Priorities

Crime Reduction & Police Reform

Community Policing: Strengthen relationships between law enforcement and neighborhoods through outreach, training, and regular engagement events to build trust and collaboration.
Police Accountability: Expand the civilian oversight board with greater investigative power to ensure transparency in cases of police misconduct.
Violence Prevention Programs: Invest in initiatives like youth mentorship, job training, and mental health resources to address the root causes of crime.
Crisis Intervention Teams: Implement specialized units trained to respond to mental health crises, reducing the need for traditional law enforcement in such situations.
De-escalation Training: Require ongoing, comprehensive training for officers to handle conflicts without excessive force.
Restorative Justice: Support alternatives to incarceration, such as community service and mediation, to reduce recidivism and foster reconciliation.
Body Cameras: Ensure all officers are equipped with body cameras and require consistent use to promote accountability and transparency.
Gun Violence Reduction: Partner with community organizations to implement proven strategies like gun buyback programs and conflict resolution training.
Neighborhood Safety Plans: Work with residents to create tailored safety strategies for each community based on their unique needs and concerns.
Recruitment & Diversity: Improve police recruitment to ensure the department reflects Birmingham’s diverse population and prioritizes cultural competency.

Clean Neighborhoods

Operation 122: Implement a focused initiative to clean up all 99 neighborhoods and 23 communities in the first 122 days of Givan’s administration, including enhanced garbage pickup and beautification projects to restore civic pride.
Enhanced Garbage Collection: Increase the frequency of garbage and bulk trash pickups to address waste build-up and improve sanitation across the city.
Neighborhood Revitalization: Partner with stakeholders to plant trees, install public art, and restore parks, creating vibrant and welcoming communities.
Anti-Litter Campaigns: Educate residents through public awareness campaigns on the importance of keeping Birmingham clean and provide resources like more trash bins in high-traffic areas.
Improved Recycling Programs: Modernize and expand recycling services to reduce landfill waste and promote sustainable living.
Community Clean-Up Days: Partner with local organizations to host regular volunteer clean-up events in neighborhoods across the city.
Illegal Dumping Enforcement: Strengthen laws and increase fines for illegal dumping while deploying surveillance technology in problem areas.
Vacant Lot Revitalization: Transform neglected and overgrown lots into community gardens, green spaces, or small parks.
Infrastructure Upgrades: Repair sidewalks, clean storm drains, and address blighted areas to create a cleaner and safer environment.
Beautification Grants: Provide small grants to neighborhoods and community groups to fund local beautification projects like flower beds, murals, and lighting improvements.

Affordable Housing

Friends In Transition: Expand transitional and permanent housing with wraparound support services to provide stability for vulnerable populations.
Rent Stabilization: Advocate for rent caps to protect residents from sudden and unfair rent increases.
Affordable Development: Prioritize building affordable housing for seniors, low-income families, and first-time homebuyers.
Tenant Protections: Strengthen legal safeguards against evictions and predatory landlord practices.
Housing Accessibility: Partner with nonprofits to ensure housing options are available for disabled and elderly residents.
Vacant Properties: Convert vacant lots and buildings into affordable housing units to revitalize neighborhoods.
Homeownership Support: Create down payment assistance programs to make homeownership more accessible.
Energy-Efficient Housing: Incentivize developers to create affordable, sustainable housing that reduces utility costs.
Zoning Reform: Update zoning laws to encourage mixed-use and affordable developments.
Community Land Trusts: Establish trusts to preserve affordable housing and prevent gentrification.

Jobs

Workforce Training Programs: Partner with local colleges, UAB, and technical schools to provide training and certifications in high-demand industries like healthcare, tech, and manufacturing.
Youth Employment Initiatives: Expand summer job programs and apprenticeships to give Birmingham’s youth hands-on experience and a pathway to lifelong careers.
Support for Small Businesses: Offer grants, low-interest loans, and resources to small and minority-owned businesses to spur local job creation.
Infrastructure Jobs: Launch city-funded projects like road repairs, green energy initiatives, and public building upgrades to create good-paying jobs.
Living Wage Advocacy: Partner with local businesses to ensure all workers earn fair, livable wages that reflect the cost of living in Birmingham.
Entrepreneurial Support: Provide business incubators and mentorship programs to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving businesses.
Equity in Employment: Promote hiring practices that prioritize diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all Birmingham residents.
Re-entry Programs: Develop job training and placement programs for formerly incarcerated individuals to support their reintegration into the workforce.
Green Jobs: Attract environmentally sustainable businesses to the city, creating careers in renewable energy, recycling, and eco-friendly construction.
Economic Development Zones: Revitalize underserved neighborhoods by incentivizing businesses to open in areas that need job opportunities the most.

