What a fragmented Birmingham can learn from the most fragmented city in the U.S.

Ron Blatman
Ron Blatman

Today’s guest columnist is Ron Blatman.

I know cities.

I write about cities.

 I produce documented series about making cities better places.

I’ve always been fascinated with Birmingham, Alabama and… Continue reading What a fragmented Birmingham can learn from the most fragmented city in the U.S.

Mtn. Brook parents, don’t give up on your children’s future in Birmingham

Old Mill in Mountain Brook
Old Mill in Mountain Brook

By David Sher

People ask, “Why do you write about Mountain Brook?”

The answer is simple. I’ve lived much of my life in Mountain Brook.

If I had grown up in Trussville, I would probably write about Trussville. Continue reading Mtn. Brook parents, don’t give up on your children’s future in Birmingham

Alabama Business Hall of Famer driven to build Birmingham

Mike Mouron
Mike Mouron

Today’s guest columnist is Mike Mouron.

I graduated from the University of Alabama in 1972 in Accounting and became a CPA.

Never did I dream when I moved back to Birmingham in 1985 that I would found Capstone Development in 1990 —and it would become a company that exceeded my wildest expectations. Continue reading Alabama Business Hall of Famer driven to build Birmingham

Red Mountain Cut idea goes viral (New video)

Red Mountain Cut at night
Vision of Red Mountain Cut (Photo courtesy of Red Mountain Cut Foundation)

By David Sher

Two weeks ago Bryson Stephens grabbed Birmingham’s attention with a brilliant idea for a lighted bridge alongside the Red Mountain Cut–an idea that could change the face of Birmingham.

The response has been positive and overwhelming.

Called “Gateway to the City, Bridge to the future,” a new website and video have just been launched. Continue reading Red Mountain Cut idea goes viral (New video)

Unprecedented $50M grant huge boost for Birmingham

Dontrelle Young Foster
Dontrelle Young Foster

Today’s guest columnist is Dontrelle Young Foster.

A once vibrant community, full of life and promise, now sits quietly in a forgotten area.

Located just a stone’s throw away from Legion Field and steps from A.H. Parker High School is the once bustling neighborhood known as Smithfield. Continue reading Unprecedented $50M grant huge boost for Birmingham

New partnership marks stunning victory for our parks

Thomas Spencer
Thomas Spencer

This week’s guest columnist is Tom Spencer.

This month, the Jefferson County Greenways Commission is launching a national search for a superintendent to lead the development of a system of large-acreage public parks, bringing together Red Mountain Park, Ruffner Mountain, and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. Continue reading New partnership marks stunning victory for our parks

A one-of-a-kind world-class asset could change the face of Birmingham

Bryson Stephens
Bryson Stephens

Today’s guest columnist is Bryson Stephens.

(Illustrations below show what is possible for our Red Mountain Cut)

On a chilly winter day in 2015, my 11-year-old daughter and I climbed the eastern wall of the Cut in Red Mountain.

A few months prior, a businessperson had told me that the Cut “looked like crap.” The last time I had physically been there was on an elementary school field trip in the early ‘80s, so I wanted to see it for myself. And it seemed like a good father-daughter excursion. Continue reading A one-of-a-kind world-class asset could change the face of Birmingham

French gal’s love affair with Birmingham

Claire Le Clech
Claire Le Clech

Today’s guest columnist is Claire Le Clech.

Bonjour!

I am Claire Le Clech, a French law student from Paris who spent two months in Birmingham for an internship with a Judge-Judge Patricia Stephens at the Domestic Relations Court-and I want to share with you a little bit about my experience. Continue reading French gal’s love affair with Birmingham

To begin a conversation about a better Birmingham