Local Government

Birmingham City Council Highlights 2.7.23

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

On Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council received an update on the Critical Repair Program, which is now offering up to $30,000 in home repairs for residents who meet the guidelines established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

This year’s program is the largest ever, with more that $4 million committed to serve at least 250 homes. This is in comparison to the $2 million spent on 224 homes over the last three years of the program.

This year, the City will also be doubling the amount of funding for each home from $15,000 to $30,000.

In addition to the allocated funding, several Birmingham City Councilors have committed money from their individual district’s American Rescue Plan Act funds to help bolster the program in their districts.

Applications are now available at all Birmingham Public Libraries and the online application portal will go live on Friday, February 17th.

“I’m very excited to see the Critical Repair Program opening up and expanding its reach,” Council President Wardine Alexander said. “I had a neighbor who spoke to me the other day and was saying how excited she was about potentially participating in this program. I know there is a great deal of interest across all nine districts so I look forward to seeing this continue to grow.”

There will be an application fair at the Fountain Heights Recreation Center on Friday, February 17th from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm – city officials will be available to assist residents filling out their applications. The window to submit applications will be from February 17th to February 28th and they will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Applications will be accepted in person on the 10th floor of City Hall or online at Birminghamal.gov/community-development.

“I know a lot of our elderly residents and those on fixed incomes may not have the funding to make these much-needed repairs themselves. This program could be life changing for those residents,” Council President Crystal Smitherman said.

According to the application, “Eligible program participants must own and occupy the home to be repaired and have no intent of discontinuing occupancy of the home in the foreseeable future. Eligible program participants must meet the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) income requirements for low-and-moderate income households at the time of application. Eligible program participants must be current on property taxes for the assisted unit.”

Here are some of the eligible repairs that qualify under this program:

  • Roof Replacement

  • · HVAC repair of replacement

  • ·Plumbing repairs

  • ·Electrical repairs

  • · • Limited sewer repairs

  • · • Limited structural repairs

  • · • Exterior painting

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

There are two terms expiring on the Commercial Development Authority. The five-member body partners with the City to create economic development opportunities that expand the tax base of the City.

The qualifications to serve are as follows: Member may not be an officer of the state, county or city. Must be a duly qualified elector of the city. The term limits are four years.

All interested parties, please submit your resumes to India.Bailey@Birminghamal.gov

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 10.4.22

Birmingham City Council Highlights 10.4.22

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

ITEM 13:

On Tuesday the Birmingham City Council passed an ordinance that will lay the groundwork for medical cannabis dispensaries to operate within the city limits.

The vote was the first step in a lengthy process that is laid out in the state bill that was passed earlier this year. In order to eventually accommodate medical cannabis dispensaries, municipalities must first pass an ordinance to allow for such businesses – which is what was accomplished today.

“It’s important for Birmingham to lead the state in regards to access to medical cannabis,” Council President Wardine Alexander said. “Not only is Jefferson County the most populated in the state, but Birmingham has been a leader in healthcare for Alabama and the region and this is another form of care that we will be able to provide to those in need. Today’s vote is about providing care to patients while also continuing to bolster Birmingham’s place as Alabama’s leader in healthcare.”

Medical cannabis dispensaries will provide a new tax revenue stream for the City while also adding employment opportunities. 

It’s no secret that marijuana-related arrests have disproportionately impacted Black communities around the country. Councilor Carol Clarke said she would like to see equitable processes be put in place to help provide economic opportunities for historically underserved communities.

“This is all new, but I want to make sure that we’re being inclusive to all our communities in Birmingham,” Clarke said. “As a city, moving forward I hope we can be intentionally inclusive in that regard with who can operate and who is benefiting from these new businesses.”

Here is a brief breakdown of what the state bill:

BILL ALLOWS THE FOLLOWING SALES : Oral tablet, capsule, or tincture. Non-sugarcoated gelatinous cube, lozenge in a cube or rectangular cuboid shape. Gel, oil, cream, or other topical preparation, Suppository, Transdermal patch, Nebulizer, Liquid or oil for administration using an inhaler.

BILL DOES NOT ALLOW: Raw plant material; Any product administered by smoking, combustion or vaping; A food product that has medical cannabis baked, mixed, or otherwise infused into the product, such as cookies or candies.

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission will have regulatory powers and oversight for the medical cannabis dispensaries.

The Commission will be accepting applications for dispensaries from October 31, to December 30, 2022. Following a public comment period, licenses will start be issued after July 10, 2023. There are a limited number of licenses that can be issued for municipalities.

