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:
News You Can Use - May 19, 2022
Mental Health Awareness Day is TODAY, May 19
Nearly 40 community partners will join the City of Birmingham, Nurture of Alabama and BWell Bhm in Linn Park on Friday, May 19 for Mental Health Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This email contains flyers about the event and a resource guide, which has a list of vendors and speakers.
Counselors, partners and mental health specialists will help people with questions on grief support; practicing work-life balance, coping with trauma, addressing addiction, importance of self-care, helping loved ones with their own mental health and more.
There will also be:
Cherie May Edwards of Work In Progress will offer confidential depression screenings attendees can do on their cell phones. Once you’ve finished the survey, you can consult with Edwards on next steps.
Free chair massages
Free blood pressure checks and mental health wellness suggestions at the Brownstone Clinic table
Deep breathing exercises with Jamella Stroud
Low-impact exercises with fitness instructor Christine Law (These type exercises can be done in work clothes.)
Line dancing with the Sixth Avenue Sliders at 1 p.m.
Yoga
UAB will be collecting survey data from caregivers of children, ages 11 to 16 years old. This is an optional survey. (See Cheer flyer for details.)
The Birmingham Public Library’s book mobile
Free hand sanitizer, gloves and masks, while supplies last, at the city’s HR table
The Live HealthSmartAL Mobile Market will have fresh produce and pantry staples to help support good nutrition, prevention and wellness from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A visit around 12:30 p.m. from the Birmingham Bulls Hockey mascot, Toro.
The following food trucks are slated to participate on May 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.:
Terrific Treatz
Kuntri Kitchen
Fat Charles
Jolly Cakes
Nawlins Style Po Boys
Hollywood Grille
Lil Bougie
Cake’s Southern Fried Eats
Lemonade Junkeez
Lily and Daisy Bakery
Snowie Shaved Ice
Ice Junkie
The Recipe
Susta’s Food Truck
Coco Crabs
Not Ya Average Leaf
Treats So Sweet
Aww Shucks
Travis
Plan to attend the Birmingham Police Department’s Car Show
Come see modern, vintage and tribute police cars. Saturday, May 20, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at 1st Ave. South between 14th and 16th Streets in front of Railroad Park. See the attached flyer for details.
Check out the Birmingham Cashflow Convo
Attend a financial literacy course and get an opportunity to become an entrepreneur. This is a free event and open to the public. Hosted by Brian Beane, a multimillionaire and investor. Saturday, May 20 at 9029 4th Ave. South. See attached for details.
Learn more about People Saving Places
It’s Historic Preservation Month. Join the City of Birmingham's Department of Planning, Engineering, and Permits for a series of activities. All events start at 12 noon.
Historic Preservation Education Lecture Series
Tuesday, May 23: Historic Preservation Tax Incentives, Boutwell Auditorium
Tuesday, May 30: Birmingham's New Adaptive Reuse Incentive for Historic Buildings, Birmingham Public Library, Arrington Auditorium (Enter through main library, 3rd floor skywalk)
For more information, please contact Hannah Garmon, Historic Preservation Manager, at 205-254-2424 or Hannah.Garmon@birminghamal.gov. You can also reach Karla Calvert, Urban Design Administrator, at 205-254-2479 or Karla.Calvert@birminghamal.gov.
Community feedback needed
Come out to the Birmingham Family Fun Center Community Engagement Session. Share your feedback. Wednesday, May 24 at 6 p.m. at Birmingham CrossPlex. See attached.
Get helpful life tips at weekly lunch and learn series
Birmingham Credit Union is hosting the following May events each week from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Lunch is provided. It’s free for members and $10 for non-members.
How to Navigate Your Credit Union, Wednesday, May 24
How to Navigate Family Court, Wednesday, May 31
The events will be held at 2725 35th Ave. North. See the attached flyers for details.
Experience Community Conversations with the McWane Center
Come out to a free community conversations event that is open to any individual high school-aged through adult who wants to participate in conversations about community health and barriers to crucial health screenings. Tuesday, May 23 at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served. See attached flyer for details.
Upcoming events at Arlington House food events coming soon
The Arlington Historic House has a series of upcoming food events starting Thursday, May 25. Enjoy Thursdays at Arlington, Fish Fry Fridays and Soul Food Saturdays. Check out the attached flyer for details.
An Interactive Ghost Hunt and Paranormal Investigation is taking place at Arlington House this Saturday night, May 20 at 7 p.m. with Southern Ghost Girls! For further details and tickets, go to https://southernghostgirls.com/events.
Please find attached a flyer for Arlington’s upcoming grab-and-go food events (just call (205) 780-5656 to order) – and a photograph of their t-shirts which are now available at $25 for short sleeve and $30 for long sleeve!
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.
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.
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.
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.
