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Birmingham's Comprehensive Plan

City of Birmingham Comprehensive Plan

Welcome to the City of Birmingham's Comprehensive Plan!

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Review the Comprehensive Plan!

Why We Developed This Plan: A Bold New Future

Birmingham is embarking on a bold journey toward its future! This is our first full comprehensive plan since 1961, and it's the first to be created based on active community engagement. The 2012 City of Birmingham Comprehensive Plan is a testament to our commitment to a new strategic path for the 21st century. Together, we've created a vision that focuses on revitalizing neighborhoods, growing a strong economy with more jobs, and ensuring that every resident enjoys a high quality of life.

How We Developed This Plan: A Community-Driven Approach

This plan was shaped by YOU! Over 2,300 citizens, business owners, and stakeholders contributed to its creation through citywide forums, workshops, and open house events. Whether it was sharing thoughts on what Birmingham could become or providing expert insights as part of our Steering Committee, citizens gave their time and voices to make sure this plan reflects the hopes and needs of the entire community.

How We’ll Put the Plan to Work: Turning Vision into Action

Planning is just the beginning. The real work is in the execution. This plan is not just a document—it’s a roadmap for action. With a detailed implementation plan, we’ve outlined clear goals, who will take action, how it will happen, and when it will happen. A special Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee, made up of planning commissioners and citizens, will keep track of progress, ensuring that we stay on course. Public hearings will allow you to check in and see how the plan is being put into action each year.

Birmingham’s Vision for 2032: Leading the South with Opportunity

In 2032, Birmingham will be a vibrant and dynamic community of choice. Here's how we envision it:

  • A Beautiful, Safe City: Our neighborhoods will be welcoming, walkable, and safe. Blighted areas will be transformed into attractive housing, green spaces, and community assets, offering diverse housing options for all.
  • Connected and Efficient: Birmingham will have a connected network of pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, supported by efficient transit and bike routes linking key areas of the city.
  • A Thriving, Innovative Economy: With a diversified economy built on education, innovation, and creativity, Birmingham will lead as a hub for new industries and businesses. The city's focus on sustainability will create opportunities for green jobs and a more prosperous future.
  • A Green, Sustainable City: Birmingham will be a model for sustainability, with clean air, green spaces, and access to healthy living. Our parks and greenways will offer residents the opportunity to live, work, and play in a healthier, more eco-friendly city.
  • Strong Partnerships: Success in Birmingham will be built on collaboration among residents, businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofits. Working together, we’ll transform Birmingham into the best place to live, work, study, and play in the South.

Game-Changing Strategies for Birmingham’s Future

Comp Plan Policy Map

We have identified 10 transformative strategies to ensure Birmingham thrives. These focus on:

  • People: Preparing students and workers for the jobs of tomorrow and revitalizing citizen participation.
  • Prosperity: Strengthening our entrepreneurial ecosystem, and tapping into key economic sectors like life sciences and advanced manufacturing.
  • Place: Revitalizing neighborhoods with investments in transit-ready urban villages, parks, and public spaces.
  • Partnership: Breaking down silos by fostering collaboration across communities, institutions, and government.
  • Performance: Accelerating revitalization through strategic redevelopment efforts and ensuring progress through annual public reporting.

 

 

What’s in the 2012 Comprehensive Plan? Imagine. Plan. Act.

The plan covers everything Birmingham needs for growth and development in the 21st century:

IMAGINE: What kind of city do we want to be?

Our vision for the future will serve as a guide to shaping the city, setting the stage for all our future goals.

PLAN: How do we get there?

With actionable strategies for achieving our vision, we’ll focus on sustainable growth, vibrant neighborhoods, economic prosperity, and stronger city systems.

ACT: How do we get started?

The action phase outlines step-by-step processes to make the vision a reality. From land use to urban design, we’re setting things in motion.

The Big Picture: Birmingham’s Power of Place

At its core, Birmingham is defined by its unique blend of urban and natural beauty. With its historic downtown, lush greenery, and vibrant neighborhoods, Birmingham is more than just a place to live—it’s a place where quality of life thrives. From nature parks to an emerging greenway system, Birmingham offers its residents the perfect mix of city living with access to nature, creating an environment that people will choose to call home.

A Living Document: Constantly Evolving to Meet Our Goals

This is not a static plan. The Comprehensive Plan is a living, breathing document that will evolve with Birmingham’s needs and progress. Every five years, we’ll revisit the plan to ensure that we’re on track and making the necessary adjustments to stay true to our vision. With ongoing monitoring, public hearings, and a dedicated team, we’ll keep the momentum going and deliver on our promises.