Fall 2020 Edition
Fall Greetings from the RPCGB
Heading into the Fall and Holiday season the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham has been hard at work on many exciting projects and in this edition of Roundabouts we look forward to updating you on just a few of those efforts that are both ongoing and recently completed. We also have a quick survey that you can take to help the RPCGB in our economic development efforts.

Additionally, some of you may have noticed that traffic seemed to get a little lighter during the initial pandemic shut down, at the bottom of this email is a detailed infographic where we've crunched the numbers to show you just how much our daily commutes changed during these unprecedented times!
Economic Development
RPCGB needs your input!
You’re invited to participate in a region-wide survey designed to provide critical insight on how the pandemic has impacted our region. The RPCGB, in partnership with the Economic Development Administration (EDA), is seeking input from stakeholders regarding the ways the coronavirus pandemic has affected the fiscal situations and economic outlook of the region's local jurisdictions.

To access the survey, click the button below:
The information collected through this survey will contribute to the development of a Pandemic Analysis Report, and this document will assist the RPCGB develop the next Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

If you have any questions regarding the survey or Pandemic Analysis Report, contact Marley Hicks at mhicks@rpcgb.org
RPCGB's Economic Development Department hires Regional Economic Recovery Coordinator
Marley Hicks was hired in August to serve as the agency’s Regional Economic Recovery Coordinator. This position was developed through a partnership with the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support RPCGB in understanding how the pandemic has affect local communities, as well as providing technical assistance to member governments. Marley is excited to be a part of RPCGB’s Economic Development team and is looking forward to building relationships and providing support to our member governments throughout the region.
Does your community or organization need grant assistance?
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
Appalachian Regional Commission
  • General FY2021 Applications: Due Date: Noon, November 20th
  • Advanced Welding Workforce Initiative: Due Date: November 13th


Economic Development Administration:

  • Scaling Pandemic Resilience Through Innovation and Technology (SPRINT) Challenge: Due Date: December 3,2020

Community Planning
RPCGB writing new Mixed-Use Zoning Districts for Pelham and Calera
The RPCGB community planning team is currently assisting the cities of Pelham and Calera with writing new Mixed-Use Districts for incorporation into their Zoning Ordinances.

In the City of Pelham, the new Mixed-Use Districts Article will establish two new districts: a Mixed-Use Neighborhood (MX-N) District and a Mixed-Use Center (MX-C) District. The MX-N District is intended to establish small-scale mixed-use development within or adjacent to otherwise residential areas, whereas the MX-C District is intended to facilitate the development or redevelopment of larger-scale properties that may create walkable, mixed-use center. Click here view the draft ordinance and here to view the project fact sheet. 

In the City of Calera, the new Mixed-Use District Article is being developed as part of a Downtown Calera Rezoning Project, where 223 properties are proposed for rezoning. The proposed rezoning changes align with the adopted citywide Calera Comprehensive Plan and the revitalization goals of Calera Main Street, and will allow a longer list of more permissive uses for property owners if their property is developed or redeveloped in the future. Go to the project website to learn more: www.CaleraALRezoning.com

For more information, contact Principal Planner Lindsay Puckett at lpuckett@rpcgb.org or 205-264-8421.
The Northside Southside Framework Plan for the City of Birmingham is nearing completion!
On October 27, 2020 RPCGB and the City of Birmingham hosted a public open house to solicit feedback on the Draft Framework Plan, Proposed Future Land Use Plan, and Proposed Zoning Plan. Did you miss the meeting? No problem. Visit the project website to review the draft documents and use our online maps to suggest edits for the Proposed Future Land Use Map and Proposed Zoning Map.

Are you a stakeholder of the Northside or Southside Community and have specific questions about Zoning or Future Land Use? Join us for one of our community specific meetings on November 9th (Southside) from 5:30 to 7pm at Vulcan Park and Museum, or on November 19th (Northside) from 5:00 to 6:30pm at Boutwell Auditorium.

Visit the project website at www.imaginebham.com to sign up for updates. 

Transportation Planning
Take part in transportation decision-making by becoming a member of the citizens committee
Do you have a passion for transportation planning and want to be a part of the decision making process? The RPCGB Citizens Committee has a seat to fill! to learn more visit: www.rpcgb.org/metropolitan-planning-organization 

Interested? Contact Laurel Land at lland@rpcgb.org or at 205-264-8473
News regarding recent APPLE studies
SR-119/Fulton Springs Road Safety Study
RPCGB applied for and was awarded additional federal funding to perform safety studies in the area. One of these studies was performed for the City of Alabaster. The study analyzed crashes and performed field observations for the intersection of SR-119 and Fulton Springs Road. Recommendations from the study have already been implemented by ALDOT and Shelby County to make the intersection safer.

CR-11 Safety Study
Another safety study is being performed for Shelby County. Shelby County asked the RPCGB to hire a consultant to analyze crash data and recommend improvements for the CR-11 corridor from CR-52 to CR-36. The study is underway and will be completed in February.

Old Town Helena Pedestrian Improvements
The City of Helena has asked the RPCGB to perform an APPLE study to look at the feasibility of various pedestrian improvements in Old Town Helena. The study will look at the feasibility of potential pedestrian bridges as well as new crosswalks on SR-261. The study will be completed in the Spring 2021.

For more information on any of these studies contact Michael Kaczorowski: mkaczorowski@rpcgb.org
New transportation option available in Walker County
Operated by the Walker County Community Action Agency, the new transportation system will service all of Walker County, with a 24-hour advance reservation, beginning November 1.

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday  6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday              6:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Cost:                       $2.00 per 5 miles
 
Call:                        205-265-3994
CommuteSmart
Biketember
This year for our annual Bike-to-work (B2W) event in September, CommuteSmart Birmingham promoted “Biketember” focusing on the health benefits of cycling. CommuteSmart actively promoted cycling via TV and radio interviews alongside social media promotions throughout September.

Fall 2020 Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC) Webinar
CommuteSmart Birmingham was happy to host the Fall2020 Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC) Zoom webinar on Thursday, September 24th. With over 20 coordinators in attendance, CommuteSmart along with Commute with Enterprise provided the ETC’s with an overview of our program as well as transportation updates. 
Walktober
Cooler weather in October always brings an uptick of walkers. CommuteSmart Birmingham worked in collaboration with United Way to promote walking during this month. “Walktober” focused on radio/television interviews and social media tips on the benefits of walking, pedestrian safety tips and best tips when walking to work.
Alabama Partners for Clean Air

The Alabama Partner’s for Clean Air (APCA) would like to welcome Ms. Carolyn Buck. Ms. Buck is the Red Rock Trail System Director for Freshwater Land Trust. She will serve on the APCA Steering Committee representing the At-Large Member, Non-Profit Organization with Air Quality Interest.
Special Report: COVID-19 Effects on Travel Patterns
It is obvious that the shutdown and stay home orders resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on travel and therefore traffic congestion in the region. The Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham performed an analysis to quantify these effects. The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) maintains approximately 60 continuous count stations in the Birmingham metro area which collect traffic volumes 24 hours a day/365 days a year. The results of the analysis show that traffic volumes decreased by an average of 35% in the month of April. In May traffic was about 20% lower, and then leveled off to about 10% below pre-COVID-19 volumes in the months of June and July.

To view the full findings, check out the presentation prepared by RPCGB Transportation Planner Samuel Parson by clicking here.

For more information, contact Mike Kaczorowski at kaz@rpcgb.org.
That's all folks!
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