[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6625093,"mediaKeyId","2762854-435f4165455f557dc4c7f79fddab1055","parentId",2762854,"title","Mayor’s office announces housing expo, spring festival and youth jobs program; physician warns of local gap in women's health care","audioSeconds",351,"startMs",542000,"endMs",893000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2762854-435f4165455f557dc4c7f79fddab1055&start=542&end=893","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2762854-435f4165455f557dc4c7f79fddab1055/thumbnail_542000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6625093/Birmingham-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Mayors-office-announces-housing-expo-spring-festival-and-youth-jobs-program-physician-warns-of-local-gap-in-womens-health-care","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625093-02cf6517b29a17ff4ac7dd386d84ad92/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170314&Signature=oxnohNb7Qe0XZol0ZQD6GasuGNKsF0LYufBwcEWo~GwfjiJr90uFydPcOPT7rzSqfiKXOnGLUHVRxfovl4Z60pzBQWqUayQt0AQAj1ufq57ce2b1X8DTOf7a0K674xhf~1hahsWveBrvQUO6mByIumLVOJ8wXybfIMft4eyGK8ebt2tHhCULnxntwdZCIR37YmlQT4Tmk5-aTdqz-ERKNZO5FZ1Yi6nX~yxzf4FDCGCvQUQnDHTPysbt0NrRrEZc3JRrejkT8iWLAPBMMx9Zb9P4mGomILy~twtDop~N42vGNF4yQUy7iEWjRZLLiVbSLoh7XuJzEthhOoDCryPuYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Birmingham","date","2025-03-25T00:00:00Z","article","Birmingham — In its regular report to the City Council on March 25, the mayor's office asked residents to save the date for several upcoming community events and promoted a summer youth employment program. Shortly afterward, Dr. Mia Cowan, founder of MiBello Wellness Center, told council members she sees a growing gap in women's health care and invited cooperation on an upcoming conference.

Mayor’s office announcements
- Housing expo: The Birmingham Land Bank will present a building and homeownership housing expo in April at the Birmingham Museum of Art; the city packet referenced the Land Bank website for details. (The calendar announcement included a Tuesday in April from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.; a specific date was not stated in the transcript.)
- Spring festival: The city will host a spring festival with Easter activities at Railroad Park in April; the event was announced for a weekend date in April from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The announcement described free public activities including food trucks and face painting.
- Kids & Jobs: The Department of Youth Services and WBRC 6 are accepting applications for the summer 2025 Kids & Jobs program for Birmingham residents ages 14–24. Eligibility details announced at the meeting: Birmingham residency, minimum 2.0 GPA, age between 14 and 24 by June, and commitment to work through June–July. Applications available at bhamyouthfirst.org.

Dr. Mia Cowan presentation
Dr. Mia Cowan identified herself as a board‑certified gynecologist and founder of MiBello Wellness Center. She told the council that Birmingham is “facing a healthcare crisis, particularly in women's health” as OB‑GYNs retire and clinical capacity narrows. Cowan cited statewide maternal‑mortality disparities and said Alabama “consistently ranks amongst the highest states for maternal mortality with Black women 3 to 5 times more likely to die from pregnancy‑related causes,” framing those statistics as a local concern.

Cowan described MiBello’s model of combined gynecologic and whole‑patient wellness services and invited collaboration on health equity initiatives. She promoted an upcoming women’s health empowerment conference titled “Foreplay” scheduled for May 10 at the UAB Hilton downtown.

Why it matters
The mayor’s announcements point to city efforts on housing access, family‑oriented public events and summer employment for youth. Dr. Cowan’s presentation stressed workforce and access gaps in women’s health care that organizers and city leaders flagged as community priorities.

