News You Can Use

June 8, 2023 

DEADLINE EXTENDED: The 2023 Juneteenth Door Decorating Contest - One, two, three, go. Engage, Collaborate, Decorate.  Show us what you got!!! 

• All City of Birmingham departments are invited to show their Juneteenth spirit and pride by decorating their department door. 

• Contest information: 

• EXTENDED to 5 p.m., Thursday, June 8. Send participation notification to COBengagement@birminghamal.gov. Departments must have doors decorated by 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 13. Judging will take place Wednesday, June 14 - Thursday, June 15. Winners announced Friday, June 16. Scoring rubric and contest information attached   

Get fit with a free weekly bootcamp 

• Every Monday, Birmingham Park and Recreation hosts a free bootcamp at Boutwell from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. powered by IAM BHAM. See flyer for details. No class will be held on June 19. 

Support area restaurants and bars with Magic City Sips 

• Magic City Sips is a summer-long, city-wide happy hour event series taking place every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m., during the months of June, July, and August. Participating bars and restaurants will host their own happy hours, highlighting Sips-specific drink and food specials. The summer will conclude with a "Sippy Cup Award" which will be offered to the best establishment based on patrons' votes in various categories including Best Cocktail, Best Happy Hour Appetizer, Best Vibe, and more. Sips seeks to not only engage our residents and business communities but to also drive traffic in support of one of Birmingham's most thriving and notable industries. See attached flyer with a QR Code to scan for additional information. Follow them on Instagram @ieobirmingham. 

Enjoy good music and great food at upcoming festival  

• The 27th Annual Bob Marley and Jerk Chicken Festival is June 9-10 in front of City Hall. Featuring Inner Circle Group, Delain Hudson, Root Posse Band and more. Get details attached.  

It's time for the fishing rodeo 

• Come out to the fishing rodeo on Saturday, June 10 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at East Lake Park. There will be lots of fish, vendors, food trucks, free live bait, and giveaways. See attached flyer for more details. On Friday, June 9, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. the lake will be stocked with over 2,000 pounds of catfish. Come check it out. 

Come out for a community clean-up on Saturday 

• Help pick up litter and cut grass at the Fountain Heights Community Clean-up this Saturday, June 10 from 9-11 a.m. The event will take place at the Fountain Heights Recreation Center, located at 1101 15th Ave. North. Sign-up starts at 8:30 a.m. See attached for details.  

BMA to host African Heritage Festival  

• The Birmingham Museum of Art is hosting an African Heritage Festival, sponsored by Medical Properties Trust with support from Blue Cross Blue Shield. Join BMA on Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as they come together to celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of African cultures and the Museum's exceptional African art galleries. This family-friendly festival includes immersive experiences, captivating performances, delicious cuisine, and hands-on activities for all ages. Get more info at https://www.artsbma.org.

Several positions open 

• Birmingham Park and Recreation is hiring for several positions. See attached for details.  

Enjoy delicious meals at the Arlington House 

• The Arlington Historic House has a series of upcoming food events. Enjoy Thursdays at Arlington, Fish Fry Fridays, and Soul Food Saturdays. Check out the attached flyer for details.  

Get some financial tips and lunch on Wednesdays in June 

• Enjoy the financial workshops follow hosted by Birmingham City Credit Union, located at 2725 35th Ave. North. These events are on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided. Free to BCCU members. $10 for non-members.  

• How to Navigate Medicare – Wednesday, June 14 

• How to Navigate Basics of Credit – Wednesday, June 28 

• See attached for details.  

Lots of upcoming events at Titusville Public Library 

• Check out the following upcoming events at Titusville Public Library, located at 2 6th Ave. SW. See attached flyers for details. 

• Swinging Stories Golf Camp. Ages 5 -18. June 6, 8, 13, and16, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 

• Father’s Day Brunch. Wednesday, June 14 at 11 a.m.
  

• Arts and Crafts. Every Tuesday 11 a.m.-12 p.m. starting June 13 and through July 20. 

• All Together Now Fortnite Party. July 12 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Registration required.  

Enjoy Steel City Jazz Fest 

• The Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival will take place at Linn Park downtown June 16-17. The lineup includes legendary Stephanie Mills and other legends-in-the-making such as Anthony Hamilton, Stokely, Raheem DeVaughn and Birmingham’s own Kim Scott. Short 20th will be closed on Wednesday, June 14 at 5 p.m. so organizers can start setting up for the festival. For more information about performers and tickets, please visit www.steelcityjazzfest.org. 

