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.
News You Can Use: 10-13-23
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. 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 beginning at 11 a.m. 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. See the attached for details.
New food fest to celebrate Birmingham’s culinary scene now through Oct. 15
To further enhance Birmingham’s national reputation as a foodie destination, a major food event is coming to the Magic City in October. The Bham FOOD+Culture Fest, which is being held now through Oct. 15 at Pepper Place, Sloss Furnaces, and other venues, celebrates the city’s great chefs, delicious dishes, and diverse cultural traditions. Each evening will have a theme and require a ticket. For tickets, visit www.bhamfoodplus.com.
Operation Hope to host several workshops
Enroll today in the 2nd Annual Holiday Savings Challenge. Learn to be proactive, create a game plan, get through the season without breaking the bank, and start the new year with no new debt.
Upcoming workshops:
Homebuyer Education Workshop. Saturday, Oct. 14 at 9 a.m. Social Venture, 5529 1st Ave. S
Holiday Saving Challenge Workshop. Thursday, Oct 19 at 11:30 a.m. Online (Zoom)
D6 Financial Wellness Workshop. Thursday, Oct. 19 at 5:30 p.m. New Hope Baptist Church, 1740 Cleburn Ave.
Visit operationhope.org for details.
Know someone who needs a second chance
Make plans to come out to the Second Chance Hiring Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Boutwell Auditorium. Attendees and employers are invited. Go to secondchancehiringfair.com for details and see attached.
BMA hosts Art + Conversation 2023-2024 season
The Birmingham Museum of Art is presenting its reinvigorated Art + Conversation series for the 2023-2024 season. This is your invitation to step beyond the canvas and delve into the stories, the history, and the passion behind the BMA's collection. Their inaugural session for this season is set for next Wednesday, Oct. 18. Dive deep into the fascinating life of Zelda Fitzgerald in The Legend of Zelda: Alabama Artist & Jazz Age Muse, presented by Graham C. Boettcher, Ph.D., Hugh Daniel Director of American Art. Unravel the captivating journey of this Jazz Age icon and discover the eras and influences that shaped her artistic prowess.
When: October 18 at 11 a.m. (Arrive at 10:30 a.m. for coffee and light bites!)
Where: Main Lobby, Birmingham Museum of Art (Lecture takes place at 11 a.m. in the Steiner Auditorium)
Tickets: Series of 6: $60 for members, $75 for non-members
Individual Event: $12 for members, $17 for non-members
Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to register soon to secure your spot. Register here.
Register for a Professional Development Day Conference
Learn business acumen, power skills, and more. Friday, Oct. 20. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at City Club Birmingham. Featuring Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and others. See attached for details.
Mark your calendars for the Household Hazardous Waste event
Saturday, Oct. 21 from 8-11:30 a.m. For more information, call 205-325-8741. See flyer for details.
The Get Down will take place at Avondale Park
Presented by Seasick Records and Yellowhammer Print Shop. Featuring arts, music, records, and vintage. With Cha Wa, Shaheed & DJ Supreme, and more. Sunday, Oct. 22. See attached for details
Don’t miss Classic Cocktails with Birmingham Public Library
The Birmingham Public Library will host Classic Cocktails, a kickoff party leading up to this year’s Magic City Classic football game. Classic Cocktails will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at downtown’s Central Library. The Second Annual Classic Cocktails will feature a tasting of locally distilled spirits, music from DJ Chris Coleman of Birmingham’s V94.9 FM, tailgate food, a cigar lounge provided by Cigars & More, a 360-photo booth, specialty cocktails, along with some surprises! Event proceeds will fund programs at all BPL locations, which help the Birmingham Public Library continue to provide the community with the highest-quality experience of lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and enjoyment. Tickets are available online through Eventbrite: Classic Cocktails: A Magic City Classic Kickoff Party Tickets, Tue, Oct 24, 2023 at 5:30 PM | Eventbrite
Come out to the Old School Magic City Classic Concert
Commissioner Sheila Tyson is presenting a free live concert featuring Bobby Rush, V.I.C. The Wobble Guy and Willie Clayton. Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. BJCC East Ballroom A&B. See attached for details.
