Deconstructing REV, Birmingham’s Economic Development Organization
What does REV Birmingham, the city’s economic development organization, do? They describe themselves as a group “that stimulates business growth and improves quality of life in Birmingham.” But WELD says that mission isn’t clearly visible to Birmingham residents. Reporters from WELD took to Facebook to ask what their readers thought.
“They’re the expensive outsourced economic development department of the mayor,” wrote Joseph Casper Baker III in a Facebook comment. “They’re great at organizing block parties.”
Shirley Hicks, meanwhile, wrote that she had “experienced and observed” REV “helping the different neighborhood business associations get setup [sic] with basic tools they need to enhance communications and coordination…[and evaluating] roadblocks and [helping] smooth processes at City Hall so that people starting new businesses or making changes to existing ones don’t get stuck in paperwork because they couldn’t find the right form or get in touch with the right department.”
Others expressed the opposite perspective. “So far, I’ve only observed them helping just one business in East Lake,” Natalye S. Pond wrote. “I hope someone can show me that I’m wrong.”
Laura Frances Wise added, “I haven’t heard a peep out of REV in nearly 3 years. I didn’t know what was going on with it.”
Nick Patterson, editor of WELD, joined WBHM’s Rachel Osier Lindley to discuss the organization’s history, challenges and mission.
Crew of fatal US military crash included Alabama father recently deployed
The six U.S. service members who died in the crash of a U.S. military refueling aircraft included an Alabama father who had just been promoted and deployed. The U.S. government released the identities of the deceased service members Saturday.
Alabama poised to drastically overhaul utility regulation. Will it lower electric bills?
The Alabama Senate unanimously voted to expand the public service commission, and create a Secretary of Energy to address rising electricity prices. A bill in the House would go even further, requiring rate case hearings and limiting utility profits.
Musher from Alabama is going for back-to-back Iditarod wins
Riches and paid appearances haven’t followed Jessie Holmes since he won the world’s most famous sled dog race, the Iditarod, last year. He doesn't mind.
Bill would move Alabama to closed primaries
Right now, any Alabama voter can participate in a primary election. Lawmakers in Montgomery took up a bill this week that would change that system.
Auburn football player uses NIL funds to open a community hub in Birmingham
Jourdin Crawford, a freshman defensive lineman at Auburn, used earnings from a Name, Image, and Likeness deal to give back to his hometown.
Ivey commutes death sentence of inmate whose accomplice fired fatal shot
Charles “Sonny” Burton was sentenced to death for the killing of Doug Battle during a 1991 robbery. However, another man shot Battle when Burton had left the building.
