Birmingham City Council Highlights 2.18.25
ITEM 7
The Council approved an agreement with the Offenders Alumni Association transferring the the title of a property located at 1200 Tuscaloosa Avenue. The Birmingham-based nonprofit will renovate the building which will be used as their community center and office.
Established in 2014, the Offender Alumni Association (OAA) aims to build a supportive network of individuals affected by the justice system, empowering them to help one another in reducing crime, strengthen community bonds, and create opportunities for economic, social, and civic growth.
OAA provides a range of programs and initiatives, including support forums where former offenders connect, share their experiences, and help each other navigate the transition back into society. These types of community-based violence intervention programs are part of the City’s multi-pronged approach to reducing crime and recidivism in Birmingham.
This facility will offer a safe space to discuss common challenges and develop effective reintegration strategies. Councilor Crystal Smitherman, who represents the district where this facility is located, said she has seen how this organization has engaged with the community and fostered positive relationships within neighborhoods.
“I’m really excited to have this organization in District 6 and on the West side of town,” Councilor Smitherman said. “We know how important mentorship is when it comes to reducing crime in our neighborhoods. It’s a long-term approach but we need to establish this kind of foundation for our young people to grow and be successful.”
The City transferred the property title to the OAA at a use value of $10. As part of the agreement, OAA will undertake a project to reduce any future blighted conditions of the property. This includes, but is not limited to, the restoration of the existing roof, repairing the electrical system, replacing molded carpet, and restoring the flooring at a cost anticipated to be in excess of $150,000.
Councilor Woods encourages residents to register for the Academy of Civic Engagement
The Academy of Civic Engagement (ACE) is a City of Birmingham initiative designed to actively involve residents in their local government. This citywide leadership program brings together everyday citizens, providing them with a deeper understanding of how the City operates on their behalf and how they can take advantage of various opportunities. ACE aims to equip residents with the knowledge and skills to engage, serve, and lead within their communities.
“For six weeks, participants will get a crash course in how municipal government works and how to plug into opportunities,” Councilor Clinton Woods said. “Real change takes a village so let’s act, serve and lead together and build a stronger community.”
The application window is currently open and orientation begins on March 6th. For more information and how to register, please follow the link HERE
National League of Cities highlights community health initiative sponsored by Pro Tem Wardine Alexander
The National League of Cities has highlighted one of Council President Pro Tem Wardine Alexander’s projects she is funding in her district aimed at promoting senior health — the “Sixth Avenue Sliders.”
This fitness regime was created several years ago at a local church to combat obesity and the lack of exercise, especially among African American seniors. The program includes line dancing and chair exercises to motivate and generate movement while creating a healthy lifestyle for the targeted group.
Councilor Alexander has twice been elected as the regional director of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO), which is the oldest and largest constituency group within NLC, representing the interests of African American elected officials. The group has chosen the Sixth Avenue Sliders as one of the programs worth highlighting as we continue to observe Black History Month.
“Among the targets of focus in the district that I represent is an emphasis on community health and wellness,” Councilor Alexander said. “Several projects are planned for 2025. Geriatrics is a specialty that focuses on the health of individuals over 65 years old. With the elderly population rising nationally, health concerns regarding geriatrics increased from the tenth to the seventh leading health indicator in Alabama.”
As subsequent generations enter retirement age, it is projected that almost 25 percent of the U.S. population will be 65 years or older by 2060, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Projected Age Statistics. Older adults often need more health resources and spend more of their income on healthcare.
Councilor Alexander is sponsoring this six-month weekly exercise program “free of charge” at a local recreation center. All the residents must bring is a towel and a willingness to spend an “hour of power” towards healthier living.
Through collaboration with additional councilors and other local elected officials in the area, the goal is to see the program grow and sustain into a 12-month program that will benefit everyone. Dates and locations of this new program will be announced in the near future so stay tuned to the Birmingham City Council’s social media accounts for important updates
