Birmingham City Council Highlights 12.20.22

Birmingham City Council Highlights 12.20.22

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

ITEM 6

Today, the Council passed an amended version of the redevelopment agreement between the City and Housing Reinvestment Corporation of America (a subsidiary of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition).

Several weeks ago, Councilor LaTonya Tate joined Pratt City residents and National Community Reinvestment Coalition officials for the groundbreaking of the new affordable housing development that was made possible through this agreement.

In November, the Council unanimously passed the redevelopment agreement in which the City conveyed a total of fifty three 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 53 homes will be constructed on previously vacant lots along the Pratt Highway corridor.

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. In October, 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.”

ITEM 13

The Council passed a resolution allowing the Mayor’s administration to submit a grant application for the Bloomberg Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure program. If accepted, these funds would help connect Birmingham’s Railroad Park to the Rotary Trail, several city blocks away.

The globally competitive grant will be awarded to 10 cities for the purpose of making infrastructure improvements for cyclists. The grants will be between $400,000 and $1 million and do not require a local funding match.

The three-block stretch between Railroad Park and the Rotary Trail is a key corridor for local cyclists.

“I would love to see an increased focus on educating people about bike lanes and how they should be utilized,” Councilor Darrell O’Quinn said. “I look forward to this being a successful application process so that we can begin to fill the gap that currently exists between these two popular trails.”

Call for Teaching Artists Summer Camps 2023

Space One Eleven is offering paid teaching positions to artists with previous teaching experience for its 2023 summer art camps for rising 2nd through 12th-grade students.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Requirements: Must be at least 18 to apply and have a background in art, art education, or a related field. Experience working with children in a studio setting is preferred.

For any additional questions please email clairelesar@spaceoneeleven.org.

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.

Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration At The Birmingham Zoo

Join us for Birmingham Zoo's larger-than-life illuminated experience, Glow Wild 2022: An Animal Lantern Celebration! This extraordinary event will be held on select nights from 5pm until 9pm NOW through January 16th. Guests will be captivated by visually stunning lantern creations of Zoo animals, sea life, fantastical creatures, and wildlife from around the world. Watch the Zoo come alive with hundreds of marvelous animal shapes of all sizes – from zebras, elephants, tigers, giraffes, and a 200-foot-long dragon – some soaring up to 30 feet high! Spend all winter long with your Birmingham Zoo and GLOW WILD into the new year!  

WHEN
Now – January 16, 2023
Select nights
Wednesday – Sunday

• OPEN MLK Monday (last night Jan. 16)

TIME
5pm – 9pm 

*Prices may vary depending on the night of GLOW WILD you choose to visit.

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

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!

Fall Roundtable Discussion

Is hosting a Roundtable Discussion:  

Issues That Affect Families' Daily Lives

• Domestic Violence

• Appraisal Bias

• Criminal Background

• Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Join us for a discussion of how these issues keep families from obtaining stable housing.

LOCATION

• Salvation Army Area Command, (see note below) 2015 26th Ave. N. Birmingham, AL 35234

• PLEASE NOTE: The location is Salvation Army's new (since 2017) location off of Finley Blvd - it's gorgeous!

DATE AND TIME

11/17/22 9:00 am - 11/17/22 12:00 pm US/Central