Innovation & Growth – Mayor Bell’s ‘State of the City’ Address

Yesterday, Mayor William Bell delivered his “State of the City” address, spoke to The Women’s Network, then visited the Pratt City Library to speak to the public – highlighting the growth of Birmingham from many different aspects.

Among the various items he went over, in terms of the city’s growth and potential, one stands out the most – the “Smart City Challenge Grant”.

The Mayor expressed pleasure with the innovation programs that have been exercised within the last few years.

“Birmingham is experiencing a unique surge in energy around enhancing the city’s innovative capacity primarily centered on the Innovate Birmingham initiative…”

– Mayor William Bell

To continue the trend Birmingham has experience within innovation, the “Smart City” vision is one that will “build an action plan for the better future of our city” (Bell).

Details:

• This is a partnership/collaboration involving the City, Jefferson County, UAB and Alabama Power.
• First Steps – Install a 100 Gig. Internet Network for the Magic City – giving connectivity capabilities to everyone.

Other Topics Talked About:

• An Increase in Building Permits within the City – up 11.6% (this is big BTW)
• About a Billion Dollars worth of Construction is in Progress

“our largest number in the history of the city…”

– Mayor Bell

• Community Safe Rooms = $3.4 Million
• The Increase in Future Developments – Crossplex Village, Ensley Public Safety Complex, Topgolf, and 20 Midtown
• Cafe and training center to be set up by StarBucks, Walgreens and others at the Crossplex Village.
• Job Creation Increase – 14,400

“jobs like Kamtek, LabCorp and Oxford Pharmaceuticals but also tech industry and starter corporations incubated at Innovation Depot…”

– Mayor Bell

2016 was quite the year for Birmingham’s innovation and growth, and we don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

Stay tuned for updates on the initiative, “Smart City” for B’ham.