QUALIFYING CONDITIONS FOR PATIENTS

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Cancer-related cachexia, nausea or vomiting, weight loss, or chronic pain

  • Crohn’s Disease

  • Depression

  • Epilepsy or a condition causing seizures

  • HIV/AIDS-related nausea or weight loss

  • Panic disorder

  • Parkinson’s disease

  • Persistent nausea that is not significantly responsive to traditional treatment, except for nausea related to pregnancy, cannabis-induced cyclical vomiting syndrome, or cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Sickle Cell Anemia

  • Spasticity associated with a motor neuron disease, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

  • Spasticity associated with Multiple Sclerosis or a spinal cord injury

  • Terminal illness

  • Tourette’s Syndrome

  • A condition causing chronic or intractable pain in which conventional therapeutic intervention and opiate therapy is contraindicated or has proved ineffective

ITEM 16

The Birmingham City Council approved an agreement between the City and Create Birmingham in which they will provide professional services in attracting and developing film, television, commercial, music video and other media productions that will have a significant impact on the City’s local creative economy while raising Birmingham’s national profile as a dynamic and hospitable place to do business.

Create Birmingham plays a key role in recruiting major film productions to Birmingham, and has seen tremendous success in recent years. The agreement also funds the production and management of a cultural arts and events calendar, community arts funding, and creative entrepreneurship assistances.

“This organization is a lean and mean economic development engine for Birmingham and our entire region,” Councilor Carol Clarke said. “Following the recession in 2008 and 2009, public funding for the arts dried up and this organization was forced to compete for corporate funding. They’ve reinvented themselves into a economic development organization that supports the arts and I think they are a hidden gem in our city. They are fueling our local economy with cool new enterprises and I want to give them a shout out for all their hard work.”

Over the past several years Birmingham has become a destination for production companies due in part to the work being done by Create Birmingham.

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

ITEM 16. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver an Agreement for Consulting Services with Create Birmingham, Inc., under which Create Birmingham will provide professional services in attracting and developing film, television, commercial, music video and other media productions that will have a significant impact on the City’s local creative economy while raising Birmingham’s national profile as a dynamic and hospitable place to do business, for a term of one (1) year and for an amount not to exceed $150,000.00.

Birmingham City Council Highlights 7.5.22

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

ITEM 15

The Birmingham City Council voted to approve spending for roughly $25 million of the Covid State and Local Recovery Fund Budget dollars that were allocated to the city. The ordinance appropriates $3,992,058 to the Birmingham Police Department, $2,430,199 to the Department of Public Works, $1,124,066 to the Birmingham Fire and Rescue, and $18,000,000 to district specific projects.

The City received $141 million in two separate tranches of roughly $70 million each. This money is part of the second tranche. 

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

An Ordinance “TO FURTHER AMEND THE COVID STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUND BUDGET” for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, by appropriating $3,992,058.00 to Birmingham Police Department, $2,430,199.00 to Public Works Department, $1,124,066.00 to Birmingham Fire and Rescue and $18,000,000.00 to District-Specific and City-Wide Councilor Projects per funds received from the American Rescue Plan Act. (Submitted by the Mayor) (Recommended by the Mayor and the City Council)**

Boards and Agencies

The Birmingham City Council is currently seeking applications for two positions on the Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board. Councilor Carol Clarke, who chairs the Council’s Parks and Recreation Committee, is asking all interested parties to please send a letter of interest and their resume to her office: Carmen.mays@birminghamal.gov

The goal of this board is to oversee the operation and maintenance of all of Birmingham’s parks. Qualifications for the board include: Resident of the City of Birmingham, registered voter, over 21 years of age, taxpayer and real property owner

Update on Access to City Hall

In anticipation of the 2022 World Games, Birmingham City Council staff began temporarily working remotely on Thursday, June 30 until July 18, following the conclusion of the games. Due to security measures being put in place, there will be limited access to City Hall. There will not be a Birmingham City Council meeting held on July 12th.

A temporary satellite office has been established until Friday, July 15 so that the business of the city can continue unimpeded. That location is 1200 Tuscaloosa Ave, Birmingham AL 35211. Hours of operation for the permitting office will be 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and the finance office will be open 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Please stay tuned to our website, www.birminghamalcitycouncil.org for updates about future meetings and more.

Below is a map of the downtown road closures and a graphic indicating what can be brought into the games. 

Birmingham City Council Highlights 6.28.22

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

ITEMS 1-18

The Birmingham City Council voted to approve the City’s FY 2023 Operating Budget.

