BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- The Birmingham City Council approved mayor Randall Woodfin's budget amendment Tuesday that focuses on neighborhood revitalization.
According to the city, over $20 million is allocated for street resurfacing, sidewalks, traffic calming and expanded blight reduction efforts. The amended budget comes after the city council approved $16 million to increase recruitment and retention of police officers in October.
“Our shared priorities are clear: neighborhood revitalization and public safety,” Woodfin said in a statement. “This budget continues our commitment to residents to pave streets and reduce blight in their neighborhoods. We are already seeing increased interest in the next police academy due to the recruitment and retention plan.”
In the amended budget, there is $15 million for street resurfacing, making funding for street resurfacing to nearly $30 million over a two-year period. As for education, $2 million is committed to Birmingham Promise, $1 million to the Birmingham Board of Education and $250,000 to Small Magic, an early childhood initiative. $500,000 in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act will go toward Small Magic.
Regarding capital projects, almost $10 million from the city's portion of American Rescue Plan Act funding will help 14 construction projects set to start in early 2025. The amended budget also includes funding for a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for all employees and merit or longevity pay for eligible employees. The current fiscal year ends June 30.