First Annual Family fest is June 29-July 2 

• Thursday, June 29 kicks off the family- friendly Magic City Summer Fest at Legion Field. This four-day event includes a basketball tournament featuring Birmingham Squadron's Mascot and a KCBS Sanctioned BBQ Cook-off featuring Food Network's Darnell “Super Chef” Ferguson from "Super Chef Grudge Match" vying for cash prizes and bragging rights. There will also be carnival rides, a giant game room, miniature golf, summer ice skating, kids’ zone with inflatables, craft vendors, food court, DJ Dance Parties and more. For more information visit www.magiccitysummerfest.com.  

Prioritize your wellness with an upcoming men’s health fair 

• The City of Birmingham is hosting a Men’s Health Fair on Friday, June 30 at Linn Park. The event is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Come get tips on physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial health. See attached for details.  

High school alums, it’s kickball time 

• Represent your high school pride by assembling a team to compete in the All High School Alumni Co-Ed Kickball Tournament at Legion Field. Game day will be Sunday, July 2. First game will start at 3 p.m. See flyer for details. 

Stay updated regarding the Forging Justice 60th Commemoration 

• All year long, the City of Birmingham is commemorating the heroic acts of our citizens during the 1963 civil and human rights campaign. May is themed “Daring to Dream” and focuses on children and youth of the movement. There are free May posters on the first floor of City Hall. Check out this calendar for details regarding upcoming events: birminghamal.gov/forging justice.
   

Submit your news to marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov. 

Birmingham City Council Highlights 6.6.23

Birmingham City Council Highlights 6.6.23

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

ITEM 10

The Birmingham City Council voted unanimously to approve the vacation of 154,638 square feet of unopened right of way near the Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport to pave the way for a new cargo facility.

This is part of a larger effort from the Birmingham Airport Authority to help bolster their standing as a hub for cargo transportation and logistics.

Above all else, airports require robust infrastructure to function effectively.

With its central location, proximity to major highways, rail networks, an inland port, Birmingham serves as a key facilitator of trade and commerce throughout the state.

Recently, Councilor JT Moore spoke during a groundbreaking ceremony for the global shipping and logistics company Kuehne+Nagel, which will be expanding their operations to the airport.

“Birmingham's expansion in this sector will not only provide a boost to our local businesses but also position us as a critical player in the global market,” Councilor Moore said. “And despite recent reports about population growths in other Alabama cities, Birmingham remains the economic engine for the entire state and will remain so with the amazing work being done by our local partners and leadership on the Birmingham Airport Authority.”

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

ITEM 10. A Resolution assenting to the vacation of the following: 154,638 square feet of (Unopened) right of way that is located parallel to and between E. Lake Blvd and 15th Avenue N. and perpendicular to 50th Street N., on behalf of the Birmingham Airport Authority, owners, so that the owner can consolidate property and the hearing of all interested parties, Case No. SUB2023-00011. [Second Reading] (Submitted by Councilor Smitherman, Chairperson, Public Improvements and Beautification Committee) (Recommended by the Subdivision Committee of the Birmingham Planning Commission and the Public Improvements and Beautification Committee)**

Town Hall Meeting Reminder
 

The Birmingham City Council will be holding a town hall meeting to discuss parking and towing practices in the city of Birmingham. The meeting will be held on the second floor of the Boutwell Auditorium, beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7th.

Those interested in speaking will be able to sign up as they enter from 5:30 p.m. until when the meeting begins at 6 p.m.

“This is an important issue that we’ve been working on with city leaders for some time,” Council President Wardine Alexander said. “We understand this is an issue across our city, however towing often happens on private property. So this discussion is going to focus on solutions for our residents and letting them know where we currently are on this.”

Councilor Darrell O’Quinn, Chair of the Transportation Committee, explained that the format of the meeting will be for the Office of the City Attorney to give a presentation then members of the public will be able to respond.

“We want to make it abundantly clear that we have a serious problem in our city with predatory towing,” O’Quinn said. “We all receive many complaints about this practice. We want this to be a solution-based conversation and to get feedback from our residents.”

The meeting will be streamed on the Birmingham City Council’s Facebook Page.

