RPCGB’s Economic Development Department is applying for an EPA Brownfields Assessment grant to increase access for local municipalities to available federal funds for environmental site assessments. The purpose of this application is to equip member governments in the six-county region with resources and funding for the completion of Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments on their vacant or blighted properties in order to spur redevelopment.

RPCGB is currently meeting with interested member governments to discuss potential partnerships and project development ideas. If you have a potential site in mind and are interested in learning more about this partnership opportunity, please contact Jesslan Wilson, Director of Economic Development, at [email protected] or 256-899-3865. A factsheet for the proposed project can be found by clicking the button below.

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 [email protected] or 205-264-8417.

Calera Comprehensive Plan: On June 1 the Calera Planning Commission adopted the new Comprehensive Plan for the city. Visit the project website at www.PlanCalera.com to learn more and view the plan document.

Harpersville Master Plan: On September 20 the Harpersville Planning and Zoning Board adopted the new Master Plan, which is an update to the old 2005 Sketch Plan. Visit the project website at

www.PlanHarpersville.com to learn more and view the plan document.

Birmingham Southern Area Framework Plan: Visit the project website at www.imaginebham.com/southernarea.html to learn more and view the Draft Plan. The final public meeting will be held in early November. This is the last of the 9 Framework Plans to be developed.

Irondale Comprehensive Plan Update (Blueprint Irondale): Visit the project website at www.BlueprintIrondale.com to view the kickoff phase public involvement results. The Draft Plan will be released in October and a public meeting will be scheduled. The consulting firm of KPS is assisting the RPCGB with creating redevelopment and policy ideas for 3 focus areas – Downtown Irondale, Grants Mill Station and the I-459 at Grants Mill Road area.

Mulga Master Plan and new Zoning Ordinance: Visit the project website at www.MulgaPlanningandZoning.com to learn more and view Mulga’s first town Master Plan document. The Zoning Ordinance has been drafted and is in the review stage.

Morris Master Plan: This month the RPCGB team will be kicking off the project to develop Morris’s first Master Plan. Visit www.MorrisMasterPlan.com to get involved.

Shelby County Comprehensive Plan: It’s about time for a new one after 17 years! Over the next 12-18 months, the RPCGB will assist the Shelby County Development Services staff with developing a new Comprehensive Plan. If you are a resident of Shelby County, please take the short survey by visiting the project website www.planshelbyal.com.

Fairfield Master Plan: The consultant team lead by PlaceMakers LLC is assisting the RPCGB with developing a new Fairfield Master Plan that will focus on three main topics: enhancing economic development, addressing abandoned and dilapidated housing in the Inter Urban Heights neighborhood, and infrastructure improvements. Visit the project website at www.FairfieldMasterPlan.com to take the survey and learn more about the Oct 4-7 public charrette.

Helena Comprehensive Plan: The consultant team lead by MKSK and Sain Associates are assisting the RPCGB with the development of the new Comprehensive Plan. A public open house will be held on October 20 at the Helena Community Center. Go to www.HelenaComprehensivePlan.com to learn more on how to give your input and get involved.

Argo Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance: The consulting firm of Goodwyn Mills Cawood is assisting the RPCGB with creating the city’s first Comprehensive Plan and a new Zoning Ordinance.  

The RPCGB Board of Directors recently approve next years Work Program for HARPO. The RPCGB offers technical assistance and other services to our rural counties, and hopes to initiate and complete a safety study by utilizing a third party consulting firm. To learn more about HARPO click here.

CommuteSmart is excited to launch their latest gift card offering for Commuters! Starting October 1, 2021 Commuters can choose the option of getting a $25.00 gift card from Redemptive Cycles for their CommuterClub incentive! CommuteSmart is always looking for additional incentives to offer our participants. 

The month of August, CommuteSmart celebrated “Vanpool Appreciation Month.” The team focused their social media on vanpool giveaways, fun facts and marketing for additional riders. Vanpool participants received goody bags as a special “Thank you” for their participation in the program. Our longest standing participant has been with the program for over nineteen years. Some of our vanpools gained new riders and we are currently working on two new vanpool start ups!

National Drive Electric Week celebrations will be taking place during Sep 25-Oct 3, 2021. To find out more information, go to the Alabama Partners for Clean Air partner event page at http://www.alabamacleanair.org/events.html

We hope you have enjoyed this quarterly edition of RPCGB’s Regional Roundabouts. For additional information about RPCGB services, please contact Hunter Garrison at [email protected] or 205-264-8442.