$21M RAISE grant helps reshape Birmingham neighborhoods + get involved

Get ready to roll up your sleeves, spark some ideas and be part of something big. The City of Birmingham, through The Crossroads Project, is hosting a Community Studio Week from June 10 to 14, and you’re invited to speak out and help shape the future of our neighborhoods.

Here’s a look at this unique gathering, and how you can get involved and make your voice heard.

What’s the Birmingham Civil Rights Crossroads Project?

The project aims to transform key streets in Birmingham’s historic neighborhoods into vibrant, connected spaces by enhancing transit, walkability and cycling with new sidewalks and trails. The unique part is that it will honor our city’s powerful civil rights legacy. 

Backed in part by a $21 million U.S. Department of Transportation RAISE Grant, the project will bring: 

• 3.16 miles of new sidewalks, trails + mobility hubs
• Public spaces that reflect Birmingham’s culture + history
• A seamless link between the Civil Rights District, Smithfield, Graymont + downtown Birmingham
• The first-ever trail connection between the Red Rock Trail System + the Civil Rights National Monument

It’s all happening at the heart of our city’s story and future, along 4th and 5th Avenues North, 16th Street North, 6th Street West and Graymont Avenue.

“This project isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about honoring legacy, creating opportunity and investing in communities. Community Studio Week is the public’s opportunity to directly shape what this transformation looks like.”

Bolaji Kukoyi, President of Dynamic Civil Solutions + Lead Consultant, Birmingham Civil Rights Crossroads Project

Attend Community Studio Week at Legion Field in Birmingham

If you’re interested in the project, you’ll want to attend Community Studio Week, taking place June 10-14 at Legion Field. 

The week-long event is an opportunity for residents, business owners, students and stakeholders from across the Civil Rights District, Smithfield, Graymont and surrounding areas to come together to share ideas and provide feedback that will help shape the project’s direction. 

Here’s a look at the schedule: 

• Tuesday, June 10—6-8PM
  • Public Kick-Off: Formal presentation, project overview + your chance to weigh in 
• Wednesday, June 11—1-PM 
  • Open Design Studio: Pop in for a casual, one-on-one conversation with the project team 
• Thursday, June 12—8AM-12PM 
  • Open Design Studio: Pop in for a casual, one-on-one conversation with the project team 
• Saturday, June 14—8-11AM 
  • Open Design Studio + Report Back Team:
    • More Drop-In Studio Time: Join in on continued brainstorming + feedback
    • Report Back Session: See sketches, ideas + results from your input 

Be part of the change

This is your chance to speak up about what you want your neighborhood to look like for generations to come. 

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Take this quick survey.
• Stay up to date + learn more by visiting The Crossroads Project website.

Will you be attending the City of Birmingham’s Community Studio Week? Let us know on social @bhamnow.