Birmingham Gentrification Task Force To Meet This Month
A new task force to address gentrification in Birmingham is set to meet for the first time later this month. More than 30 people make up the “Task Force on Preserving Dynamic and Diverse Neighborhoods.” They include city officials, community organizers, and local business leaders.
According to a city press release, the goal of the task force is to present a comprehensive policy to the mayor, who created the entity, in about a year. Most of that time will be spent considering policy recommendations on issues from affordable housing to transportation. Sally Mackin is the Executive Director of the Woodlawn Foundation and a member of the gentrification task force. She says she’s optimistic the group will address key development issues before they become bigger problems.
“I’m trying to look at this as a positive opportunity for Birmingham, because I think we’re still early enough in our stage of growth to address some policies that ensure equitable development, particularly in our neighborhoods,” says Sally Mackin.
Gentrification has been an issue in the August 22nd city elections. It’s unclear whether a change in city leadership will affect the task force. Some task force members told WBHM they knew very little about the group’s plans so far. The mayor’s office did not respond to requests for an interview.
Birmingham’s newest voters: how the latest generation is approaching politics
While Alabama is not a swing state, these students represent an up and coming generation whose voices have not yet been heard in the political world. And this demographic of voters has already proven that they can make an impact.
It’s the last day of the 2024 campaign. Here’s where Harris and Trump are going
Vice President Harris ends her day with a concert on the "Rocky Steps" in Philadelphia. Former President Trump will wrap up in Grand Rapids, Mich. — where he also closed out his 2016 and 2020 races.
Moldova’s pro-Western president wins vote overshadowed by Russian meddling claims
Moldova’s pro-Western President Maia Sandu has won a second term in a pivotal presidential runoff against a Russia-friendly opponent, in a race that was overshadowed by claims of Russian interference.
Trump and Harris are in Reading, Pa., today, thanks to a bad joke about Puerto Rico
The candidates are both spending time on the last day of the campaign in Reading — a majority-Latino city — where that bad joke about Puerto Rico has resonated.
Meet the conservative women who are keeping their votes for Kamala Harris a secret
Polls show a historic gender gap in the 2024 election. Democrats are reminding conservative women: votes are a secret and they can vote for who they want, including Vice President Harris.
Anxious at the Portland airport? Beni the Llama is here for you, spreading joy
The gentle animals are part of Portland International Airport's effort to counter travel stress with soothing elements from nature.