The new Fiscal year begins July 1, 2022. Council President Pro Tem Crystal Smitherman, who chairs the Budget and Finance Committee, spoke to the spirit of cooperation that was exhibited throughout this year’s budget process.

“I’d like to first thank the members of the public who took time to be a part of this process and for providing us with their feedback. I’d also like to thank the Mayor and his administration for their due diligence and willingness to answer questions that members of the Council raised. My colleague and I take this process very seriously and I am pleased with the level of cooperation we had from start to finish. This budget reflects the priorities we’d all like to see addressed across all nine districts and also focuses on building up our youth services.”
 

Here are a few brief points on the FY 2023 Budget that was passed by the Council:

· Operating Budget Fiscal Year 2023: $517,017,653

· Appropriations to city departments will be $453,350,447 in the FY2023 operating budget, up $75.6 million

· Appropriations up across the board for departments in General Government, Public Safety and Culture/Recreation

· Recently passed 5% employee raise reflected in each department

· Division of Youth Services will transition to Department of Youth Services ($3.1 million proposed budget)

· Division of Capital Projects will transition to Department of Capital Projects ($4.2 million proposed budget)

 

Investing in Youth

· Birmingham Promise: $2 million

· Conflict Resolution: $1 million (Department of Youth Services)

· Early Childhood Development: $1 million (Community Development)

· Financial Literacy: $1 million (Department of Youth Services)

· Juvenile Reentry: $225,000

· Mental Health Services: $1 million (Birmingham City Schools)

· Save Haven Program: $1 million (Parks and Recreation)

· Summer Jobs Program: $210,000 (Department of Youth Services)

 

Investing in Neighborhoods

· Demolition/Weed Abatement: $3.5 million

· Land Bank Authority: $500,000

· Sidewalks: $275,000

· Street Resurfacing: $15 million

· Strategic Pavement Management Plan: $500,000

· Uniform Trash Receptacle Initiative: $7 million

 

Investing in Transportation

· Birmingham Xpress Bus Rapid Transit: $1 million

· BJCTA: $10 million

· VIA/Bham On Demand: $1.2 million

 

Investing in Employees

· Cost of Living Adjustment (recently passed 5% employee raise): $11.6 million through surplus

· Medical Insurance Increase: additional $1.4 million

· Longevity Pay: $1.5 million

· Merit Pay (5%): $2.9 million

· Pension: $32.7 million

· Contribution to Fire and Police Supplement Pension: $4.8 million increase

· Police Department Uniforms: $1.3 million


ITEM 20

The Council voted unanimously to expand the footprint of the Uptown Entertainment District to include Protective Stadium and a large portion of the newly constructed City Walk that is located under I-20/59.

The Uptown Entertainment District was the first of its kind established in Birmingham in 2015 and allows the consumption of alcoholic to extend beyond the immediate premises of individual retailers licensed by the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. State law currently allows for up to five designated entertainment districts for Class 1 municipalities.

ITEM 21

The Council approved an ordinance allowing for the sale of the former McCoy Center and Church Building located at 700 and 730 8th Ave West. Freedom 1957 LLC will purchase the building and redevelop the site into a small business accelerator. The organization currently owns and operates out of the Arthur Shores Law Center.

“I’m really excited for this. It will create a lot of opportunity for new businesses to establish themselves in this area,” said Councilor Carol Clarke, who represents the district. “This might even create a chance for these business to graduate from this space and occupy buildings on 3rd Ave West and help us revitalize that corridor. I’m very hopeful about this new venture.”

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

An Ordinance approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a Redevelopment Agreement with Freedom 1957, LLC, under which Freedom 1957 will undertake a project to repurpose the former McCoy Center/Church Building located at 700 and 730 8th Avenue West, Birmingham, and a vacant lot located at 619 8th Street West, Birmingham, for private and non-profit office space and other venues and the City has agreed to make the property available to Freedom 1957 at a use value of $600,000.00 in support of the project. [First Reading] (Submitted by the Mayor) (Recommended by the Mayor, the Budget and Finance Committee and the Economic Development Committee)**

Updates From The Regional Planning Commission

Read the latest news from the RPCGB

Economic Development

RPCGB awarded an EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant

The RPCGB has been awarded a $500,000 EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant. This grant allows RPC and its partners to inventory, characterize, assess, conduct a range of planning activities, develop site-specific cleanup plans, and conduct community involvement related to brownfield sites. RPC will be partnering with PM Environmental, Jefferson County, Walker County, and the City of Cordova for this ongoing project.