Municipal Court Reform

Fairness in Fines and Fees: Juandalynn Givan will work to eliminate excessive fines and fees that disproportionately impact low-income residents, ensuring that the municipal court system does not penalize individuals simply for being poor.
Diversion Programs: Givan plans to implement more diversion programs for nonviolent offenders, providing opportunities for rehabilitation and second chances rather than perpetuating cycles of incarceration.
Transparent Operations: She will advocate for greater transparency in court proceedings, including the publication of clear data on fines, sentencing practices, and case outcomes to build trust and accountability in the system.
Decriminalizing Poverty: Givan will champion policies to stop the criminalization of poverty by eliminating practices such as issuing arrest warrants for unpaid fines or jailing individuals for minor offenses.
Accessible Legal Resources: Under her leadership, the city will provide accessible legal aid and resources for individuals navigating the municipal court system, ensuring equal access to justice for all residents.
Streamlined Processes: Givan will work to modernize the court’s operations through digital transformation, enabling residents to pay fines, file documents, or access case information online for greater efficiency.
Judicial Training and Oversight: She will push for mandatory training programs for judges and court staff on implicit bias, equity, and fair sentencing practices, ensuring everyone is treated with dignity and respect in the courtroom.
Restorative Justice Practices: Givan’s administration will focus on integrating restorative justice practices that prioritize reconciliation and community healing over punitive measures.
Youth Advocacy: She will establish programs to protect young residents, ensuring minors are treated with care and provided opportunities to avoid entanglement with the criminal justice system.
Public Engagement: Givan will create platforms for community members to voice concerns and provide input on how the municipal court system can better serve Birmingham’s residents, fostering trust and collaboration.

Education

School Funding: Increase local investment to ensure schools have the resources they need.
Teacher Pay: Advocate for competitive salaries to attract and retain top educators.
Universal Pre-K: Expand early learning programs to close achievement gaps for Birmingham’s children.
STEM Initiatives: Promote science, technology, engineering, and math programs in schools.
After-School Programs: Provide funding for enrichment activities that keep students safe and engaged.
Adult Education: Create opportunities for adults to gain new skills and certifications.
Vocational Training: Partner with local colleges to offer career training for high-demand industries.
Community Learning Centers: Turn recreation centers into hubs for lifelong learning and workforce development.
Technology Access: Provide students with laptops and reliable internet to bridge the digital divide.
Mental Health Resources: Expand mental health counseling services in schools to support student well-being.

Transportation

Expand Public Transit: Increase MAX bus routes and frequency to connect underserved neighborhoods to job opportunities, healthcare, and education.
Modern Transit Solutions: Explore implementing light rail systems to link Birmingham with surrounding suburbs and the airport for easier regional travel.
Reliable Service: Improve the consistency and reliability of public transportation to reduce wait times and missed connections.
Bike-Friendly City: Build dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly pathways to promote safer, healthier transportation alternatives.
Accessible Transit: Ensure all public transportation options are fully ADA-compliant, offering equitable access to individuals with disabilities.
Transit Hubs: Develop centralized transit hubs to streamline connections between buses, trains, and other transit services.
Clean Energy Transition: Invest in electric buses and other green technologies to reduce the city’s carbon footprint and improve air quality.
Affordable Fares: Introduce reduced fare programs for seniors, students, and low-income residents to make transit more accessible to all.
Community Input: Involve residents in the planning process to ensure public transit systems address the needs of every community.
Safety Enhancements: Install better lighting, surveillance, and signage at bus stops and transit stations to ensure the safety of riders.

Affordable Utilities

Lower Water and Sewer Bills: Advocate for policies to reduce skyrocketing water and sewer costs, ensuring basic utilities are affordable for all residents.
Transparency in Billing: Push for clear, itemized billing practices to prevent overcharging and mismanagement by utility companies.
Utility Assistance Programs: Expand assistance programs for low-income households, providing relief for those struggling to pay their bills.
Accountability for Birmingham Water Works: Hold the Birmingham Water Works Board accountable through audits and reforms to address mismanagement and over-billing.
Equitable Access to Utilities: Ensure water, sewer, and energy services are reliable, fairly priced, and accessible to all neighborhoods, particularly underserved communities.
Infrastructure Improvements: Advocate for investments in aging utility infrastructure to reduce service disruptions and improve efficiency.
Community Oversight: Establish a resident-led oversight committee to monitor utility providers and address consumer concerns.
Sustainable Utility Practices: Promote green energy and water-saving initiatives to lower costs for residents while protecting the environment.
Emergency Protections: Implement policies to prevent utility shutoffs during extreme weather or public health emergencies.
Public Education Campaigns: Launch awareness initiatives to help residents understand and access programs that reduce utility costs and improve efficiency.

