Biden-Harris Administration Invests Approximately $20 Million in Alabama to Connect Northwest Birmingham Residents to Good Jobs
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, edamedia@eda.gov
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), today announced it will award approximately $20 million to the city of Birmingham, Alabama, to create pathways to connect Northwest Birmingham residents to good jobs.
In December 2023, the Reinvest Birmingham Recompete Plan was named one of 22 Recompete Finalists as part of Phase 1 of the Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program (Recompete). Recompete targets areas where prime-age (25-54) employment is significantly lower than the national average, with the goal of closing this gap through flexible, locally-driven investments.
“The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda is about ensuring every community across the country has the resources and support to economically grow and thrive,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This investment in Northwest Birmingham will allow entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and help connect workers to the skills and support services they need for quality jobs, leading to economic prosperity in Alabama.”
As one of six Recompete awardees selected for implementation funding, the Reinvest Birmingham Recompete Plan will support persistently distressed neighborhoods in Northwest Birmingham by providing in-demand workforce training, support for entrepreneurs, and expanding and improving transportation and accessible childcare.
The final grant amount will be confirmed in the coming months.
“Through partnership with local communities, the Recompete program will make targeted, community-led investments to reduce unemployment,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “The Recompete awardees are bringing together a wide range of partners to develop integrated approaches to support Americans in accessing good jobs.”
“This significant grant award is a huge opportunity to lift up our communities and expand access to the American Dream for hardworking Alabamians,” said Senator Katie Britt. “This is an investment today that will pay dividends for years to come. I appreciate the U.S. Department of Commerce and Economic Development Administration selecting Birmingham to receive this important funding, and I’m grateful for the local leaders who are making this project possible.”
“Today marks an exciting day in our continued fight to bring more resources and better opportunities to the people of Alabama’s 7th Congressional District,” said Representative Terri A. Sewell (AL-07). “We are elated that $20 million is on its way to the City of Birmingham to grow our economy and connect people with good jobs. By providing greater training, business support, transportation, and childcare, this award will help ensure the residents of Northwest Birmingham have access to the tools they need to get ahead. We are so grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for this monumental investment which was made possible by President Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act.”
The Recompete program was authorized by the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, a key part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda. The statute authorized $1 billion for the program. To date, EDA has been appropriated $200 million for the program.
Read more about the Recompete Pilot Program at eda.gov/Recompete.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.