City to open warming station Thursday through Sunday

Birmingham, AL -- In response to temperatures falling below freezing, the City of Birmingham will partner with Jimme Hale Mission and Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex to open a 24-hour warming station to the public beginning 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22 through Sunday, Dec. 25. Those needing warm shelter can come to the BJCC South Exhibition Hall, located at 1962 9th Ave North. Food will be provided. 

We will continue to monitor temperatures to determine hours of operation for the days following Christmas.

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: Martha Gaskins Elementary wins Eastern U.S. Robotics championship

99 Voices: Martha Gaskins Elementary School robotics team reigns as Eastern U.S. Robotics Champions

Help us celebrate and congratulate the Martha Gaskins Elementary School's robotics team on being the reigning Eastern U.S. Robotics Champions of the Fall 2022 CoderZ League Robotics Competition.

In the latest episode of 99 Voices, hear how fifth-grade teacher Dr. Yuvraj Verma is helping our students broaden their skills and minds to be ready for the opportunities of today.

A reminder about the city’s uniform garbage cart system

For the 20,000 households using the new uniform garbage carts, please remember that garbage must be bagged and placed inside the complimentary 96-gallon cart. If placed on the ground beside the cart or on top of the cart, it will not be picked up. Residents using the new carts should place their carts in front of their home. Any household garbage placed on the ground in alleys or on the ground in front of the residence will not be picked up.

The new cart system is serviced by automated trucks that use a mechanical lift to empty the contents of the carts in the truck. The process and schedule for the bulk trash and brush pick-up will not change.

Thank you for your patience as the city continues to educate residents on the new system. We encourage you as neighborhood leaders to help inform residents using the new system how to properly set out their household garbage in the new uniform carts.

For more information and updates, go to www.birminghamal.gov/pickup.

The City of Birmingham awards $850,000 to organizations to facilitate economic development through BOLD program

The City of Birmingham has awarded more than $850,000 to eight area organizations to fund innovative ways to help improve Birmingham’s economic landscape. The BOLD program, which stands for Building Opportunities for Lasting Development, provides financial support to organizations and agencies that are taking creative, evidence-based approaches to solving various community issues.

“I am thrilled to continue to support our local organizations and small businesses who work diligently to support our residents with innovative programming and resources,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “An investment in these outstanding groups is an investment in the future of Birmingham.”   

StrongHER 2023 is coming! First, meet Meesha Emmett

Next year's theme is "Born to Make a Difference: Then and Now," celebrating women's journeys from childhood to adulthood and the inspiring lessons learned along the way. Send your nominations to strongher@birminghamal.gov.

But we don't have to wait. Get to know Meesha Emmett.

One of the most painful moments in Meesha Emmett’s life has led to her life's work to combat suicide.

In May 2013, Meesha was 29 years old when she lost her best friend to suicide. She had known Alex since they were little girls.

"Devastating doesn't even begin to cover how distraught I was," Meesha, now 38, recalled. "And then came the questions: 'What if? How could I have helped her? How could I have stopped this from happening?'"

RPCGB Roundabouts Newsletter - December 2022

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. 

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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.

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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. 

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.