Reproductive Rights

Protect Healthcare Access: Advocate for equitable and affordable access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare for all Birmingham residents.
Maternal Health Equity: Address the racial disparities in maternal mortality rates, particularly among Black women, by investing in community-based health initiatives.
Support Family Planning: Expand access to family planning resources, including contraception and counseling, to empower individuals to make informed decisions.
Parental Support Policies: Promote workplace policies such as paid parental leave and flexible scheduling to support working parents.
Healthcare Partnerships: Collaborate with local clinics and healthcare providers to increase access to reproductive health services in underserved areas.
Sexual Health Education: Advocate for medically accurate and age-appropriate sexual health education in schools to reduce unplanned pregnancies and STIs.
Teen Pregnancy Prevention: Launch mentorship programs and provide resources to support teens in preventing and managing unplanned pregnancies.
Mobile Clinics: Expand mobile healthcare units to deliver reproductive services directly to underserved neighborhoods.
Mental Health Support: Ensure reproductive healthcare includes access to mental health counseling, especially for postpartum depression and other related conditions.
Advocacy for Rights: Stand against any state or federal legislation that seeks to restrict reproductive freedoms or limit access to essential healthcare.

Strong Economy

Back to Business: A drive to revitalize Birmingham’s downtown core by attracting retail businesses, boosting local commerce, and rejuvenating the city’s business landscape.
Small Business Support: Provide grants, low-interest loans, and business incubators to help local entrepreneurs, especially minority-owned businesses, thrive in Birmingham.
Job Creation: Partner with industries like healthcare, tech, and green energy to bring new, high-paying jobs to the city.
Living Wages: Advocate for fair wages and benefits for all workers, ensuring financial stability for Birmingham families.
Workforce Training: Collaborate with local colleges and organizations to offer job training in high-demand fields, empowering residents with new career opportunities.
Entrepreneurship Programs: Launch initiatives to encourage residents to start businesses, offering mentorship, networking, and startup resources.
Public-Private Partnerships: Leverage partnerships with private companies to fund large-scale economic development projects.
Support for Local Vendors: Increase city contracts awarded to Birmingham-based businesses to keep tax dollars circulating locally.
Economic Equity: Focus on uplifting historically underserved communities by directing resources and opportunities to areas in need.
Tourism Expansion: Highlight Birmingham’s rich history and cultural assets to attract visitors, grow hospitality jobs, and boost the local economy.

Disability Justice

Accessibility Upgrades: Juandalynn Givan will prioritize making all public buildings, parks, and transportation systems ADA-compliant, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access city services and spaces without barriers.
Employment Equity: She will collaborate with local businesses to provide job training, career pathways, and incentives to hire individuals with disabilities, creating more inclusive workplaces.
Affordable, Accessible Housing: Givan will advocate for housing developments that incorporate universal design principles, ensuring affordable and accessible living options for people with disabilities.
Disability Affairs Officer: She will appoint a dedicated Disability Affairs Officer to oversee policies, programs, and initiatives that address the needs of disabled residents.
Inclusive Public Engagement: Givan will implement public forums and advisory councils to ensure that individuals with disabilities have a direct voice in city planning and decision-making processes.
Reliable Transportation: She will expand and improve accessible public transportation, ensuring timely and affordable transit options for residents with disabilities.
Emergency Preparedness: Givan will develop disaster response plans that prioritize the needs of disabled individuals, ensuring they are safe and supported during emergencies.
Education Access: She will advocate for equitable resources in schools to support students with disabilities, including specialized programs and assistive technologies.
Community Investment: Givan will focus on revitalizing underserved neighborhoods with high populations of disabled residents, ensuring access to jobs, healthcare, and public safety.
Public Awareness Campaigns: She will launch initiatives to promote disability inclusion, educate the community about accessibility issues, and celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities.

City Services

Modernized Government: Streamline city operations by implementing digital solutions that make accessing services faster and more efficient for residents.
Community Engagement: Host regular town halls and listening sessions to ensure city services align with the needs and priorities of Birmingham’s residents.
Emergency Preparedness: Improve infrastructure and coordination to ensure quick and effective responses to natural disasters and emergencies.
Customer Service Improvements: Establish a 24/7 helpline for residents to report issues and get assistance with city services.
Improved Waste Management: Upgrade trash collection schedules, expand recycling programs, and address delays in bulk trash pickup.
Streamlined Permitting: Simplify the permitting process for businesses, homeowners, and developers to encourage economic growth.
Neighborhood Cleanliness: Launch initiatives for regular street cleaning, graffiti removal, and beautification projects in underserved areas.
Pothole and Infrastructure Repairs: Invest in timely road repairs and maintenance to improve the safety and accessibility of city streets.
Parks and Recreation: Enhance recreational facilities with updated equipment, expanded programming, and increased maintenance to serve families and youth.
Accessible Services: Ensure city services, forms, and resources are fully accessible for residents with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency.

