Birmingham City Council Highlights 12.13.22

Birmingham City Council Highlights 12.13.22

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

ITEMS 1-8

Today, the Birmingham City Council approved a total of eight program agreements through the Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (BOLD) Grant program with the City.

Now in the fifth year, BOLD supports the growth of women-owned, minority-owned, and disadvantaged businesses, and focuses on developing our small businesses environment.

Today’s BOLD funding agreements are as follows:

The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA), under which BBA as part of the City’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (“BOLD”) program will create a digital network of resource partners and dedicated professionals to provide support to the City’s Legacy Biz program for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $110,000.00.

Birthwell Partners, Inc. (Birthwell Partners), under which Birthwell Partners as part of the City’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (“BOLD”) program will train new doulas and employ doulas on contract basis to provide birth doula services to lowresource families from across Birmingham with a focus on geographic priority areas, East Lake, North Birmingham, and Smithfield/Elyton for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $121,806.00.

Diane’s Heart, Inc. (Diane’s Heart), under which Diane’s Heart as part of the City’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (“BOLD”) program will professional coaching, guidance on setting goals, and educational assistance to help single moms in Birmingham, Alabama rise above the statistics of poverty and lack by providing a support system and access to financial resources, practical assistance and social networks for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $98,450.00.

East Lake Initiative, under which East Lake Initiative as part of the City’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (“BOLD”) program will provide micro-grants of up to $1,000.00 to prospective small business owners to start in-home businesses through Thrive Together (collaboration between ELI and Serving You Ministries with coaching) and Birmingham Community Incubator (six (6) week business boot camp in collaboration with Salvation Army and Community Resource Development) for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $84,250.00.

Is-Able Ministries, under which Is-Able Ministries as part of the City’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (“BOLD”) program will provide employment and job readiness services; social engagement and support groups (for those dealing with depression or grief) and training in life skills and health and wellness for individuals with disabilities for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $75,000.00.

Rebirth Community Corporation, under which Rebirth Community Corporation as part of the City’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (“BOLD”) program will support small businesses with business development, mental health support, and direct services through the provision of wellness assessments and emotional and economic action plans, group mental health sessions, group business development workshops and through the provision of direct services to participants through stipends and grants for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $148,500.00.

Tech Alabama (dba) Education Farm, under which Tech Alabama (dba) Education Farm as part of the City’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (“BOLD”) program will provide IT workforce training for underemployed adults and youth and ensure they have the tools and coaching they need to be successful for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $135,200.00.

The Surge Project, Inc. (The Surge Project), under which The Surge Project as part of the City’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (“BOLD”) program will provide workforce development for adults ages 18-35 to aid in the reduction of gun violence through a 9-week soft skills training program that has four (4) main workshops: Oral Communication, Conflict Management, Time Management, and Resume Building through a partnership with the National Training Institute for Healthcare Technicians which will provide an opportunity for forty (40) individuals to become certified healthcare professionals for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $80,800.00.

This past year the Council approved an allocation of $1 million in the City’s budget to fund this important initiative to help foster small business growth in Birmingham. Over the next year, the awardees will report back to the Council periodically with updates on how their businesses have been performing.

Magic City Spotlight: ShadowBrook Village brings new homes to North Prat

ShadowBrook Village to bring 52 affordable homes to North Pratt

Mayor Woodfin joined city officials, residents and developers for a groundbreaking at ShadowBrook Village, which will bring 52 new, single-family affordable homes to North Pratt.

"There will be beautiful family green spaces, a playground and a common area for all to enjoy," Mayor Woodfin said. "Imagine kids riding bikes through these streets, parents and grandparents enjoying an evening on the front porch. That’s what you will see here. That’s what will be here. Family."

New garbage pick-up system has begun for 20,000 households

This week, the city implemented a new uniform garbage cart pick up system. The first 20,000 households began a new schedule which will make garbage pick up more efficient in the city. The next 20,000 households will receive their complimentary, 96-gallon cart in early 2023. Those receiving a cart will receive notification by mail.

Read more at www.birminghamal.gov/pickup. Sign up for important city updates by texting BHAMREADY to 888-777.

Click the image above or the button below to watch a short video as Director of Fleet Management Cedric Roberts explains how the new system works and why it's beneficial.

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport celebrates new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting station

City officials celebrated the launch of the new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting station during at a ribbon cutting at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. Birmingham Fire and Rescue will be staffed at the $12.4 million station 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

"As part of this celebration, let’s be thankful for the sacrifices and the courage our firefighters show day in and day out," Mayor Woodfin said.

Birmingham achieves highest ever score on Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index

The City of Birmingham has proudly achieved its highest-ever total raw score of 109, on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index. Additionally, Birmingham achieved MEI “All-Star” status for its perfect score, despite Alabama’s status as a state without non-discrimination statutes that expressly protect LGBTQ people.