Economic Impact Modeling Program

The RPCGB Economic Development Department has launched a new Economic Impact Modeling program. With this program we can model specific impacts of economic development projects within communities using IMPLAN Economic Software. From these analyses, member governments will be able to better understand small- and large-scale effects of their projects and more effectively plan future development efforts. For more information on this program, please contact Sarah Thomas, Economic Development Coordinator at sthomas@rpcgb.org.


Current grant and funding opportunities:

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA)Community Development Block Grant (CDGB) Program

Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)


ADECA Alabama Community Broadband and Technical Assistance Program

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is planning to kick off the Alabama Community Broadband Technical Assistance Program (ACB TAP), a competitive program that will provide technical assistance for communities seeking to expand broadband infrastructure and services in response to the critical need for internet access around the state. To kick off the project, ADECA is holding three webinars to provide information about ACB TAP, broadband infrastructure, and recent federal broadband funding. Separate registration for each session is required; click the links to register.

Broadband 101 Webinar:

June 30, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. CT

This webinar explains the fundamentals of broadband infrastructure, technology, and strategy for communities.

Alabama Community Broadband Technical Assistance Program Webinar:

June 30, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. CT

This webinar explains ACB TAP and the upcoming Technical Assistance Application.

Federal Broadband Funding Webinar:

June 30, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. CT

This webinar explains the updated federal broadband funding landscape given recent information on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

If your community or organization needs grant writing or application assistance, RPCGB is here to help. For questions about funding application assistance, please contact Jesslan Wilson, Economic Development Specialist, at jwilson@rpcgb.org or 205-264-8417.


Projects recently completed or adopted:

Morris Master Plan:

The Morris Planning and Zoning Board adopted the city’s first master plan earlier this month. Visit the project website at www.MorrisMasterPlan.com to learn more and view the plan.

Fairfield Master Plan:

In March of this year, the Fairfield Planning and Zoning Commission adopted the new master plan, which was developed by a consultant team led by PlaceMakers LLC.

The plan focuses on three main topics: enhancing economic development, addressing abandoned and dilapidated housing in the Inter Urban Heights neighborhood, and infrastructure improvements.

Visit the project website at www.FairfieldMasterPlan.com to learn more and read the plan.

Irondale Comprehensive Plan Update:

In December 2021, the Irondale Planning and Zoning Board adopted this update to the city’s 2016 Irondale on the Move Comprehensive Plan.

The consulting firm of KPS assisted the RPCGB with creating redevelopment and policy ideas for three focus areas: Downtown Irondale, Grants Mill Station, and the I-459 at Grants Mill Road area.

Click the link here to read the plan or visit the City's website at https://cityofirondaleal.gov/community/irondales-new-comprehensive-plan/

Birmingham City Council Highlights 6.21.22

Birmingham City Council Highlights 6.21.22

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

ITEM 2

The Birmingham City Council voted to amend the City’s taxi cab ordinance to allow for an increase in rates to help alleviate some of the costs associated with current gas prices for local companies. The City has not amended the taxi cab ordinance to increase fares since 2012.

In the last year, the cost of fuel has increased 50% and appears that it will remain at these levels for the foreseeable future.

In the ordinance, there is a provision that states the council will review the rates in 6 months to determine a future course of action. The increased rates are as follows: Three dollars for the first ¼ mile (unchanged) and $0.32 for each 1/8 mile after that, an increase of $0.07 cents. A charge for waiting also increased from $24 an hour to $30 per hour, according to the ordinance.

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

ITEM 2. An Ordinance amending Section 12-16-8 of the General Code of the City of Birmingham, to provide for an increase in the maximum rates of fare for taxis and to provide a temporary surcharge in response to the sharp increase in fuel costs. (Submitted by the City Attorney) (Recommended by the Transportation Committee)**


Boards and Agencies

The Birmingham City Council is currently seeking applications for two positions on the Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board. Councilor Carol Clarke, who chairs the Council’s Parks and Recreation Committee, is asking all interested parties to please send a letter of interest and their resume to her office: Carmen.mays@birminghamal.gov

The goal of this board is to oversee the operation and maintenance of all of Birmingham’s parks. Qualifications for the board include: Resident of the City of Birmingham, registered voter, over 21 years of age, taxpayer and real property owner

News You Can Use - January 18, 2022

News You Can Use

Jan. 18, 2022

  • Applications for Embrace Mothers will open on Jan. 31 at 8 a.m. Applications will close on Feb. 7. Please see the flyer for more info. The applications will be available at www.birminghamal.gov/embracemothers. The online applications will not be available until Jan. 31. In this program, 110 single mothers living in Birmingham will be randomly selected to receive $375 per month for 12 months as part of the national Mayors for Guaranteed Income research project.