Environmental Justice

Clean Air & Water: Hold polluters accountable and enforce stricter environmental regulations.
Green Spaces: Increase funding for parks, community gardens, and urban forests to improve quality of life.
Renewable Energy: Transition city buildings and utilities to clean energy sources.
Waste Management: Modernize recycling and trash collection programs for greater efficiency.
Community Gardens: Encourage urban farming to reduce food deserts and strengthen food security.
Heat Mitigation: Plant more trees and install cooling infrastructure to combat urban heat islands.
Public Education: Launch campaigns to teach residents about sustainable practices and conservation.
Climate Resilience: Develop strategies to protect Birmingham from extreme weather and climate change.
Clean Transportation: Promote electric vehicles and expand bike-friendly infrastructure.
Energy Efficiency: Partner with homeowners to retrofit homes for energy savings.

Health & Human Services

Access to Healthcare: Expand partnerships with healthcare providers to establish mobile clinics and offer free health services in underserved communities.
Mental Health Support: Increase funding and access to mental health programs, including crisis intervention services and community-based counseling.
Health Education: Launch public health education campaigns to raise awareness about preventative care, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles.
Maternal Health: Focus on reducing maternal mortality rates, particularly among Black women, by providing better prenatal care and postnatal support services.
Healthcare for Seniors: Ensure affordable healthcare options for senior citizens, including home healthcare and preventative services.
Community Health Centers: Increase funding for community health centers to improve access to primary care, especially in high-poverty areas.
Substance Abuse Treatment: Expand access to addiction treatment programs, including outpatient and inpatient services, for residents battling substance abuse.
Food Security: Address food deserts in Birmingham by supporting urban farming and strengthening food bank programs to provide residents with healthy food options.
Public Health Infrastructure: Upgrade public health systems to ensure quick responses to emerging health crises, such as pandemics.
Disability Support Services: Expand resources and services for individuals with disabilities, ensuring access to medical care, housing, and other essential needs.

City Budget & Revenue

Transparent Budgeting: Launch a public platform to allow residents to track how tax dollars are spent.
Participatory Budgeting: Host community sessions to let residents have a say in spending priorities.
Revenue Diversification: Develop new income streams, such as green bonds and tech investments, to reduce reliance on property taxes.
Efficiency Audits: Conduct regular audits to eliminate waste and improve the effectiveness of city spending.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with businesses to fund key city projects without burdening taxpayers.
Grant Acquisition: Invest in a dedicated team to secure state and federal grants for Birmingham.
Small Business Growth: Increase funding to help local businesses thrive, boosting the city’s revenue base.
Tourism Boost: Promote Birmingham’s history and culture to attract more visitors and tourism dollars.
Capital Projects: Focus city investments on infrastructure upgrades that provide long-term economic returns.
Debt Management: Implement policies to responsibly manage and reduce municipal debt.

Short-Term Rentals & Fair Regulations

Fair Regulation: Introduce balanced regulations for short-term rental platforms to ensure accountability while supporting Birmingham’s tourism industry.
Neighborhood Protections: Implement policies to limit the over-concentration of short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods to preserve their character and stability.
Licensing & Permits: Require hosts to obtain permits and licenses, ensuring properties meet safety standards and comply with zoning laws.
Tax Collection: Mandate the collection of occupancy taxes from short-term rental platforms to generate revenue for public services and city improvements.
Affordable Housing Safeguards: Prevent the conversion of affordable housing into full-time short-term rentals by enforcing stricter housing-use guidelines.
Noise & Nuisance Control: Enforce stricter penalties for short-term rental properties that repeatedly disrupt neighborhoods with noise or parking issues.
Local Ownership Preference: Prioritize local property owners over out-of-state investors to ensure benefits stay within Birmingham’s economy.
Transparent Data Sharing: Partner with rental platforms to share data on property locations and bookings, ensuring compliance with city policies.
Community Involvement: Establish a citizen advisory board to gather input and address concerns about short-term rental policies.
Revenue Allocation: Direct tax revenue from short-term rentals toward neighborhood revitalization, public safety initiatives, and affordable housing projects.

PRIORITIES

Our Campaign’s Top Priorities