Make plans to attend the Magic City Classic Meet & Greet Day Party
Join the West End Community and Commissioner Sheila Tyson for free food and drinks (while they last). Arlington House. Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 12-4 p.m. Featuring DJ Bad Boy Butch. Voter registration on site. See attached for details.
Come out to a free community family
Join the VFW Post 668 for a community fun day. All are welcome to come to their post located at 1801 11th Ave. North. Saturday, Oct. 28 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be kid activities, a bouncy house, a slide, and a dunking tank. Free food. All are welcome. See attached.
Nancy’s Soul Food Sunday All Black Affair
Featuring High Energy Band. Sunday, Oct. 29. 3-7 p.m. Woodrow Hall, 5540 1st Ave. North/ $40. See attached for details.
FORGING JUSTICE POSTER SERIES
The city's 60th commemoration poster series continues
October is the month we reflect upon the acts of Social Justice. October's poster is themed “Growing in Solidarity" and features a proud fist sprouting from a bouquet of thorned roses. 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.
Right-Size Parking Initiative Online Webinar
Birmingham City Council Highlights 10.3.23
ITEM 1
The Council voted unanimously to approve a rezoning case, opening the door for a new Jack’s Restaurant to be constructed in the Huffman Neighborhood.
The move comes after residents and Huffman Neighborhood Association leaders opposed a previous effort to rezone the property that would have allowed a car wash to be built near the entrance to the residential area. The lot is located adjacent to the Huffman Baptist Church.
“We came back and worked with the Huffman Baptist Church leadership to find a solution that would work for everyone,” Ted Debro, Huffman Neighborhood Association President said. “I think the Council’s decision to not approve the carwash really showed how government can work with our neighborhoods and we want to thank you for that.”
The new Jack’s will have 68 seats and will feature a covered outdoor dining area with rocking chairs.
Councilor Hunter Williams, chair of the Economic Development Committee, said, “We have 99 Neighborhood Associations and the leadership of those all look very different. I think Mr. Debro’s strong leadership is a testament to what this neighborhood is able to accomplish by getting the right business in there that works for everyone. This shows that persistence and leadership pays off.”
Councilor Clinton Woods, who represents the district, also applauded the efforts of neighborhood leaders. “After the original project was reject, everyone continued to work together to find a solution that everyone would be happy with. This is a great example of how neighborhoods, community partners and developers can work together to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.”
Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:
An Ordinance “TO FURTHER AMEND THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM” (Case No. ZAC2023-00008) to change zone district boundaries from D-2 Single Family Residential District to QC-2 Qualified General Commercial District, filed by Brian Harris, applicant, representing the owner, Huffman Baptist Church, for property located at 9701 Parkway East and situated in the NE¼ of Section 36, Township 16-S, Range 2-West, and the hearing of all interested parties. [Second Reading] (Submitted by Councilor Abbott, Chair, Planning and Zoning Committee) (Recommended by the Z.A.C. and the Planning and Zoning Committee)**
ITEM 25
The Council unanimously approved an item for one of Council President Pro Tem Crystal Smitherman’s ARPA Projects – sidewalk infrastructure improvements for her district totaling $150,590.00 in the federally allocated funds.
Following the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021, each Council district received $3 million in funds to distribute to projects in their districts.
“This is another one of our amazing ARPA projects that we have moving. I’m really excited about this because it will be improving the sidewalk infrastructure in West End,” Council President Pro Tem Smitherman said. “One of these sidewalks is right where Hemphill Elementary is located. I think it’s really important that we have sidewalks where our kids are walking to school and that we maintain those.”
Those sidewalk projects are as follows:
Cotton Ave. from 12th Street SW to 11th Street SW – Both sides
Cotton Ave. from 11th Street SW to 10th Street SW – South side only
12th Street SW from Cotton Ave to McMillian – Both sides
12th Street SW from Tuscaloosa Ave. to Cotton Ave. – West side only
Cotton Ave from 13th Street SW to 12th Street SW – North side only
Last week, Councilor Smitherman allocated ARPA funds to two important community-based initiatives: No More Martyrs DBA Black Women’s Mental Health Institute and The Common Thread Community.
The former organization focuses on providing free mental health services for qualified residents in the district. Councilor Smitherman supported this effort with $300,000 in federal ARPA funds.