  • The City of Birmingham will host a warming station at Boutwell Auditorium on Thursday, Jan. 20 – Wednesday, Jan. 26. The warming station will open at 5 p.m. each day and close at 8 a.m. the following day. Organizers will accept various products on Thursday, Jan. 20 and Friday, Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of Boutwell. Dates and times for future donation drop-offs will be announced later. Organizers will accept the following: toilet paper, paper towels, spray disinfectants, disinfectant wipes, individually wrapped snacks, hand warmers, bottled water, and washable blankets (twin bed size). Organizers will be unable to accept clothing or shoes.

  • Nominations for StrongHer, the City of Birmingham’s annual salute to outstanding women who live, work, attend school or volunteer in the Magic City, will close on Feb. 4. To nominate someone today, send emails to strongher@birminghamal.gov. To see profiles on past winners, visit www.birminghamal.gov/strongher. For more info, see flyer.

  • Jan. 31 is the deadline for high school seniors in Alabama to enter the World Games Art Poster Contest. Students may submit photos, mixed media or digital. Prizes include $500 for first place, $250 for second place; and $100 for third place. Students in grades 9-12 may submit an entry in one of three categories: The World is Coming!; Sustainability; or Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Go here for more info.

  • The Food Bank of Central Alabama will host several food box giveaways in 2022. People may pick up a free 15 to 25 pound box of fresh, perishable foods while supplies last. To see locations and dates for Food Bank box giveaways, go here.


Do you know someone impacted by the severe storms and flooding that happened on Oct. 6-7, 2021? Well, the U.S. Business Administration continues to offer loans to those in need. The SBA has established the Business Recovery Center for businesses, homeowners, renters and nonprofit organizations in any of the declared Alabama counties to apply for low-interest disaster loans for damages caused by severe storms and flooding.

The deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Feb. 21, 2022. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Sep. 21, 2022. Terrell Perry is the lead public affairs specialist on this disaster. She may be reached at 404-387-8716 or email terrell.perry@sba.gov.

Information on the new mask ordinance in Jefferson County

Click here to view information on the Jefferson County Mask Ordinance going into effect on Monday, June 29th. Infographic and full text of the order is included.

City Council Meeting Recap-January 28th, 2020

Here are the main items the Birmingham City Council passed at the January 28th, 2020 Meeting:

Item 10

  • A resolution was approved authorizing the Mayor to expend funds for up to 3 neighborhood representatives from each of Birmingham’s 99 neighborhoods to attend the Neighborhood USA (NUSA) Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas from May 20-23, 2020.

Items 29-34

  • The Council voted to reschedule a public hearing for the rezoning of six properties located around the former Carraway Hospital campus. The public hearing will be held during the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting on February 25.

Item 38 and 43 (addendum items) 

  • Two resolutions were approved on Tuesday by the Birmingham City Council related to potentially hosting several major sporting events -- the World Police and Fire Games as well as the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament.

  • The Council approved a resolution that will allow the City to potentially submit a bid to host the 2025 World Police and Fire Games, an Olympic-style sporting event for roughly 10,000 active and retired police and fire personnel. There will be over 70 countries that are represented and teams will compete in over 60 sporting events. Past host countries include China, Spain, Australia, Sweden, and Northern Ireland.

  • The item dealing with the NCAA tournament was a resolution of intent to provide funding for the event beginning in 2023 and to open the bid process. Birmingham has hosted the NCAA Tournament on 10 different occasions, the last being early-round games in 2008.

Upcoming Meetings

Thursday, January 30, 2020

3:00 p.m. – Joint Special Called Transportation Committee Meeting and Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting – City Council Chambers

4:00 p.m. – Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting - Conference Rooms “D & E”

Saturday, February 1, 2020

10:00 a.m. – District 1 Quarterly Meeting – St. Vincent’s East, 50 Medical Park Dr E – Councilor Clinton Woods, District 1

Monday, February 3, 2020

12:30 p.m. – Joint Parks and Recreation Committee and Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting – City Council Chambers

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

9:00 a.m. – Pre-Council Meeting – City Council Chambers; 9:30 a.m. – Council Meeting – City Council Chambers

2:00 p.m. – Joint Public Improvements Committee and Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting - Conference Room “A”

3:30 p.m. – Joint Public Safety Committee and Special Called Committee of the Whole Meeting - City Council Chambers