A note from David Fleming, CEO

REV strengthens places, grows businesses, and creates experiences to create vibrant places. A “vibrant” place is where authentic places and diverse people meet, which requires being intentional about creating opportunities and improving quality of life for everyone.

REV Birmingham has been in pursuit of realizing the powerful visions our communities helped us dream: Downtown is the heart and soul of the region, and Woodlawn is the hub of equitable entrepreneurship. The past two years have been stressful on our society, and the impacts of the pandemic and social justice conversations we are working through have affected the places where REV works. I believe that REV’s 2021 efforts brought each district demonstrably closer to these community goals even in the midst of trying circumstances, as you’ll see in full color as you flip through these pages. 

Economic recovery is underway downtown, and REV is helping to drive it. Workers are returning to their offices, new businesses are opening, and customers are filling tables and sidewalk seating. REV gained a stronger understanding of downtown, as it is and as it can be, through our work with national consultants and downtown property owners on the Value of Downtown report. With tons of new data, we’ve set a benchmark against which we can measure ourselves each year, and we’re strategically setting our work plans around ways we know downtown can improve. From strengthening the CAP team through new leadership and more competitive recruiting, to our investments in 20th Street, Linn Park planning, and downtown branding, we are positioning our City Center to capitalize on economic recovery, The World Games, and beyond.

In Woodlawn, we are in growth mode. The City is making progress on the Bus Rapid Transit station, which will bring more foot traffic and opportunity to the historic neighborhood’s business district. We, with our partners, are making big moves to create inclusive spaces to attract more people into the commercial district. Businesses in Woodlawn are strong, and our team is intentionally strengthening community ties and helping pave the way for new entrepreneurs, especially women and Black-owned businesses, to become contributors to this community. 

Thank you for being a part of our work in 2021! We hope you’ll continue supporting and investing in a better Birmingham. Here’s to a vibrant 2022, when we all welcome the world to The Magic City!