“It is crucial that we come together as a society to address the need for more mental health services in our communities. For too long there has been a stigma around seeking help. By fostering awareness, mentorship, and creating safe environments, we can strive towards a better future for our residents who need this kind of care and I’m honored to able to provide this support,” Smitherman said.
The Common Thread Community initiative will provide services to the City by supporting 10-15 new small business by expanding its existing Cultural Center in the Titusville Project (“the Project”) through the redevelopment, rehabilitation, and enhancement of Building 2, located on the existing premises at 222 6th Avenue SW, Birmingham, into 15,000 sq. ft. of additional office collaborating space for a totaled combined office collaborating space of 60,000 sq. ft. Councilor Smitherman supported this project with $100,000 from her ARPA funds.
ITEM 19
Continuing the efforts to attract and incentivize more affordable housing developments in the City, the Council approved a grant application for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for $10 million to remove barriers for housing opportunities.
The federal government has recognized the need to help local municipalities remove barriers to affordable housing construction, including construction costs, maintenance and sustainability. This grant in particular is will focus on critical components that are a challenge for the City of Birmingham in this regard.
This includes reducing the time it takes to develop affordable housing, that process can create a barrier for would-be developers. The grant funding would help streamline these efforts, according to City officials. The grant funding would also be utilized to bolster local agencies that are working to provide wrap-around services for homeless residents as well as low-income families.
“Access to affordable housing is one of the biggest issues we face in every one of our districts,” Council President Pro Tem Smitherman said. “These grant opportunities, especially ones that don’t require a local match are crucial to our efforts to help get more affordable housing inventory here. This will help our efficiencies and build pathways to more developments, hopefully not just in one or two areas but across the entire city.”
Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute any and all documents
required for the City to complete a grant with the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Community
Planning and Development Pathways to Removing Obstacles to
Housing (PRO Housing) in an amount of up to $10,000,000.00 to identify
and remove barriers to affordable housing production and preservation
with no matching funds due from the City and authorizing the Mayor to
take any and all actions and execute such documents as are appropriate
and necessary to accept and expend the grant funds on behalf of the City
in accordance with the grant documents. (Submitted by the City Attorney)
(Recommended by the Mayor and the Budget and Finance Committee)
A LOOK AHEAD:
Councilor Carol Clarke will be hosting a free Blues in the Ballpark concert series at historic Rickwood Field on Saturday, October 7th.
This is a great opportunity for residents and families to step back in time to the soulful rhythms of the past as the legendary baseball stadium is transformed into a good old-fashioned Blues joint. There will be performances by Ms. Johnnie and the Jammers, Charles “Sugar Harp” Burroughs, Jose Ramirez, “Hurricane Elaine” Hudson, and many more.
The concert is free and open to the public, however, no outside food and beverages will be allowed inside the stadium. Food trucks and vendors will be on hand and attendees will be able to bring chars and blankets to watch the shows (the covered stands will also be available for seating). The music and festivities start at 1 p.m. and go until 6:30 p.m.
“There is nothing that’s uniquely American as Blues and Baseball and we wanted to take this opportunity to marry those two things together with this event,” Councilor Carol Clarke said. “I think that Blues, which is one of our greatest contributions to the world, has been under represented here and I’m looking forward to everyone coming together and enjoying it in a very unique venue.
“We owe a great deal of credit and gratitude to the Friends of Rickwood Field who have acted as stewards for this incredible, historic facility and who have partnered with us for this event. I’d also like to thank the Magic City Blues Society for all their hard work to help make this possible.”
Following the concert on Saturday, October 7th, Rickwood Field will be undergoing a series of renovations leading up to next year’s MLB game on June 20th.
Don't miss this chance to be a part of history as we bring the Blues back to the 113-year-old stadium that’s hosted players like Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige.
Stay tuned for more exciting announcements and sneak peeks as we count down to the Blues event of the year!
Upcoming Southside Community Framework Plan Meetings
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.
Birmingham City Council Highlights 8.29.2
Birmingham City Council Highlights 8.29.23
ITEMS 18-19
The Birmingham City Council has voted to delay considering proposed amendments to the City’s parking and towing ordinances following a public hearing at today’s Council meeting.