Next steps
Residents seeking information about the housing expo are directed to the Birmingham Land Bank website. Youth and families were given the Kids & Jobs application website. Council members did not take formal votes on these items; Dr. Cowan’s presentation was informational and included an invitation for future collaboration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Birmingham - Regular City Council Meeting - Mar 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The mayor's office highlighted a Birmingham Land Bank housing expo, a spring festival at Railroad Park and the Kids & Jobs youth employment program; Dr. Mia Cowan of MiBello Wellness described local gaps in OB‑GYN coverage and promoted a May 10 women's health empowerment conference.","taxTitle","Birmingham City, Jefferson County, Alabama","taxId",3652,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6625098,"Magic City Fashion Week seeks city support to hire staff, expand internships and sustain year‑round programs",597,1158000,1755000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2762854-435f4165455f557dc4c7f79fddab1055&start=1158&end=1755","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2762854-435f4165455f557dc4c7f79fddab1055/thumbnail_1158000.jpg","/articles/6625098/Birmingham-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Magic-City-Fashion-Week-seeks-city-support-to-hire-staff-expand-internships-and-sustain-yearround-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625098-99f6211d61c464855326944b19f73dfa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170314&Signature=EgTW~gli~V7asIyO731Y3guJBnvXS83hlMgh5mYSdawCIcbsG33w4VeWNTJtNzeauKuGZBORhJCMLzrgxUgeaSm32hKrfVuwrURlECB1DVMDyN65RCXN~PdXGbRVcNzSEH4Ji3aZBefbFuHfSrOKJOdZY19p5jyS5dAtZX5VGbNagRoLVQVtd6J3lCJtLwa0eQow1BSx-9~TSO-ROIF7Qx3xE28QrowYmq7QHBEMhI0PM09QJHqmppkozoiTztljbxDbYDo-SN08bRDpRXFQZrtL2umXz94AZnszAZcfOpNa2AhLEkafigaUYHpo7M~9Ljv0QtSiHUD7JgHopUGhOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Birmingham — Organizers of Magic City Fashion Week asked the Birmingham City Council on Tuesday for financial support to convert volunteer roles into paid staff and expand training and internship opportunities for local designers.

Designer and founder Daniel Greer told the council the nonprofit, now in its eighth year and organized as a 501(c)(3), is launching a fundraising goal of $100,000 to stabilize operations and hire staff. Greer said the organization seeks two part‑time employees drawn from local recent graduates and that the organizers expect an initial request of about $30,000 per position; the group also emphasized the need for ongoing bookkeeping and sponsorship development capacity.

Greer said the event has grown beyond runway shows into year‑round workforce development and youth mentoring, citing partnerships with the Birmingham Museum of Art and arts and health organizations. Designer Kenya B., who described mentoring high school students during prom season, said Magic City Fashion Week has placed interns and helped launch small businesses; she said the program’s Masterminds internships have drawn applicants nationally and internationally.

Councilors responded supportively. Council President O'Quinn and other members praised the event’s role in showcasing local creative talent and noted how the program creates jobs and opportunities in Birmingham. Council members asked organizers to provide follow‑up budget details and clarified that any direct city funding would be considered in committee or through typical sponsorship/grant channels.

Why it matters
Organizers argued the cultural and economic activity generated by a sustained fashion industry can create local jobs for designers, seamstresses, stylists and other creative professionals while providing structured internships for students at area high schools.

What organizers requested and next steps
- A $100,000 fundraising target to stabilize operations and hire staff, with an illustrative internal request of $30,000 per proposed part‑time hire.
- Continued partnership with the Birmingham Museum of Art and outreach to high schools (identified schools include Jackson‑Olin and other local programs).
- Organizers will provide budget details and return to council staff/committees as needed to request direct public support or sponsorships.","Organizers of Magic City Fashion Week told councilors the nonprofit needs startup funding and recurring support to convert volunteer operations to paid staff, expand internship pipelines and sustain a partnership with the Birmingham Museum of Art.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6625103,"Birmingham council approves Gateway beautification agreement and several contracts; refers scrap‑metal permit to public safety",0,3779000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2762854-435f4165455f557dc4c7f79fddab1055&start=3779&end=3779","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2762854-435f4165455f557dc4c7f79fddab1055/thumbnail_3779000.jpg","/articles/6625103/Birmingham-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Birmingham-council-approves-Gateway-beautification-agreement-and-several-contracts-refers-scrapmetal-permit-to-public-safety","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6625103-a5bcf59cb582bf3d2560f617d2f06547/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170314&Signature=fLP9ifQUXkUYdghDS3RNelmcAZBxBtHvEeTwKV67CWWvPHECJ6srEaM0Y-VIJroP0YX7NQi5DU~SpAg8nk9DZ3mhXEYDao1rSp-EIAja9qzjK5xMxMC0YmwliJQnFBi~UlTem9BFpLIF1sNeJ2vyuFogQhHMW11VsQIJ5mk2X9XSfpPoNDSC~FGq~ErCV3tNcNBryD2YKZal7HYEVtvNYKbih8rQD9HkZRe9EXsIJ7jQm5kYgs5~JH3mMAjLeWsJZY74FAdhJHUm569qaUF-M9j2F05dZyWJ2WO1s-xQy18K3OrGwnHARs2bxdMIsEaN~VzCfqWmAQpFvF42LWAbGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Birmingham — The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday approved a three‑year intergovernmental agreement with Jefferson County to continue maintenance and landscaping work on interstate on‑ and off‑ramps and accepted a slate of contract awards for accessibility and facility work. The council also referred an application for a scrap‑metal processor permit back to the Public Safety Committee for further review.