WATCH THE FULL BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL MEETING HERE

Opening this weekend - Treasure Island in the Parks!

Magic City Spotlight: Bush Hills residents unite to establish new community center

99 Voices: Vacant school becomes site of new life for Bush Hills neighborhood

In the latest 99 Voices highlight, Bush Hills residents are showing us what being a good neighbor truly means.

Click the button below to hear the journey residents have taken to transform the former Woodrow Wilson Elementary School into a vibrant community hub.

City of Birmingham files public nuisance lawsuit against vacant East Thomas apartments

The Office of the City Attorney for the City of Birmingham has filed a lawsuit against the owners of East Thomas Apartments to have the property declared a public nuisance. The long-vacant multi-unit apartment complex has been the scene of many calls related to arson, violent crimes, illegal drug sales, overdoses and theft.

“When violence and drugs threaten public safety, it’s important that the city steps in to disrupt the flow of drugs into our streets, holds criminals accountable and makes our neighborhoods safer for residents, businesses and visitors,” said City Attorney Nicole E. King.

Click the button below to learn more about the lawsuit filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court.

Pro tip: If you put Food Truck Friday on your calendar, it's technically a meeting.

We look forward to seeing you throughout the summer and into fall for Food Truck Friday at City Hall.

Click the button below to see the lineup of food trucks coming this Friday, June 2.

The City's 60th commemoration poster series continues 

As we continue to commemorate the 1963 Birmingham Civil and Human Rights Movement all year long, the City of Birmingham will unveil a different themed poster each month to honor the various people and acts of heroism that took place in our city.  June is the month we reflect upon restorative justice and the efforts to repair the breach of racism. June's poster is themed “Break Every Chain" and features a collage of past and present champions of justice.

This month, our partners will host several events across the city. In addition, The City of Birmingham will re-open the historic A.G. Gaston Motel in the days to come.  Check out the calendar of events for details about these and other activities happening all year at birminghamal.gov/forgingjustice. Free copies of this month’s poster are available in city hall. 

25th Annual Sickle Cell Walk

News You Can Use: 6-1-23

Summer-long Magic City Sips has begun

• Magic City Sips is a summer-long happy hour series organized by the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity to intentionally drive traffic to bars and restaurants throughout the city. Sips is taking place every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. now through August 30.  Participating bars and restaurants will host their own happy hours, highlighting Sips-specific drink and food specials. For more information, go to www.birminghamal.gov/sips.

Open mic poetry event this Friday 

• The Birmingham Public Library is hosting its Bards and Brews Open Mic event on Friday, June 2. The evening will be in tribute to the late Voice Porter. Friday, June 2 from 6:30-8 p.m. The Greenhouse, located at 602 19th Street Ensley. It’s free. See attached for details.

City’s first responders to engage in a dodgeball fundraiser 

• Birmingham Fire and Rescue and Birmingham Police Department will battle it out in dodgeball on Saturday, June 3 for a fundraiser during halftime of the Birmingham Stallions game. The game begins at 2 p.m. at Protective Stadium. Five dollars from every ticket will go toward the Make a Wish and Toys for Tots foundations. For details, go here: https://fevo.me/dodgeballfundraiser. 

Make plans to attend the Citywide Resource and Career Fair 

• The Birmingham Public Library and the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center at UAB will host a Citywide Resource and Career Fair. Saturday, June 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2100 Park Place. See attached for details.

Enter the Juneteenth door decorating contest 

• City of Birmingham departments are invited to show their Juneteenth spirit and pride by decorating their department door. The contest is June 5-12. The winner will be announced June 16. See attached for details and a scoring rubric.

Upcoming Arlington House food events coming soon 

• The Arlington Historic House has a series of upcoming food events. Enjoy Thursdays at Arlington, Fish Fry Fridays, and Soul Food Saturdays. Check out the attached flyer for details.

Southern Museum of Flight hosts free family fun day 

• Enjoy food trucks, games, an antique car show cruise in and more at the Southern Museum of Flight. Saturday, June 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, see the attached flyer. 

Birmingham youth are invited to gather for a summit 

• Back to the Basics: A Youth Summit is Saturday, June 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Legion Field. There will be peer panels, employment opportunities, food trucks and more. See the attached flyer for details.
   

Get fit with the BWELL BHM Bootcamp 

• Every Monday, starting June 5, BWell BHM and I Am Bham will host a free bootcamp at Boutwell from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Please see flyer for details. No class will be held on June 19. 

