BIRMINGHAM, AL. — The City of Birmingham’s Department of Innovation & Economic Opportunity (IEO) is hosting a Neighborhood Welcome Series beginning March 30 as part of Reinvest Birmingham, a federally funded initiative supported by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) targeting economic development in four historically underinvested communities: North Birmingham, Northside, Pratt, and Smithfield.
In August 2024, Birmingham was selected as one of six recipients of the EDA’s Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program, described by the agency as the most competitive grant program in its history. These sessions are an intentional opportunity for residents to sit down with program staff, ask questions, and provide feedback that will directly shape how Reinvest’s four pillars: Workforce Training, Transportation, Childcare, and Entrepreneurship are delivered in their neighborhoods.
“These sessions are about showing up, listening and building with the community – not for it,” said Archie Stewart, Reinvest Plan Officer. “Reinvest is a direct investment in our neighborhoods, and resident voices will play a critical role in guiding how this work takes shape.” Each community will host two sessions, running from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Food and refreshments will be provided. Attendance is free and open to residents living in the communities listed below.
Session Schedule
Pratt (Central, North, South Pratt, Sandusky, Smithfield Estates, Thomas)
- Monday, March 30 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Pratt Public Library
- Thursday, April 9 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Pratt Public Library
North Birmingham (ACIPCO-Finley, Hooper City, North Birmingham, Collegeville, Fairmont, Harriman Park)
- Tuesday, March 31 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. |New Beginnings United Methodist Church
- Monday, April 6 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. |North Birmingham Public Library
Northside (Central City, Druid Hills, Evergreen, Fountain Heights, Norwood)
- Thursday, April 2 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Fountain Heights Recreation Center
- Monday, April 13 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Fountain Heights Recreation Center
Smithfield (College Hills, Graymont, Smithfield, East Thomas, Enon Ridge)
- Tuesday, April 7 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Legion Field Press Box
- Tuesday, April 14 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. | A.H. Parker High School
Resident feedback gathered across all eight sessions will directly inform program planning and engagement going forward. IEO leadership is available for interviews ahead of the series. Interview requests may be directed to the contact listed above.
About Reinvest Birmingham
Reinvest Birmingham is a federally funded economic development initiative supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration and administered through the City of Birmingham’s Department of Innovation & Economic Opportunity. The program targets North Birmingham, Northside, Pratt, and Smithfield through four pillars: Workforce Training, Transportation, Childcare, and Entrepreneurship. Learn more: ieo.birminghamal.gov
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