For far too long, communities like Birmingham, Alabama have been victim to widespread disinvestment. Mara Eala of Community Funding Accelerator and Sarah McMillan of the City of Birmingham believe the only way to fight back is to actively and relentlessly reinvest in community residents of all ages. In particular, focusing economic development on the workforce readiness of current middle and high school students is an essential step towards sustainable, equitable, long-term growth.
As one of six winners nationwide for the U.S. Department of Commerce Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program, Birmingham will do just that. Read the full op-ed here.
