Mayor Announces Task Force on Preserving Dynamic and Diverse Neighborhoods
Media Advisory
Contact:
April Odom
Mayor Announces Task Force on Preserving Dynamic and Diverse Neighborhoods
BIRMINGHAM, AL – Mayor William Bell today announced the establishment of the Birmingham Task Force on Preserving Dynamic and Diverse Neighborhoods to recommend regulatory policy changes to mitigate the negative impacts of gentrification.
The Taskforce will be comprised of a diverse, interdisciplinary group responsible for assessing the current landscape of gentrification in Birmingham, and recommending City policy changes in housing affordability, anti-displacement zoning, education and workforce training, transportation and health equity.
In order to recommend appropriate and feasible policies in these areas, the Task Force with undertake a comprehensive community engagement process to gain public input about gentrification and social and economic equity in Birmingham; analyze data, trends, and market demands for the local and regional housing markets; and assess the legal, financial and organizational capacity to support new policies and programs recommended.
“My administration is committed to creating a livable city for all. Establishing this Task Force is the first step in the process to solve not only the challenges of today but to lay the foundation for an equitable Birmingham tomorrow and beyond. To do that, we will need the support of the whole City- residents, advocates, developers, financiers, nonprofits, and others must join together to implement local changes and speak with a unified voice,” said Mayor Bell.
The Task Force will utilize the most comprehensive methods available to gain input from City residents, business, and other stakeholders to inform policy recommendations. The Task Force public engagement process and meeting dates will be released when confirmed.
The phenomenon known as gentrification can be defined as areas of traditionally lower income neighborhoods in which the residents and small businesses over time are displaced by higher income individuals, families, and establishments. The gentrification process occurs as a result of renewal and rebuilding within the lower income areas which in turn increases the property values of the surrounding area, thus making it increasingly difficult for lower-income families and small businesses to afford. As a result, entire neighborhoods and communities can change dramatically over time.
- Gentrification Review and Purpose of Task Force
- Why Establish a Gentrification Task Force
1.2 Review of Comprehensive Plan Goals and Strategies
1.3 Define Gentrification
1.4 Effects of Gentrification
1.5 Voluntary and Involuntary Displacement
1.6 Types of Gentrification
1.7 Gentrification in Birmingham
- Gentrification Task Force Scope of Work
2.1 Task 1: Preform a Housing Needs Assessment
2.2 Task 2: Identify Vulnerable Birmingham Neighborhoods
2.3 Task 3: Community engagement with Birmingham residents, community organizations, politicians, business owners, and other stakeholders (2-4 meetings)
2.4 Task 4: Review policies and programs for housing affordability, anti-displacement zoning, education and workforce training, transportation, and health equity
2.5 Task 5: Draft report that 1) summarizes review findings and 2) outlines implementable gentrification policy recommendations
2.6 Task 6: Identify Organizational Capacity needed to support new Gentrification Policies
- Policy Area Recommendations by Subcommittee
- Land Use and Zoning
- Affordable Housing
- Transportation
- Education and Training
- Health Equity
- Economic Development
- Redevelopment Programs and Incentives
- Project Timeline
- A 1-Year long commitment from Task Force members.
- Monthly Gentrification Task Force Meetings (June 2017 – May 2018)
- Taskforce subcommittees will meet more frequently
- Meeting Schedule
- June and July 2017- Internal Planning Process
- August 2017 (kickoff meeting)
- Welcome and thank you from Mayor Bell
- Project Overview
- Task Force Purpose
- Task Force Subcommittees
- Task Force Deliverables
- August 2017
- Presentation by Equity and Inclusion Expert(s)
- August 2017
- Two (2) Stakeholder meetings
- Subcommittee meetings
- September 2017
- Two (2) Stakeholder meetings
- Subcommittee meetings
- October 2017
- Land Use and Zoning Subcommittee Report and Policy Recommendations
- November 2017
- Affordable Housing Subcommittee Report and Policy Recommendations
- December 2017
- Transportation Subcommittee Report and Policy Recommendations
- January 2018
- Education and Training Subcommittee Report and Policy Recommendations
- February 2018
- Health Equity Subcommittee Report and Policy Recommendations
- March 2018
- Economic Development Subcommittee Report and Policy Recommendations
- April 2018
- Redevelopment Programs and Incentives Subcommittee Report and Policy Recommendations
- May 2018
- Review and approve policy document for submission the Mayor’s Office
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