Birmingham Council Funds Violence‑Intervention Program and Flood Mitigation

The City of Birmingham has opened applications for its Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (BOLD) program, offering up to $1.5 million in grants to nonprofit, post‑secondary and for‑profit entities that propose evidence‑based projects in small‑business development, workforce training, barrier elimination, creative placemaking or high‑growth industries. Applications are due 13 August and candidates must provide a 20 % match and meet eligibility criteria such as being a registered organization, with minority‑ and women‑owned enterprises especially encouraged.

Separately, Birmingham City Council approved a $1.15 million allocation to continue the Hospital‑Linked Violence Intervention Program, which places violence‑interruption specialists with gun‑shot victims in hospitals to provide case management, mental‑health, housing, job training and other support. Officials cite the program’s role in a 73 % drop in homicides and near‑zero recidivism among participants. The council also voted to apply for a $2.6 million FEMA grant to restore the floodplain of Village Creek, part of a $3.2 million plan to create permanent natural public spaces and improve flood resilience.