The 11th edition of the MEI examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ people who live and work there.

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

Mayor Woodfin urges the House Subcommittee on Civil Rights & Civil Liberties to reform cannabis laws

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.

Birmingham City Council Highlights 11.15.22

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

ITEM 8

The Council unanimously passed a redevelopment agreement between the City and NCRC (National Community Reinvestment Coalition) Housing Rehab Fund, in which the City will convey a total of fifty two lots located in the Pratt City Community for the future development of single family affordable, energy-efficient houses.

The NCRC pledged to build 200 affordable housing units across the city; this project is another step toward reaching that goal. The 52 homes will be constructed on previously vacant lots.

In January, the Birmingham City Council approved an item for the pilot program that transferred 27 lots in Belview Heights to Housing Redevelopment Corporation of America to develop affordable single-family homes. Last month, the Council approved a project for the development of 16 homes in Woodlawn through this program. The funding is being used to help subsidize the cost of the homes and is part of the federal American Rescue Plan funding that the City received last year.

Each home in Pratt City will be approximately 1,200-1,700 square feet and will be in the price range of $185,000.

“This is going to really help the Pratt City neighborhood continue to grow and bring home ownership opportunities to our residents in the area,” Councilor LaTonya Tate said. “My colleagues and I on the Council are constantly working on new ways to bring more affordable housing opportunities into our communities. I’ve been really encouraged with the work we’ve seen with the similar projects in other districts. This is a big step in the right direction.”

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

A Resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute, for and as the act of said City, a Redevelopment Agreement between the City of Birmingham and NCRC Housing Rehab Fund, LLC (NCRC), under which the City shall convey to NCRC a total of fifty-two (52) lots located in the Pratt City Community at 1430 Pratt Highway, Birmingham, and also award funds under the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR), in the amount of $2,987,000.00 to NCRC for the development of single family affordable, energy-efficient houses containing approximately 1200 to 1700 square feet of living space. (Submitted by the City Attorney) (Recommended by the Director of Community Development)**

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ITEM 5

The Council unanimously approved a franchise agreement with the micromobility company Lime to be able to begin operations in the City. This move comes after a company previously doing business in Birmingham closed their operations.

The non-exclusive agreement allows for the company to distribute and operate their shared micromobility devices on city rights of way. While the Council was supportive of this new endeavor, several issues were brought up regarding these devises blocking sidewalks and being left in the street.

“We definitely want to look at some of the issues that residents have brought up in terms of where these devices are being left,” Councilor Darrell O’Quinn said. “Getting around in Birmingham is a challenge for a lot of people and it’s important that we have this option be available to not only people who live here, but also people who are visiting…There’s been a lot of due diligence that has been done leading up to this point and we have been watching this industry sort of unfold and evolve across the country, observing some of the missteps that were made and trying to make sure that we don’t encounter the same pitfalls here.”

While no motion was presented to change the language in the City’s governing ordinance, several Councilors, including O’Quinn, voiced interest in addressing this in the future.

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

An Ordinance issuing a System Permit to Neutron Holdings, Inc., dba Lime whereby the City will grant a non-exclusive franchise to operate a Shared Micro mobility Device System in the public rights-of-way or on permitted public property controlled by the City through June 30 and thereafter for a period of one (1) year from July 1 through June 30 of the following year.

Interested in a 2023 Community Arts Grant? Eligibility Check Materials due Nov 25th.

Birmingham Water Works Press Release Regarding Customer Credits

AIDS Alabama Newsletter

The Vitality Banquet

Come out and enjoy a night celebrating life, health, and growth. Our panelists will converse about their life experiences with their health and growth to empower others to do the same and encourage others to keep going. Please RSVP by texting or calling (205) 575-8724, as this event has limited seating and will be available on a first-come, first serve.

Open Enrollment

Open enrollment is officially here! We have Navigators across the state ready and available to help you find a healthcare plan through the marketplace onhealthcare.gov. Call 1-844-248-7698 or 211 today to schedule an appointment. During this time, we will not have open office hours but may be able to assist you over the phone. Give us a call today to get started!

Save The Date

Please join us on Thursday, December 1st, from 4pm-6pm for our Holiday Open House!We will celebrate another year of serving our community and commemorate World AIDS Day, too! There will be tours of all four of our main offices with great food, drinks, and music, and long overdue camaraderie. We can't wait to see and celebrate with you!

Bedding Donations Needed

We are getting ready to openThe Way Stationand are asking for donations of Twin XL bed linens. A "bed-in-a-bag" would be awesome! Blankets and towels would be great, too. We are asking for only new items, please. Drop-offs can be brought to AIDS Alabama, 3529 7th Avenue So 35222. Thank you so much!