Several representatives from local towing companies addressed the Council during the hearing and raised concerns over the proposed language surrounding insurance coverage in the updated ordinance. In order to get the corrected language included into the ordinance, there will be a two-week delay.
Written submissions for public comments will still be accepted until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5th; the public hearing to consider the amended parking and towing ordinances will be held September 12th during the regularly scheduled Council meeting.
Written comments can be sent to Darrell.OQuinn@Birminghamal.gov
The Council will be in a position to consider approving the amendments at the conclusion on the public hearing on September 12th.
The Office of the City Attorney presented the proposed changes during a Town Hall held in June. Some of the key points of the updated ordinance include, but are not limited to, increasing insurance requirements for operators; clarifying proof of payment to help drivers with dispute options; prohibiting operators from towing/booting a vehicle while a driver is paying; additional payment options — the use of mobile and web payment systems; improved requirements for signage.
In addition to modernizing the way parking in paid for by phone, the updated ordinance also gives the Birmingham Department of Transportation purview to oversee parking signage placement and regulations.
Councilor Darrell O’Quinn, chair of the Transportation Committee, said he has been encouraged by the productive conversation and feedback from members of the public throughout this process.
“There were definitely issues that were brought up that we had not heard before when we heard from residents in June. It’s really great to get these comments into the public record,” O’Quinn said. “There were multiple people that have referred to the ambiguity of the signage that refers to overnight parking. I think that’s really valuable to for us to hear. I’m looking forward to this additional opportunity for people to provide feedback. I’d like to thank the Mayor’s team and our City Attorneys for their continued work and diligence on these important updates to our city code.”
ITEM 30
The Council approved a resolution for a grant application seeking $15 million for the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program with the U.S. Department of Transportation to convert 4th Avenue North from a one-way to a two-way street.
This would take place from 24th Street North to 9th Street North through the downtown corridor. This program is part of the bi-partisan infrastructure bill that was passed by Congress in 2021. These conversion plans are supported by the City Center Master Plan and Northside/Southside Framework Plans, which have shown a need to convert several one-way streets as a way to boost economic activity and help prevent incidents of reckless driving.
This corridor is the home of the Fourth Avenue Business District. According to representatives with the City’s Department of Transportation, national studies have shown that converting roads from one-ways is a big boon for local businesses. Two-way traffic allows for people to access these stores from both directions and allows for a slower pace of traffic.
“I know we have had many instances of collisions at the intersection by the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and there is some confusion with drivers when they are passing through this area,” Council President Wardine Aleander said. “I think it’s so important for the City to support this historic Black business center. I am hopeful this grant application will be successful and we will be able to make our roadways a little safe and more supportive for local businesses.”
Most of the cost would be incurred from outfitting the intersections with new signals and ADA compliant features.
This corridor is located in an “area of persistent poverty” and therefore does not require the typical 80/20 percent grant match under federal guidelines. However, in order to strengthen the grant application, the City will be contributing $2 million towards the project in the event the application is successful.
Here is the item as it appeared on the agenda:
ITEM 30.
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute any and all documents
required for the City to apply for a Reconnecting Communities and
Neighborhood (RCN) Program grant from United States Department of
Transportation in the amount of up to $15,000,000.00 to convert 4th Ave
North from a one-way to a two-way from 24th Street to 9th Street. This
grant requires matching funds in the amount of twenty percent (20%) of
the total grant received by the City and authorizing the Mayor to take any
and all actions and execute such documents as are appropriate and
necessary to accept and expend the grant funds on behalf of the City in
accordance with the grant documents. (Submitted by the City Attorney)
(Recommended by the Mayor and the Chief Community Planner)
BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL: Week in Review, August 14th - 20th
Public Safety Chair (D9) Councilor LaTonya A Tate Hosts Credible Messenger in the Magic City
At Wednesday's Committee of the Whole Meeting, Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement President and CEO Clinton Lacey was in town for a presentation for the Birmingham City Council. Mr. Lacey's presentation was one of several given at the meeting, geared toward addressing and reducing violence in the City.
Credible Messenger is a community-based crime prevention program that is currently active in 20 states. While in town, Councilor Tate and Lacey also visited the Ross Bell Juvenile Detention Center and met with Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway and Urban Alchemy.