Get some financial tips and lunch on Wednesdays in June 

• Enjoy the financial workshops follow hosted by Birmingham City Credit Union, located at 2725 35th Ave. North. These events are on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided. Free to BCCU members. $10 for non-members.

• How to Navigate Safe Housing – Wednesday, June 7 

• How to Navigate Medicare – Wednesday, June 14 

• How to Navigate Basics of Credit – Wednesday, June 28 

• See attached for details. 

Enjoy good music and great food at upcoming festival

• The 27th Annual Bob Markey and Jerk Chicken Festival is June 9-10 in front of City Hall. Featuring Inner Circle Group, Delain Hudson, Root Posse Band and more. Get details attached.

It's time for the fishing rodeo 

• Come out to the fishing rodeo on Saturday, June 10 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at East Lake Park. There will be lots of fish, vendors, food trucks, free live bait, and giveaways. See attached flyer for more details. On Friday, June 9, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. the lake will be stocked with over 2,000 pounds of catfish. Come check it out. 

Enjoy donuts with dad

• The Titusville Library is hosting a Father’s Day Brunch Wednesday, June 14 at 11 a.m. See attached for details. 

Steel City Jazz Fest 

• The Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival will take place at Linn Park downtown June 16-17. The lineup includes legendary Stephanie Mills and other legends-in-the-making such as Anthony Hamilton, Stokely, Raheem DeVaughn and Birmingham’s own Kim Scott. Short 20th will be closed on Wednesday, June 14 at 5 p.m. so organizers can start setting up for the festival. For more information about performers and tickets, please visit www.steelcityjazzfest.org. 

First Annual Family fest is June 29-July 2 

• Thursday, June 29 kicks off the family- friendly Magic City Summer Fest at Legion Field. This four-day event includes a basketball tournament featuring Birmingham Squadron's Mascot and a KCBS Sanctioned BBQ Cook-off featuring Food Network's Darnell “Super Chef” Ferguson from "Super Chef Grudge Match" vying for cash prizes and bragging rights. There will also be carnival rides, a giant game room, miniature golf, summer ice skating, kids’ zone with inflatables, craft vendors, food court, DJ Dance Parties and more. For more information visit www.magiccitysummerfest.com

Prioritize your wellness with an upcoming men’s health fair 

• The City of Birmingham is hosting a Men’s Health Fair on Friday, June 30 at Linn Park. The event is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Come get tips on physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial health. See attached for details.

High school alums, it’s kickball time 

• Represent your high school pride by assembling a team to compete in the All High School Alumni Co-Ed Kickball Tournament at Legion Field. Game day will be Sunday, July 2. First game will start at 3 p.m. See flyer for details. 

Stay updated regarding the Forging Justice 60th Commemoration 

• All year long, the City of Birmingham is commemorating the heroic acts of our citizens during the 1963 civil and human rights campaign. May is themed “Daring to Dream” and focuses on children and youth of the movement. There are free May posters on the first floor of City Hall. Check out this calendar for details regarding upcoming events: birminghamal.gov/forging justice. 

Discount for City Employees 

• Construction is wrapping up at Market Lofts on Third and residential leasing is now open. The City of Birmingham is preferred employer and employees are eligible for specials. They are waiving the $300 reservation fee for any City Hall employees. See the attached for details about pricing. 

End-Of-Year Fiscal Inventory coming; be prepared for closures

• Please note upcoming closings for Purchasing warehouses and Equipment Management 

• Central Stores Warehouse Closed: Friday, June 9 at 11 a.m. & Monday, June 12 - Tuesday, June 13. Make sure all department material needs and requisitions are entered into the system no later than Thursday, June 8 to ensure orders are filled, pulled and ready for pickup before 11 a.m. on Friday, June 9. You will be notified via phone or e-mail when your order is ready so make plans to pick up ordered items. The warehouse will re-open Wednesday, June 14 at 7 a.m.

• Maintenance Warehouse (Coke Building) Closed: Wednesday, June 14 at 11 a.m. – Friday, June 16. Make sure all department material needs and requisitions are entered into the system no later than Tuesday, June 13 to ensure orders are filled, pulled and ready for pickup before 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14. You will be notified via phone or e-mail when your order is ready so make plans to pick up ordered items. The warehouse will re-open on Tuesday, June 20 at 7 a.m. 

