Smithfield Community awarded $50M transformational grant 

The historic Smithfield Community in Birmingham has been awarded $50 million from Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant Program.

“Greatest grant proposals we have ever seen”

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia L. Fudge made the announcement today in front of a packed crowd on the grounds of the Smithfield Community Center which is west of I-65 about a mile from downtown Birmingham.

“Your community has come together and put together one of the greatest grant proposals we have ever seen,” Fudge told the residents.

$242 Million in economic activity

Mayor Randall Woodfin also spoke to the neighbors and posted on social media the projects the $50 million grant will be directed toward:

• The City plans to purchase Parker High’s 11 surplus acres of land and make way for the construction of 350 new affordable multi-family units on that land;
• An estimated 1,100 new affordable housing units will be built across the entire Smithfield community;
• The entire plan is estimated to generate $242 million in new economic activity in our community

The City of Birmingham will match the grant funds with $35 million over the next 8 years.

“The awarding of this grant has changed the destiny of our community,” Woodfin stated. “With the support of the federal government and our local partners, we will wrap our arms around this area to create a new Smithfield, one that honors its rich legacy as well as being a pioneer for innovative neighborhoods for the future.”

Amazing place

Rep. Terri Sewell also credited the residents for making the transformational grant possible.

“It is because of you that we’re here. You came out to more than five town hall meetings to tell us what you envisioned this amazing place to become. Because of that, we now have $50M.”

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