Learn more about Credible Messenger here...
Watch the Committee of the Whole meeting for Mr. Lacey's presentation here...
Council President Wardine Alexander Hosts Quarterly Chat and Chew with Neighborhood Leaders
Council President Wardine Alexander sat down with neighborhood officers during the annual District 7 Chat & Chew.
A number of neighborhood officers had the opportunity to voice neighborhood concerns to Mayor Woodfin and also break out into small groups to discuss projects, collaborations, and nonprofits.
Council Votes to Approve Resolution of Intent for Birmingham-Southern College Funding
On Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council voted to approve a resolution of intent to provide funding to Birmingham-Southern College as the institution works its way back from a period of financial uncertainty.
The resolution of intent does not transfer any funds or establish a dollar amount for the one-time funding agreement. However, based on conversations that took place from the dais and during previous Education Committee Meetings, the leadership at BSC is seeking a commitment of up to $5 million.
The resolution passed 6-1 with the dissenting vote coming from Council President Wardine Alexander, who expressed her support of the institution, but said she would like to see similar investments made into neighborhoods across the city.
Councilor J.T. Moore, chair of the Council’s Education Committee, said he would like to see more opportunities for service-based learning taking place in schools across the City.
“We would love to see Birmingham-Southern become a part of the Birmingham Promise network of schools,” Councilor Moore said. “We want to increase the access that our students have to this institution, and create a more robust partnership with BSC, especially as we look to improve our reading levels in city schools. Their service-based learning model has been a great resource, and we’d like to build on that moving forward.”
Read more here...
Council Pro Tem Smitherman Partners with Operation HOPE for Financial Wellness Series
Council President Pro Tem Crystal Smitherman has partnered with Operation Hope for a series of financial wellness workshops. This week's focus was on how to improve credit scores and money management.
We hope you will join us for the next installment when we discuss pathways to homeownership. That will be taking place at 5:30 pm at the West End Library on Thursday, September 21st!
Public Hearing Set For Birmingham's Parking and Towing Ordinance
REMINDER: The Birmingham City Council recently voted to set a public hearing to discuss proposed changes to the City’s parking and towing ordinance. That public hearing has been set for Tuesday, August 29th during the Council meeting on the second floor of Boutwell Auditorium.
UPDATED TIMEFRAME: Due to Chamber Renovations, Council Meetings are being held at the Boutwell
The Council voted to extend the length of time in which meetings will be held at the Boutwell Auditorium while the City Council chambers are being renovated. That completion date has been extended to December 19, 2023.
The Council unanimously passed an ordinance earlier this year to change the regularly scheduled meeting location to the second floor of the Boutwell Auditorium, 1930 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Boulevard. The meeting time will remain 9:30 a.m. on every Tuesday.
If you plan to attend the meeting in person, please arrive early. All meetings will still stream to the Council's Facebook page: @citycouncilbham
Birmingham City Council Highlights 8.22.23
Birmingham City Council Highlights 8.22.23
ITEM 3
The Birmingham City Council voted to approve an ordinance accepting grant funds for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to study the impacts of air pollution in Birmingham.
The $1 million grant is part of the Air and Radiation Climate Pollution Reduction program, and will help formulate a climate action plan for the City and region. The City and the Regional Planning Commission are leading this effort to address the impacts of climate change and air pollution. A preliminary climate action plan is expected to be completed in 2024. A larger, more comprehensive plan will be submitted to the EPA in 2025 and will be funded by this grant allocation.
The studies are a prerequisite for being able to apply for implementation funding from the federal government, meaning once the City completes the study, it will open the door for additional federal dollars to be allocated.
“Obviously this is an issue – air pollution – that impacts a big part of the communities that I represent,” Councilor JT Moore said. “I’m very interested in seeing the results of this study, considering the amount of heavy industry that we have near residential neighborhoods. We need all the help we can get to help remediate the impacts of this pollution in our neighborhoods.”
Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:
An Ordinance “TO FURTHER AMEND THE GRANTS FUND BUDGET” for the fiscal year ending Jung 30, 2024, by appropriating $1,000,000.00 to the Mayor’s Office for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation for the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant per grant award received. (Submitted by the Mayor) (Recommended by the Mayor and the Budget and Finance Committee)**
ITEM 12
The Council approved an agreement with the Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement, which aims to reduce instances of violent crime and recidivism, especially among young people. The funding will be coming in part from Councilor LaTonya Tate’s American Rescue Plan Act funding ($200,000).
