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.
Homeland Security suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is suspending the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs as a partial government shutdown continues.
FCC calls for more ‘patriotic, pro-America’ programming in runup to 250th anniversary
The "Pledge America Campaign" urges broadcasters to focus on programming that highlights "the historic accomplishments of this great nation from our founding through the Trump Administration today."
NASA’s Artemis II lunar mission may not launch in March after all
NASA says an "interrupted flow" of helium to the rocket system could require a rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building. If it happens, NASA says the launch to the moon would be delayed until April.
Mississippi health system shuts down clinics statewide after ransomware attack
The attack was launched on Thursday and prompted hospital officials to close all of its 35 clinics across the state.
Blizzard conditions and high winds forecast for NYC, East coast
The winter storm is expected to bring blizzard conditions and possibly up to 2 feet of snow in New York City.
Norway’s Johannes Klæbo is new Winter Olympics king
Johannes Klaebo won all six cross-country skiing events at this year's Winter Olympics, the surpassing Eric Heiden's five golds in 1980.
