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Spring 2021 Edition
Spring Greetings from RPCGB
 I think we all know that Birmingham is and always has been a scrappy and resilient town, and those characteristics definitely came in handy over and over again during the past 18 months. And true to our nature, or DNA as some call it, we are now close to coming out on the other side of COVID-19. And to add icing to the cake, Birmingham has survived to celebrate its sesquicentennial. Yes, this December, the Magic City will turn 150 years young. I do hope someone is working on the cake, because we will need a big one! 
 
More importantly, MC150 and surviving COVID have given the region excellent excuses not only to celebrate, but also to dream big about what we might become and what we should become over the next 150 years- to plot a course that will leave a more competitive, more vibrant and more caring Birmingham and region to our children, grandchildren, and their children and grandchildren. And, of course, the RPC is ready to do its part!

Charles Ball, Executive Director
RPCGB 2021 Annual Meeting
Join us virtually for RPCGB's 2021 Annual Meeting!
The RPCGB invites its Board of Directors and member governments to a meeting every year to discuss various topics relevant to our region, as well as vote on new board members and officers.

This year, we are excited to be joined by Director Greg Cochran, Executive Director of the Alabama League of Municipalities, and Director Sonny Brasfield, Executive Director of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama, to discuss the local government allocations given through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The speakers will discuss guidelines and regulations pertaining to how the allocations can be spent, as well as some possible best practices.

In addition, we will be hosting our event virtually through Zoom out of an abundance of caution regarding the coronavirus pandemic. The Zoom link will be provided after registration.

Registration is open, and it is free to attend. Click the button below to register!
Economic Development
The RPCGB 2020 Annual Report has been published!
The Annual Report gives a synopsis of the activities and projects completed by RPCGB departments in the previous year. To view the 2020 Annual Report, click the button below.
Economic Development Department hires Summer Interns!
The Economic Development Team will be joined by two new interns for the summer, Sarah Thomas and Carley Horner. They will play an integral role in assisting our department with finishing up the regional Pandemic Analysis Report (PAR), assist with grant proposals, and begin the CEDS update process.
  • Sarah Thomas (left) is a graduating Senior at Samford University, majoring in International Relations and Economics. 

  • Carley Horner (right) is an upcoming Senior at the University of Mississippi, majoring in Public Policy and Economics. 
Does your community or organization need grant assistance?
Keep an eye out for upcoming grant opportunities through the American Rescue Plan Act!

If your community or organization needs grant writing or application assistance, RPCGB is here to help. For questions about funding application assistance, please contact Jesslan Wilson, Economic Development Specialist, at jwilson@rpcgb.org or 205-264-8417.
Current grant and funding opportunities
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program:
  • Due date for applications: July 2nd, 2021 at noon,  To learn more about the CDBG program, click here.

Appalachian Regional Commission - Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative:
  • Due date for letter of Intent: May 17th, 2021
  • Grant Proposal Due: June 18th, 2021
  • For more information about the INSPIRE Initiative and how to apply, click here.

Community Planning
There are multiple Community Planning projects underway!
Recently Completed Projects:
  • Calera Downtown Rezoning - A new Mixed-Use zoning district and a modified B-3 Downtown District were adopted on April 5 and applied to 223 properties in downtown Calera. Visit www.CaleraALRezoning.com to download the new Calera Zoning Ordinance and rezoning map.
Projects over halfway to completion:
  • Calera Comprehensive Plan - Visit the project website at www.PlanCalera.com to learn more and view the Draft Plan, which is scheduled for a public hearing before the planning commission for adoption on June 1.

  • Calera Zoning Ordinance Modifications to the Residential Districts - Proposed modifications to the regulations in the residential zoning districts are scheduled to go before the Planning Commission on May 4 for a public hearing. Visit www.CaleraALRezoning.com to view the proposed text modifications.

  • Southern Area Framework Plan - Visit the project website at www.imaginebham.com/southernarea.html to learn more and view the Existing Conditions report, survey and online input mapping results. The Draft Plan will be released mid-May.
Projects recently underway:

  • Irondale Comprehensive Plan Update - Visit the project website at www.BlueprintIrondale.com to take the Visioning Survey and pinpoint issues or ideas using the online mapping tool.