Credible messengers are individuals who have personal experience and background that allow them to connect with and influence young people who may be at risk of engaging in violence or other harmful behaviors. These messengers are often respected and trusted within the communities they serve due to their own life experiences and transformations. Credible messengers can effectively reach and guide at-risk youth by drawing from their own stories of overcoming challenges, making positive changes, and avoiding violence.
Last week, Clinton Lacey, CEO of Credible Messenger presented information during the Committee of the Whole meeting. Some of the key areas of focus for their program include:
Increased engagement with programs and services
Reduction in re-arrests, violations, and anti-social behavior
Increased compliance with court mandates
Improved relationships between system stakeholders and community members
More community capacity to support system-involved youth
“This will have an immediate real world impact, and this is exactly why this program has been successful across the country,” Councilor Tate said during the Committee of the Whole meeting. “We have a lot of credible people who live here and who want to step into these mentorship roles. It takes resources and people to be able to do this, and I’m grateful to be in a position to help fund this important work. I believe it will have a transformative impact on an entire generation of kids here.”
Here is the item as it appeared on the agenda:
ITEM 12.
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver an agreement
with Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement to address the increase
in violent crime among the City’s youth during COVID-19 through the
implementation of the Birmingham Credible Messenger Initiative
designed to have transformative impact on marginalized young people,
their families, and the communities where they live with funds received
by the City from the American Rescue Plan Act, in a total amount not to
exceed $500,000.00. [Funding Source: FIN039RM 99999A_006_003 –
G/L Account: 039_000.445-035; ARPA-District 9: $200,000.00 – G/L
Account: 039_010.445-035] (Submitted by the Mayor) (Recommended
by the Chief Community Planner)
ITEM 22
The Birmingham City Council took a major step toward empowering neighborhood leaders to remove blight in their communities with the passage of an agreement with ToolBank USA Inc.
The agreement will help with the development of a 5,000 square foot facility that will house thousands of tools and equipment that will be available for rent by community-based organizations to assist with projects. This was one of the first programs that multiple Councilors identified for use of their office’s ARPA funding.
Districts 1, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 all contributed funds for this program (Full breakdown below).
The funding will also allow for up to two full-time employees and one part-time employee to help with maintenance and to answer questions people might have about the equipment they are renting. This service will be available for Neighborhood Associations and any not-for-profit to utilize.
“I want to express my excitement about this program,” Councilor Carol Clarke said. “A lot of my colleagues have partnered together to make this possible. The mayor’s office helped a lot to make this more robust and to allow for more people and groups to access this. I’d also like to thank Councilor Clinton Woods who helped organize the ARPA pitch conversations that brought these groups together to outline how we could have the most impact with this federal funding. This was my favorite of all the projects because it really empowers our residents in a way that we haven’t seen before.”
Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:
ITEM 22.
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver an Agreement between the City of Birmingham and ToolBank USA, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $345,000.00, to fund the Birmingham ToolBank initiative through which ToolBank USA will launch a ToolBank Affiliate called the Magic City ToolBank, which will involve (i) the development of a 2,500- 5,000 square foot warehouse facility with thousands of tools located within the City; (ii) the employment of up to two full time employees and one part-time employee to manage and operate the facility; (iii) the empowerment of community-based and neighborhood not-for-profit organizations with the tools, equipment and expertise which are central to completing community transformation projects; and (iv) the expert instruction on the proper use of tools and equipment utilizing safety precautions. The establishment of the ToolBank Affiliate is expected to promote the removal of blight in the City, generate revenue for the City, attract volunteers and private donations, bring jobs and an estimated economic impact to the City. [G/L Account: 039_101.445-035 - ARPADistrict #1: $45,000.00; ARPA-District #4: $55,000.00; ARPA-District #6: $75,000.00; APRA-District #7: $50,000.00; ARPA-District #8: $70,000.00; ARPA-District #9: $50,000.00] (Submitted by the City Attorney) (Recommended by the Mayor and the Chief Community Planner)**
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!