engagement, and develop a specialized action plan for each municipality reflective other their unique strengths and opportunities.
hese plans will also tie in with the county’s outdoor recreation initiative, and a specific focus for these plans will be evaluating methods to leverage existing assets to establish an outdoor recreation industry and improve broadband connectivity within these areas. To learn more, click here.
The RPCGB completed the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) planning process in September 2022. The CEDS is a strategy-driven plan for regional economic growth and is developed every five years by the RPCGB staff and steering committees comprised of local officials, economic development representatives, and other regional stakeholders. This plan is designed to prioritize regional economic needs, support capacity building for local communities, and guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of the Greater Birmingham region. To read the plan, click here.
Economic Development is Hiring Additional Staff
The RPCGB is currently seeking an additional staff member for the Economic Development Department. This position will be hired as either a Coordinator or Specialist, based on the level of experience of the selected candidate. Under the supervision of the Director of Economic Development, the Economic Development Coordinator/Specialist assists in the implementation of economic development programs and plans. This position is primarily responsible for data analysis and research, report development, and grant proposal development for the RPCGB and member governments. To learn more about the position and how to apply,click here.
For questions regarding the Economic Development department or its projects, please contact Jesslan Wilson, Director of Economic Development, atjwilson@rpcgb.org.
Community Planning
There are multiple Community Planning projects underway!
Project recently completed:
Helena Comprehensive Plan –The consultant team led by MKSK and Sain Associates developed a new Comprehensive Plan for the City of Helena that was adopted on September 15. Visit www.HelenaComprehensivePlan.com to view and download the final plan.
Projects in progress:
Shelby County Comprehensive Plan – The RPCGB is working with the Shelby County Development Services staff to develop a new countywide comprehensive plan to replace the 2004 Shelby County Comprehensive Plan. The new Plan will include ten guiding principles, a new Future Development Map, recommended modifications to the Shelby County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, and topical recommendations.
Visit the project website at www.PlanShelbyAL.com to view the Draft Existing Conditions and Trends Report and learn about the new Future Development Map. The Draft Plan has been written and will be released to the public on January 18 and 19 at two public meetings.
Birmingham Southern Area Framework Plan - Visit the project website at www.imaginebham.com/southernarea.html to learn more and view the Draft Plan. The final public meeting will be held in early 2023.
Fultondale Comprehensive Plan – In January, the RPCGB planning team will be kicking off the project to develop Fultondale’s first Comprehensive Plan since 1988. Visit www.FultondaleForward.com to learn more.