Transforming Birmingham into a Smart City
The City of Birmingham is collaborating with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and Alabama Power Company (APC) to transform the Magic City into a Smart City. Smart cities leverage data intelligence to inform decisions and develop programs designed to improve the city’s infrastructure and ultimately the quality of life for its citizens. As a result, those efforts also encourage economic growth, attracting businesses and talent to the city. Together, we hope to redefine Birmingham as a city of inclusiveness and innovation.
Road to Becoming a Smart City
In March 2018, the City of Birmingham was awarded a 2018 Smart Cities Readiness Challenge Grant intended to help cities use technology and data to tackle local challenges and improve services and connectivity. Our winning application emphasized our plans for accelerating ongoing progress in advancing innovation, particularly in the areas of public safety, health, energy and transportation. We couldn’t have made it happen without our partners, UAB and APC, who provided input and support for the strategies outlined in our submission. Since winning the Grant, all three collaborators wanted to formalize this partnership that further commits us to following smart city tenants and implementing smart city initiatives.
Additional Resources
- Panel maps out how Birmingham will become a Smart City
- Birmingham wins 2018 Smart Cities Readiness Challenge Grant
Current Projects and Initiatives
Progress is already taking place with plans for more initiatives to come. Here’s what’s in the works:
Open Data Portal
This new platform allows the city’s departments to contribute data to enhance public safety.
Real-Time Bus Tracking
Through an app/website, bus riders can easily track buses and set up alerts.
ShotSpotter Deployment
This gunshot detection system uses violent crime data to improve public safety.
Zyp BikeShare
As part of the city’s 24/7 bike share program, smart bikes collect data to prioritize future bike lane projects.
Alabama Power Smart Payment Options
Citizens enjoy more convenient payment locations and times, so they can stay financially on track.
Bus Rapid Transit
Plans to connect 25 neighborhoods will offer citizens reduced transit time and greater access to opportunities.
Brighter Birmingham LED Light Conversion
Upgrading streetlights to LED will provide communities with greater energy efficiency, reduced maintenance and crime deterrence.
UAB Smart City Research Center
Cross-disciplinary research focused on health, socio-economic impacts and infrastructure design will help advance the impact of smart cities.
Learn More about Birmingham’s Smart City Initiative
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