  • Mulga Master Plan and new Zoning Ordinance – Visit the project website at www.MulgaPlanningandZoning.com to learn more and view the survey results.
Coming Soon!
  • Helena Comprehensive Plan
  • Morris Master Plan – www.MorrisMasterPlan.com This will be the Town’s first master plan.
  • Shelby County Comprehensive Plan – It’s about time for a new one after 17 years!
June 17 Greening the Community Workshop - Sign up today!
Do you want to learn more about green infrastructure and the benefits of it? A one-day workshop is being held on July 17 in Montevallo and sessions will include a range of topics including resiliency, low-impact design, water management, shading, impervious surfaces and COVID-19 park policies. Click here to learn more about how to register for the Greening the Community workshop being hosted by Alabama Communities of Excellence, DesignAlabama, Main Street Alabama and Your Town Alabama.

Click the image at left to view the full flyer.
 
Transportation Planning
TAP (Transportation Alternatives Program) Applications are due May 28th, the MPO Deadline is June 3
TAP The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) provides funding for programs and projects defined as transportation alternatives.
Eligible activities under the TAP program are listed in the following guidelines from ALDOT:

The total amount of Federal participating funding for a particular project (or project phase if part of a large multi-phased project) application is limited to $800,000; ($640,000 Federal and $160,000 local match). The total project estimated costs may exceed the $800,000 limit, but any amounts in excess of the limit will be the responsibility of the sponsor and should be shown as such.

To learn more about the TAP application process click HERE.

For more information on contact Michael Kaczorowski: mkaczorowski@rpcgb.org
RPCGB issues call for projects: Enhanced mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (FTA Section 5310)
This Call is for capital projects that improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Applications can only be received from private nonprofit organizations, state or local governments, or operators of public transportation services operating within the Birmingham urbanized area. The proposal deadline is May 28, 2021. For more information click HERE.
News regarding recent APPLE studies
City of Birmingham - 16th Street North Pedestrian Improvements Study
The City of Birmingham and the RPCGB have initiated a study to analyze potential bicycle and pedestrian improvements to the 16th Street North corridor. The pedestrian improvements would create a trail that would link the Innovation Depot on the south end through the Civil Rights District to the City Walk project to the north.

City of Alabaster - New Trails and Sidewalk Feasibility Study
The City of Alabaster and the RPCGB have initiated a study to analyze potential bicycle and pedestrian improvements along strategic corridors throughout the City. The study will analyze the feasibility of the potential infrastructure and recommend potential funding sources.

City of Chelsea - US-280 Traffic Operations and Access Management Study
The City of Chelsea has asked the RPCGB to perform an APPLE study to look at the traffic operations along the US-280 corridor through the City. The study will take into account the significant growth and development the corridor is experiencing and make recommendations for improvements to intersections and traffic signals.


For more information on any of these studies contact Michael Kaczorowski: mkaczorowski@rpcgb.org
ALDOT issues call for FY2022 Local Roads Safety Initiatives (LRSI) Applications
This initiative is available to cities and counties for both rural and urban non-State maintained roadways with significant safety risks. Applications submitted through this initiative must be in accordance with the most recent Alabama Strategic Highway Safety Plan and applicable Local Road Safety Plans if one has been developed by the county that the location falls within.

View the guidelines by clicking HERE. To apply and for more information visit ALDOT's website HERE.

All applications must be submitted electronically no later than 5:00 pm on June 30, 2021. Applications should be sent to LRSIapp@dot.state.al.us as a .pdf file (25 mb max) with “FY 2022 LRSI Application – Sponsor Name” in the subject line. View and download the application HERE.
CommuteSmart
May is Bike Month and is the perfect opportunity to #BikeThere!
Pledge to ride there this month!
Commutesmart has a fun giveaway for bike month. Visit www.b2wbham.com and click the "Pledge to Ride" tab and complete the form. Your name will be entered into our contest for a Bike MOnth basket giveaway! Registration closes

Need a bike rack?
Go to https://www.commutesmart.org/walking and scroll to the bottom to complete the CommuteSmart Birmingham bike rack application. A member of our team will reach back out to you.
Commutesmart is partnering with REV Birmingham

CommuteSmart Birmingham is proud to announce a new partnership with REV Birmingham. Like and follow CommuteSmart on Facebook for more info soon!
Alabama Partners for Clean Air
Ozone monitoring season began in March.
Go to www.alabamacleanair.org or www.jcdh.org for your daily air quality forecast.

Thanks for reading Roundabouts!
We hope you have enjoyed this quarterly edition of RPCGB’s Regional Roundabouts. For additional information about RPCGB services, please contact Hunter Garrison at hgarrison@rpcgb.org or 205-264-8442.
“By far the greatest and most admirable form of wisdom is that needed to plan and beautify cities and human communities.” – Socrates