The largest item, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an intergovernmental cooperation agreement with Jefferson County, caps the city's payments at $1,171,300 over three years for the Gateway Beautification Project. Under the agreement, Jefferson County will serve as purchasing/bidding agent and invoice the city for construction costs; the county will manage project performance and maintenance.

Council discussion focused on the scope of the beautification work and the role of partner agencies. Councilor Moore requested clarification about what the beautification work covers and where it is performed; a city staff member explained the agreement renews a public‑private partnership that has maintained landscaping around several ramps, and that the $1.17 million is spread across three years rather than a single lump sum. Councilor Clark and others raised constituent concerns about removal of vegetation that had functioned as a sound or visual buffer for nearby neighborhoods; staff said they would follow up with the county and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) about preserving appropriate buffers.

The council also approved several construction and procurement items on the agenda, including:
- Acceptance of the low bid from CP Construction LLC for TWG ADA Improvements Phase 2 in the amount of $91,674.
- Acceptance of a low bid from Southern Overhead Door Incorporated for door modifications at the Birmingham Safety Center for $10,994 to allow fire/rescue apparatus to access the facility.
- Renewal/award of a contract for traffic and parking control products with Traffic and Parking Control Co. (unit pricing) to support the Transportation Department’s ongoing equipment needs.
- A resolution vacating 3,932 square feet of unopened right‑of‑way (case SUV2025‑2) so a property owner may consolidate parcels.

Separately, the council reconsidered but did not finalize action on a proposed scrap‑metal processor permit for United Scrap Bridal Alabama LLC. Councilor Perez moved to refer the matter to the Public Safety Committee; the motion passed and the item will return to committee for review.

Votes at a glance
- Ordinance (Intergovernmental cooperation agreement with Jefferson County; Gateway Beautification Project) — Approved. City stated maximum payment not to exceed $1,171,300 over three years; county to manage work and invoice the city. (Recorded ayes: Council members Abbott, Clark, Moore, Smitherman, Tate, Williams, Pro Tem Alexander, President O'Quinn.)
- Resolution (Vacation of right‑of‑way; SUV2025‑2) — Approved. Applicant intends to consolidate parcels. (Approved by voice vote.)
- Resolution (TWG ADA Improvements Phase 2 — CP Construction LLC, $91,674) — Approved.
- Resolution (Southern Overhead Door Inc. — Birmingham Safety Center doors, $10,994) — Approved.
- Resolution (Traffic and parking control products — Traffic and Parking Control Co.) — Approved.
- Resolution (Referral of United Scrap Bridal Alabama LLC scrap‑metal permit to Public Safety Committee) — Motion to refer approved.
- Addendum appointments to Special Care Facility Finance Authority — Approved.

Discussion vs. decision
- Discussion: Councilors pressed staff for details about ramp locations, vegetation removed as part of previous landscaping efforts, and whether ALDOT is contributing resources. Staff said ALDOT has made limited maintenance commitments and that the city and county partner to provide more frequent upkeep than state cuts alone provide.
- Direction: Staff agreed to provide a colored map of the ramp areas in the project packet and to notify Jefferson County and ALDOT about neighborhood concerns regarding buffer vegetation.
- Formal actions: The ordinance and the listed resolutions were approved by council vote or voice vote; the scrap‑metal permit application was referred to the Public Safety Committee.

Why it matters
Collective maintenance of interstate ramp corridors affects multiple Birmingham neighborhoods visually and environmentally, and involves coordination between city, county and state authorities. The ADA contract continues sidewalk and access improvements in areas near public venues; the safety center work ensures emergency vehicles can access a newly repurposed facility.

What’s next
Items referred to committees (the scrap‑metal permit) will return for committee review. Staff follow‑ups on ramp maps, ALDOT commitments and buffer vegetation were requested by councilors.","The council on March 25 approved a three‑year intergovernmental agreement with Jefferson County for a Gateway Beautification Project capped at $1,171,300, accepted multiple construction and equipment contracts, and referred a scrap‑metal permit application back to the Public Safety Committee for further review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mayor’s office announces housing expo, spring festival and youth jobs program; physician warns of local gap in women's health care

Magic City Fashion Week seeks city support to hire staff, expand internships and sustain year‑round programs

Birmingham council approves Gateway beautification agreement and several contracts; refers scrap‑metal permit to public safety