Building Communities Grant Program

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Feb 2026 Update after Regional Municipal Elections

After new elected officials were sworn in November 2025, we have received a significant number of new project requests. As a result, our Building Communities Grant Program has been programmed out until Winter/Spring of 2027.

In the meantime, to secure a spot in our 2027 pipeline of projects please fill out this Building Communities Grant Program application and return back to RPCGB Principal Planner Lindsay Puckett at lpuckett@rpcgb.org.

Program Eligibility for the Building Communities Grant Program

  • Municipalities are eligible if they are located within the Birmingham Metropolitan Planning Area, which includes all of Jefferson and Shelby Counties and portions of St. Clair and Walker Counties.

  • Plans/projects must have a transportation component to be eligible for funding.

  • Municipalities with existing Comprehensive Plans must be at least 8 years old to qualify for funding.

  • Zoning Ordinance updates are not eligible types of projects for this grant program.

  • The Building Communities Program cannot be used to develop “Strategic Plans”, the program is primarily used to develop Comprehensive Plans. Below is the difference between a Strategic Plan and a Comprehensive Plan:

    Comprehensive Plans:

    • Covers a longer horizon (5–15 years).

    • Serves as the blueprint for physical development and land use citywide.

    • Must be developed under Sections 11-52-8 and 11-52-9 of the Code of Alabama.

    • Addresses land use, zoning, transportation, city facilities, environment, public services, economic vitality, and placemaking.

    • Requires extensive public involvement to reflect community needs and aspirations.

  • Strategic Plans:

    • Covers a short-term horizon (3–5 years).

    • Functions as an organizational tool for elected officials and city leaders.

    • Focuses on key issues, priorities, and resource allocation.

    • Typically includes: vision statement, mission, goals, strategies, and performance indicators