Birmingham Secures $20 Million “Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program” Grant
Mon, August 5th, 2024
The City of Birmingham has been granted a staggering $20 million by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration as part of the “Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program”. The intent of the grant is to address economic disparity in four of the city’s underserved communities.
Reinvest Birmingham Recompete Plan
The substantial capital infusion will be utilised to propel the ‘Reinvest Birmingham Recompete Plan’. This innovative scheme is currently targeting the communities of North Birmingham, Northside, Pratt, and Smithfield. These areas have been grappling with extensive economic, developmental, and environmental challenges.
“Our vision has always been to rebuild this once-thriving community,” commented Birmingham’s Mayor. “These people are deserving of experiencing the prosperity that other parts of Birmingham are currently enjoying.
Boosting Workforce, Entrepreneurship, and Transportation
The grant money will be channelled into several strata of community development. These include setting up a workforce training center, initiating a child care center for families, establishing a black business entrepreneurship center, and expanding the transportation system for easy access to resources. To ensure the longevity of these undertakings, a sustainable development plan is also being mapped out.
Community colleges are partnering with city leaders to provide the necessary workforce training to residents in these underserved communities, with the ultimate goal of creating more inclusive economic prosperity for all citizens.
Another Grant for Birmingham
This isn’t the first significant grant landing in the lap of Birmingham. The U.S. Department of Housing and Human Development has recently pitched in with a whopping $50 million as part of the Choice Neighborhoods grant. With both monies working in synergy, they could leave a formidable impact on the residents’ lives.
“North Birmingham has struggled with economic injustice for too long. This funding will set the stage for generational change,” commented a city official who is a key player in coordinating the development plan. “Our blueprint places residents at the helm and promises them responsive solutions for better quality of life in Birmingham.”
The Birmingham Reinvigorate Plan is a two-part city development strategy. Links to both phases can be found below:
- Recompete Plan – Phase 1
- Recompete Plan – Phase 2
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