The Way Station
Donate today
Contact Caroline Bundy atcaroline.bundy@aidsalabama.org

Help Make the Holidays Bright for Children In Our Housing Programs

Make a child’s holiday wish come true this year by donating to the 2022 Holiday Wish Program! AIDS Alabama’s Holiday Wish program provides gifts to the children in our housing programs – gifts they would not typically receive due to household income levels. Most children’s wish list total between $150-$200, and donations can be combined to purchase items from the child’s wish list. Spread the word to friends, family, coworkers, Sunday School classes, Church groups, or social groups! All donations are due by Thursday, December 1st.

2022 Holiday Wish Program
Donate today
Phone: 205-780-6058
Contact Heather Rauckman atheather.rauckman@aidsalabama.org
Donate online athttps://www.aidsalabama.org/holidaywish

Magic City Spotlight: Road repairs and improvements are coming to your district

Revitalization across Birmingham continues as more district road resurfacing plans announced

The city is continuing to finalize the 2023 Street Paving schedule. But don't worry, the plans are coming to your district too!

The city-wide resurfacing plan will be an estimated $12 million investment, with as many as 246 road segments paved (43 miles).

See the current list at www.birminghamal.gov/neighborhoods.

More Stories From The Newsroom

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute has planned a week of special events to commemorate its 1992 opening.

The week will include major festivities and the recognition of The Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award, Myrlie Evers-Williams, on the evening of Friday, November 18, 2022, at Haven in Birmingham’s Lakeview District.

The celebration will feature R&B singer/songwriter Lalah Hathaway, special guest greetings; honors for distinguished leaders in the fight for civil rights; and an exhibit celebrating 30 years of vision.

Claim your child tax credit by November 15

There’s still time to claim the Child Tax Credit.

Most families are eligible for this up to $3,600 per child credit.

It only takes 15 minutes to file. But, you have to file by November 15.

Visit GetCTC.org/COB to claim your credit.

Crestwood South Neighborhood November Holiday Social

From The President Of Crestwood South Neighborhood Association:

Our last neighborhood meeting of 2022 will take place on November 28th at 6:30 PM at Crestwood Tavern. Following tradition, our November meeting will be an opportunity for fellowship with our neighbors. Prior to festivities, we will conduct a short neighborhood meeting to finalize any end-of-year business. Bring an appetizer or dessert to share. Plates, cups, cutlery, and drinks will be provided. Please provide your own serving utensils.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

Birmingham City Council Highlights 11.8.22

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

ITEM 3

Continuing the efforts to position the Magic City as a sports tourism destination, the Birmingham City Council unanimously passed an agreement for Protective Stadium to host the 16th Annual TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl.

Since 2006, the bowl game has brought an economic impact of roughly $161 million to the Magic City and is attended by people from all over the country. Bowl selections will be made next month to determine which teams will be playing. Last year, Auburn faced off against the University of Houston, a game that brought thousands of people to the Magic City.

“Birmingham consistently ranks in the top tier of college football TV ratings,” Councilor Hunter Williams said. “We are excited to host the two teams this year and make this year’s Birmingham Bowl the best one yet. We want to do everything we can to ensure this game stays here for a very long time.”

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

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute, for and as the act of said City, an Event Sponsorship Agreement with ESPN Productions Inc., (“ESPN”), under which ESPN shall plan, implement, and host the NCAA TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl (“Birmingham Bowl”) Football Game in Birmingham, Alabama on December 27, 2022, at Protective Stadium. The TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl is expected to bring college athletics, numerous fans, visitors, and officials from outside the City and will create and foster community pride while providing recreation and entertainment opportunities for attendees, bring jobs and have a positive economic impact for the City. For ESPN hosting the Birmingham Bowl in Birmingham, the City will provide sponsorship incentives to ESPN not to exceed $200,000.00

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ITEM 6

In an effort to mitigate issues surrounding street flooding, the Birmingham City Council passed an item that will allow for hands-on support from the federal government (FEMA) for planning, engineering and grant assistance. This is at no cost to the city.

According to officials, the City will work with federal representatives to identify key flooding areas that need to be addressed. Birmingham is one of 20 cities that were selected to be a part of this program. Once the targeted areas are identified, the city will be able to apply for federal grant funding to help resolve the issues. 

“Flooding is something that we’ve seen more and more recently and is an issue that puts our residents in harm’s way whenever we see heavy rainfall,” Councilor Crystal Smitherman said. “I’m very excited to see this item move forward so we can begin to upgrade our sewer systems in a way that prevents dangerous flooding in our communities.”

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

ITEM 6

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to apply for, submit, execute, expend, accept and take any and all actions as are appropriate and necessary in accordance with the terms of the Grant submission requirements and Grant Agreement with the US Department of Homeland Security’s FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Direct Technical Assistance Grant to receive climate resilience planning and project solution design through process-oriented, hands-on support from FEMA specifically related to grants management assistance and project scoping activities to support the City’s drainage systems. The maximum expected project duration is up to three (3) years at no cost to the City.