City of Birmingham Approves $45M to Expand Career Training, Modernize Schools, Strengthen Student Success

birminghamal.gov

Mayor Randall L. Woodfin recommended, and the Birmingham City Council has approved, a historic $45 million investment to prepare students for high-demand careers, improve recreational spaces, expand financial literacy education, and enhance an early childhood learning facility.

“This is one of the most significant investments we’ve made in the future of Birmingham’s children and our city’s economy. I am so grateful for the City Council’s continued support in creating transformational opportunities for our young people,” said Mayor Woodfin. “We’re creating real pathways from the classroom to high-demand careers while strengthening the schools and spaces where our students learn, grow and thrive. When we invest in our young people, we’re investing in Birmingham’s future.”

The funding will be financed through a portion of the ad valorem tax collected by Jefferson County and designated exclusively for public school building capital projects. State law, established in 1951 and renewed by Birmingham voters for an additional 25 years in 2019, authorizes the City to use these revenues to directly finance eligible school capital improvements that are validated by bond counsel.

In fiscal year 2025, approximately $61 million in ad valorem revenues was dedicated to debt service, with collections projected to increase to approximately $71.8 million in fiscal year 2026. Under the City’s pay-as-you-go financing approach, these revenues will be used to fund capital improvements while reducing debt obligations over time.

The investment will not impact the City’s General Fund budget or require the use of operating revenues. The approved funding includes:

• $40 million to construct the Future Ready Career and Innovation Center, a state-of-the-art workforce development campus at the former Arthur School site.
• $4.1 million to renovate basketball courts at Birmingham City Schools elementary and middle schools.
• $1 million to support the Junior Achievement Economic Education Center, providing immersive financial literacy and career readiness experiences for Birmingham students.
• $60,000 to renovate the playground at the James Rushton Early Learning Center.

The Future Ready Career and Innovation Center will serve as a regional hub where students gain industry-recognized credentials, hands-on experience and direct pathways to careers that are in high demand throughout Alabama and beyond.

Initial programming will focus on health sciences, including nursing, licensed practical nursing (LPN), physical therapy, patient care, medical assisting, sterile processing and radiologic technology. Future phases are expected to expand into additional career pathways, including electrical trades; heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC); welding; plumbing; cybersecurity and information technology; collision repair and automotive services; commercial driving; accounting; aviation maintenance; commercial aviation; public safety careers, including law enforcement, fire service and emergency medical services; advanced manufacturing; and education.

The allocation also supports student wellness, recreation and real-world learning. Renovations to basketball courts at elementary and middle schools will provide updated recreational spaces that encourage physical activity while strengthening neighborhood schools as community assets.

Funding for the Junior Achievement Economic Education Center will provide Birmingham sixth- and eighth-grade students with immersive experiences in entrepreneurship, personal finance, business management and civic leadership through nationally recognized JA BizTown and JA Finance Park simulations.

Approximately 3,200 Birmingham City Schools students are expected to participate annually, while the partnership will also bring thousands of students and volunteers from across the region into Birmingham each year.

The approved funding will also improve the playground at the James Rushton Early Learning Center, creating safer and more engaging outdoor learning opportunities for the district’s youngest students.

With City Council approval, Birmingham continues its commitment to investing in educational infrastructure, workforce development and opportunities that prepare students for lifelong success while strengthening the city’s economic future. It ties along with Birmingham City Schools’ post-graduation plan for students to attain one or more of the Four Es: Enrolled in a 2 or 4-year college, Enlisted in the military, become an Entrepreneur and/or be Employed in a high-wage job.