Birmingham · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Birmingham public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
YMCA Child Care Center of Excellence
The YMCA agreement would grow to about $1.02 million to build a Child Care Center of Excellence serving infants through First Class Pre-K.
Urban Villages Initiative planning contracts
Three separate contracts were on the agenda to hire planners and communicators for the Urban Villages Initiative — Interface Studio ($299,980), TSW ($299,575) and Wilbron ($99,600) — to build community-supported plans for designated urban village areas.
Druid Hills affordable housing project extension
The Greenlining Realty deal for a 35-40-unit Druid Hills development got an extension to September 30, 2026, keeping at least 10% of units for qualifying residents at or below 100% of Area Median Income.
Belview Heights Gateway funding boost
An ARPA amendment would add up to $259,500 for the Belview Heights Gateway project, bringing total city support to $709,500.
Down payment assistance program
Up to $1 million in HOME funds would go to Neighborhood Housing Services of Birmingham to run the Ready to Own Birmingham program for two years, helping buyers with down payments and closing costs.
Affordable homes on former Hill School site
The City was set to sell the old Hill School lot for $1 so Park Street Housing can build 31 homes, 11 of them affordable at 80% AMI. The City would put in up to $1.13 million to make it work.
Graymont affordable senior housing
The council approved the lease and federal agreements that keep the Choice Neighborhoods redevelopment of the Graymont site moving, working with HUD and the housing authority.
Affordable housing in South Woodlawn
A $170,500 funding addition to the Woodlawn Foundation agreement was scheduled, supporting up to 8 affordable rental units for residents at 30-80% of Area Median Income.
Industrial revenue bonds for Culton Holdings
The council was asked to consent to tax-exempt industrial bonds financing a manufacturing and warehousing facility. Bond deals like this typically help companies borrow cheaper to build and create jobs.
KultureCity accessibility and training epicenter
KultureCity would invest at least $39.5 million in a national hub for accessibility and inclusion, including the first U.S. technical college built to train and place people with disabilities into jobs. It would also add sensory-inclusive playgrounds, green space and an amphitheater.
Sale of Grand River Technology Park land for karting facility
The city planned to sell about 25 acres along Barber Motorsports Parkway to BK Propco for $1.85 million so a world-class karting facility can be built. This could bring visitors and activity to the technology park area.
Baldwin Properties mixed-use redevelopment at 1909 14th Avenue North
Baldwin Properties would redevelop an existing structure into housing and neighborhood retail, investing about $1.85 million and creating 25 to 30 jobs. It targets neighborhood-serving tenants and community services.
Smithfield affordable housing deadline extended
The developer redeveloping about 5.25 acres near the former Parker High School into affordable housing got six more months to close on the $1,000 land purchase — with one more six-month extension available.
Redding Ridge subdivision streets dedicated to the city
The city formally accepted streets, alleys and public grounds in the Redding Ridge Phase 1-A subdivision, putting them into public maintenance.
District 6 Housing Rehabilitation Program
A $50,350 contract with HouseProud Atlanta will fund major and minor home repairs for low- and moderate-income homeowners in District 6.
Harvest Solutions medical waste facility
A proposed indoor nonhazardous medical waste treatment and document shredding facility at 4400 7th Avenue North in the Pratt City area would be approved by resolution if adopted.
District 5 and District 9 home exterior repair programs (HouseProud)
Nearly $1 million combined in contract amendments would pay for pressure washing, painting, minor repairs and landscaping for up to 110 homes owned by low- and moderate-income homeowners in North Birmingham (District 9) and Graymont, College Hills and Smithfield (District 5).
Right-of-way vacations for property consolidation
Two right-of-way vacation cases are in motion: River Brook Realty's 24,658-square-foot vacation near 35th Avenue North, and a newly scheduled March 24 hearing for McWane, Inc.'s 35,493-square-foot vacation on Stratford Road.
Saint Rose Academy redevelopment fee waiver
The city waived a $10,625.50 right-of-way fee so Saint Rose Academy can redevelop its Resurvey No. 3 property at 1401 22nd Street South, citing job creation and tax revenue.
Former Ensley High School redevelopment terminated
The 2021 redevelopment deal with 2301 Ensley, LP — which promised affordable housing, commercial space and community services at the old Ensley High School — is set to be terminated, with the developer returning the property for $50,000.