• Purchasing Storeroom (Office Supplies & Paper) Closed: Tuesday, June 20. Make sure all department material needs and requisitions are entered into the system no later than Thursday, June 15 to ensure orders are filled, pulled and ready for pickup or delivery before 2 p.m. on Friday, June 16. The warehouse will re-open on Wednesday, June 21 at 8 a.m.

• Equipment Management – Garage Closed: Monday, June 26 – Tuesday, June 27 until 1 p.m. Make sure your departmental needs are taken care of prior to Friday, June 23rd to ensure you are not without fuel.

• The last day to enter Print Shop and warehouse requisitions in the current fiscal year is Wednesday, May 31. 

Submit your news to marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov. 

PRESS RELEASE- BWWB Champions Dam Safety

There's still time! To make summer count with ASFA!

Register for ASFA Summer Camps today!

Make your 2023 summer count with Alabama School of Fine Arts summer camps! Offering camps in app design, computer science, visual arts, creative writing, and three-week pre-algebra and algebra intensives for those looking to review or get ahead.
 

Come create, learn and discover with ASFA's award-winning faculty!
Register at www.asfaschool.org/summer-camps.

Magic City Spotlight: Bush Hills welcomes progress in community revitalization

Bush Hills welcomes progress in community revitalization

Mayor Woodfin joined city leaders in celebration of community revitalization efforts in Bush Hills at Wilson Elementary School.

Live HealthSmart Alabama and BL Harbert International teamed to re-envision the site as a community center.

Click the image above or the button below to watch the event and learn more about the transformation happening in Bush Hills.

Mayor Randall L. Woodfin's proposed 2024 Budget covers transportation, road improvements and more

Mayor Woodfin's $554 million budget proposal commits $15 million to street resurfacing, $16.5 million to public transportation, supports our employees and invests in our youth. See for yourself at www.birminghamal.gov/2024budget.

Birmingham City Council Highlights 5.23.23

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

ITEM 3
 
As a way to combat food deserts across the city of Birmingham, the City Council approved an ordinance to transfer $298,686 for a grant to create a food sovereign program. The goal of this program is to identify areas of need and to help bolster healthy food options across the city.
 
Food insecurity is an issue that impacts a majority of residents in the city of Birmingham and the City Council has made concerted efforts to help address this situation.
 
“Building equity in our community, especially as it relates to food insecurity, must address these issues in such a way that ensures healthy, affordable food options for residents that live in one of Birmingham’s designated food deserts,” Councilor Crystal Smitherman said. “This past year, I partnered with local farmers and vendors to for monthly farmer’s markets across District 6 in Birmingham. Not only was this an opportunity for residents to access fresh produce, but also allowed them to build relationships with local farmers.”
 
According to a recent study published by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, in Alabama alone close to two million residents live in a food desert, and almost 150,000 of them live in Birmingham. This accounts for 69% of the city's total population. Addressing food insecurity is as much about environmental justice as it is about racial equity.
 
This budget ordinance will create a budget line item for a grant received by the USDA. The city has already received a grant of this nature, which is being utilized by Jones Valley Teaching Farm to create a food fellowship program to establish urban farms across the city. This grant will help to hire a food system manager to expand food access strategies across the city. It will also help support the expansion of farmers markets in the Birmingham area.

ITEM 4
 
The Council approved changes to the city’s code to allow for the new regulations and guidelines for the uniform trash bins that are currently being rolled out in phases across the city. The changes also outline penalties for violating the new ordinance, especially as it pertains to bulk trash and illegal dumping following residential evictions.
 
“I’m tired of the city of being taken advantage of, all their stuff they dump out like mattresses and concrete piles we have to pick up. If there are no puntative measures enforced, they will continue to do this, especially when it comes from landlords and construction project.” Councilor Valerie Abbott said.
 
The update to the city’s waste collection and disposal ordinance will allow the City to modernize these practices and stiffen penalties for those who do not comply with proper waste disposal. The updated ordinance also allows for residents to purchase another trash bin in the case their original bin is damaged or stolen. Secondly, the ordinance will allow for up to 24 hours for residents to remove their bins from the street once the trash has been collected.
 
The 96-gallon trash bins are currently being distributed in phases across the city. For more information on how to utilize these new bins or to check your schedule, please visit:

WATCH THE FULL BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL MEETING HERE