The new year has arrived, and with it comes the power of a new beginning. All throughout the city of Birmingham, individuals and organizations alike are “taking inventory” – assessing and reflecting on accomplishments of 2023, while determining what work is still left to be done – and we are no exception.
2023 highlights
2023 was a remarkable year of growth for REV:
- Thanks to a robust partnership between REV and district stakeholders to help make it possible, Birmingham City Council approved an amendment to a city ordinance to allow the City Center Business Improvement District (BID) to expand into two additional downtown districts: Five Points South and The Switch.
- REV retained and added more than 80 jobs to Birmingham through a focus on business recruitment and retention. We also supported business growth targets of our partners including Birmingham Bound, the City of Birmingham, Innovate Alabama, and the Birmingham Business Alliance.
- We refined the Magic City Match program, funded by our friends at Prosper, for a second season and awarded 20 Birmingham-based Black business owners a collective $135,000 in grants and technical assistance.
- We assembled the inaugural Downtown Birmingham Economic Vitality Report, a first-of-its-kind collection of Magic City data. This bi-annual report is a tool to guide policy makers, economic developers and private investors in making impactful decisions for the sake of the City Center’s growth.
- We brought vibrancy to the historic Woodlawn business district through the ongoing incubation of new businesses in the Woodlawn Marketplace and 10th year of the Woodlawn Street Market.
- In collaboration with the Birmingham Department of Transportation, our team helped beautify the Rainbow Bridge for a temporary, pedestrian-focused activation while the process to determine its future is completed. New planters, signage, and a freshly-painted bike lane were added to the structure.
- We laid the groundwork for creating an even bigger impact on the Magic City by expanding our team – with positions old and new ready to be filled.
While there’s certainly much to celebrate, resting on our laurels just isn’t the REV way. More than ever, we’re resolving to breathe new life into Birmingham in 2024. We’re resolving to create vibrancy, a beautiful combination of authentic places and diverse people. We’re resolving to strengthen more places, create more experiences, and support more business owners. We’re resolving to carry out focused, intentional work in Downtown Birmingham and the historic Woodlawn neighborhood.
In short, REV’s 2024 resolution is to be the best version of ourselves, so we can help the Magic City do the same.
How can you help?
One of the qualities that differentiates a new year’s resolution from everyday goal-setting is that of collective change. As we take on the challenges of 2024, our team has compiled a collection of resolutions for us (and you) to embark on together to help Birmingham grow.
Shopping and gifting local
Big box stores and online retailers may be tempting, but the impact of shopping local cannot be overstated. From everyday swaps in your personal shopping to holiday and birthday gifts for others, there are many opportunities to support local, shop small, and put your dollars behind Birmingham business owners to strengthen our local economy.
Exploring the districts of Downtown
Our everyday routines often coax us into becoming creatures of habit. In 2024, we’re challenging you to move beyond your comfort zone and venture into the Downtown districts you don’t currently frequent. Need a little guidance? Check out Downtown BHM’s comprehensive districts guide. You may discover some new favorites along the way!
Supporting Magic City restaurants and eateries
From classic comforts to quality cuisine, Birmingham is not wanting for delicious food and drink. With so many options to explore, it can be difficult to stray from our regular choices – that’s why new eatery experiences should be at the top of your 2024 resolutions. (Psst. We suggest starting with a morning coffee or tea and pastry from the Woodlawn Marketplace.)
Enjoying more live performances at Birmingham venues
The Magic City is alive with the sound of music and equipped with plenty of live performance venues to soak it all in from. Birmingham is lucky to have Alabama Theatre, Saturn, Iron City, Woodlawn Theatre, Legacy Arena and more. We recommend catching a show (or two or twelve) at a local venue this year.
Tapping into positive news about the Magic City
Birmingham is bustling, and there’s plenty of happenings and announcements you don’t want to miss. Stay in the know this year by keeping up with news sources like Bham Now, Birmingham Business Journal, The Birmingham Times, and (of course) REV’s own e-newsletter and social media channels.
Here’s to a vibrant 2024, Birmingham! We’re in it together.
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